Series 3 iBooks_1920It seems such a slow process to get all the Workbooks completed and then wham !  its done. Yesterday David (my ebook guy) and I loaded all six of the mini ebooks from Think Like A Gardener into the store for iTunes and Google Play.  This is starting to look like a real publisher’s inventory….

Think Like A Gardener is the third Workshop for Premium members (Join) and the third eBook in the series (Purchase). When the book was released July 16 I assumed I would get all these links in place and in the Store.  Then, as I keep discovering – there is only one of me.

These mini books are designed to be working lessons, assignments for gardeners who are also photographers.  All of us have our own certain appreciation of gardens.  By recognizing and using our own understanding of gardens, we create our own style.

Look for all the mini books to be referenced in future tips and blog postings.  Learning should be easy to find…

3.1 – Design and Space

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Every garden has a theme, whether accidental or purposeful, well-maintained or messy. The garden fits into its surroundings, and that fit is the design — how it occupies the space it lives in. Design is a big part of the story of any good garden photograph.

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3.2 – Hardscape

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Hardscape is what physically defines a garden — the bones. For landscape architects, it is the frame upon which the plants are draped; look for it as you consciously compose your picture.

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3.3 – Weather, Moods, and Seasons

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To a gardener, it may seem obvious that daffodils suggest spring, roses peak in summer, apples mean autumn, and bare trees represent winter. This may be obvious to you but perhaps not to your viewer. And it may be so obvious to you that you overlook the seasonal potential for garden photography.

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3.4 – Using the Light

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Garden photographers must learn to avoid hot, contrasty light and understand that soft light gives a better dynamic range and rich, realistic color.

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3.5 – Finding A Theme

Geranium psilostemma with large foliage leaves bt gravel path in Gary Ratway garden

When faced with the overwhelming choices in a beautiful garden, it is almost essential for garden photographers to give themselves a target, an assignment.  Assignment above: geraniums.

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3.6 – Photographing Garden Plants

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A photograph of a plant should be as carefully considered as was the plant when it was placed in the garden. The photo should reveal a genuine understanding of the plant in its setting and its distinguishing features.

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Think like a gardener when you take photos, and learn to create your own style.

Become a member of PhotoBotanic.  Purchase Think Like A Gardener.