There is a Photographer in the Garden by Heidi Bertish

in the Garden T H E R E ’ S A P H OTO G R A P H E R

Heidi Bertish +27 82 969 3628 / @heidibertish

Garden photographer Heidi Bertish speaks to us about gardening keeping her sane, shares intel on how photographing into the light creates exciting images and other pro tips to capturing the perfect garden image.

Having a garden is a luxury and has been a joy over lockdown, keeping my sanity in check in a time where such confinement could’ve made it a close call. That being said, a potted balcony, sunny windowsill crammed with cuttings and interesting herbs, or even a mini indoor jungle would’ve done the trick equally as well. I have to confess that now, with the sudden flip-switch to winter, the kitchen counter tops are filled with a jumble of my latest seed experiments, trays of microgreens and temporary green orphans entrusted to me by friends in the hope I will resuscitate them. In my house, gardening is a constant – indoor and out.

This is my world. I am a writer, editor, and photographer of gardens. My work has appeared in local and international publications, television shows and online magazines such as House & Garden SA, House & Garden UK, Gardening Australia TV, Gardenista online and the web pages of incredible local designers.

Photography and gardens have always been a part of my life. A garden is as much a skilfully curated canvas of form, colour and pattern as it is a place of natural connection, play, inspiration and sanctuary, and I use my lens to capture this.

Heidi’s top tips to achieving great garden images:

1. PHOTOGRAPH AT DAWN AND DUSK

It’s helpful to give yourself two attempts to photograph a garden – dawn and dusk. Photographing at these times of the day will let you capture both directions of light. Some gardens, or parts of, will be best in morning light, whilst others benefit from evening light.

2. CAPTURE THE LIGHT

Contrary to what one might think, photographing into the light creates the most exciting effect – and often magical images. I prefer avoiding complete flare, as it can distort colours. Instead, frame the image so that something just intercepts the direct sunlight from hitting the lens, such as a tree or house.

3. USE A REFLECTOR

When shooting into direct sunlight and unable to block harsh rays from hitting the camera, the black reflector cover comes in handy to prevent the flare from hitting the lens. When photographing closer plant portraits, a reflector works wonders to bounce light and life into shadowy areas.

4. INVITE THE VIEWER IN

Frame your image so that structural elements in a garden - such as a pathway, water rill or low retaining wall, lead the viewer into the image. This easy technique can yields powerful results. It allows the viewer to imagine themselves right there in the scene, sets up a great mood and directs the viewer to where you want them to look.

5. CREATE MOVEMENT AND DEPTH

Photograph as though you are revealing the garden in layers. This draws the viewer in and gives the feeling of gently moving through the image. To achieve this, include foreground, midground and background interest, and frame the visual elements so that they feel easy and balanced.

6. PROVIDE CONTEXT

Give the garden a sense of place by showing how it relates to the wider landscape. It is valuable to see how a garden connects to its surroundings. Decisions on what to include, and exclude, add to the garden narrative you’re wanting to convey. I usually start photographing these wider images first and move inwards from there.

7. WATCH OUT FOR DISTRACTING DETAILS

It is very easy to become so absorbed by the subject and lighting of a scene that one is blinded to unsightly details such as garden hoses, taps, pool cleaners and even distracting leaves. Before you start photographing, it is a good idea to walk the site and make a mental note of elements you want to avoid.

8. GET UP HIGH

Take a ladder with you or ask the garden owners if you can borrow theirs, use a sturdy wall or get onto the roof if it is allowed. I’ve found it very useful to have an elevated vantage, particularly when capturing wide images, to show the context of a garden within a larger setting or the detailed patterning of a clipped parterre from above.

9. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Get to grips with important design elements, special plants and planting combinations. Identify favourite viewpoints, the mood you’d most like to convey, and who will ultimately be viewing the images. Taking a little time to consider what you’d like to achieve will elevate the final image and enrich the viewers experience.

10. TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Pinning down the best time to photograph a garden is a big one, and you want to be doing this when the garden is peaking. Knowing your plants and understanding the rhythms of the garden goes a long way to helping you in this decision. It’s a good idea to photograph shortly after a maintenance day for a perfectly primed canvas and to allow yourself a few days grace to accommodate inclement weather and clients’ schedules.

"A garden is as much a skilfully curated canvas of form, colour and pattern as it is a place of natural connection, play, inspiration and sanctuary – and I use my lens to capture this"

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