While researching for an article about photographing light in the garden, I came across the classic Kodak advice which came with the Baby Brownie Special Camera in 1948.

Kodak Baby Brownie Special Camera

Kodak Baby Brownie Special Camera

“Outdoor pictures should be made in bright sunlight, from 1 hour after sunrise until 1 hour before sunset. The sun should be behind your back or over your shoulder. Satisfactory pictures, however, can be made of subjects in open shade with unobstructed clear sky overhead, and on slightly cloudy days when the light is bright.”

My advice is almost exactly opposite.  Garden pictures should be taken within two hours of dawn or sunset.  If you have to shoot in bright light, shoot toward the sun and create backlight.

Afternoon light streaming into California garden overlooking San Francisco Bay behind tall cypress trees

More for PhotoBhotanic members in Light in the Garden or the iBook.