7 Basics of Portrait Style Florals - and Photography

As designers, florists and artists the main way we attract eyes on our work - and potentially new clients - is through visuals...usually through photography on our websites and social media platforms.

Focusing on portrait images (rather than landscape) is essential nowadays to be shared and seen easily on mobile devices. With this in mind, along with my long-time love of portrait style paintings, I’ve spent a lot of my design time via visual research (aka, Pinterest scrolling, Instagram stalking) studying my favourite artists, designers and places for inspiration on colour and texture, but mostly composition.

Composition can really make or break a great, eye-catching image.

This post isn’t about “the rules” of photography and design, but more about my thoughts when I’m arranging and photographing my work.

My most favourite thing to design is what I call "Portrait Style Florals", which basically takes the inspiration from the concept of the floral paintings in which the subject (florals, props, fruits) are taking up all or most of the frame - theses are usually the most engaged with posts on social media and most requested designs, and I believe it’s because of the feeling they evoke - the fullness, abundance and romance.

It can be tricky, expensive and dare I say, sometimes boring (with repetition) to fill the whole frame of an image with just flowers. That's were backdrops, props, risers, plants and other subtle tricks come into play….

Here are a few ideas to elevate your photos and get more eyes on your work:

1.Don't be afraid to go up -

It doesn't have to be throughout the whole arrangement, but placing some of your stems more vertically in your design, while creating height variation and negative space, will instantly make your design more interesting and bring the viewers eyes on a little journey. I find a lot of my students can be reluctant to go too high when designing. And yes, it can look odd if the flowers in your arrangement are far too out of proportion with your vase. But getting the height just right makes your design (and designing) so much more fun!

If you’re unsure, my advice would be to start by leaving your flowers with a lot of length, when you’re ready pop into your arrangement and walk away, come back a few mins later. Fresh eyes will let you know if the height is right.

2. The more variety in flowers the better -

I say this for pretty much all designs, but if you're wanting a more painterly feel, choose lots of different shapes, sizes and textures. This is especially true if you’re focusing on creating images that draw attention. The layers of all these elements captured in time creates an irresistible, dreamy aesthetic.

3. Favour weeds, herbs and curved stems -

Again, just like variety in floral choice, using interesting elements like tomato vines, flowering basil, grasses collected on a walk and the curvy stems of a cosmos will bring so much life to your design.
Need some inspiration? Begin by studying the floral work of the Dutch Masters… you’ll find a huge variety of botanics in one painting.

4. Add a backdrop -

Sheets, painted ply boards, curtains or paper, adding a background to your photo allows you to fill the frame with colour and texture. Pastels, whites and creams will give a more soft and neutral vibe, while a background that offers contrast will really make your design stand out.

5. Play with shadows -

Bring your arrangement away from the wall and let the shadow add some depth to your images.
Try a spot with direct sunlight filtering through and hold up an additional stem to create a shadow on the table or background. Alternatively, create a darker shadow behind your arrangement using a darker coloured background and shooting in a space with natural light from one side.

6. Add dimension -

Use flowering plants, taller stems in vases or have someone hold additional flowers into the frame from the side.
I often buy amazing plants that I just can’t leave at the nursery or market for this reason. I use them again and again to add another layer and shape to my photos.

7. Props are always your friend -

I'm (usually) a believer in more is more is more. Layer and stack vintage vases with new pieces, candles, fruits, drape fabric, shells, unravelled spools of ribbon, cutlery, books... anything that feels on brand for your designs, add it in the frame and see how it looks. Don't forget, you can always take it away. So try all the things. When taking your close up photos, you'll want some of these props to be on the edges, with only part of the prop actually making it in the shot.

I hope these tips were helpful and inspiring!

If you learnt something new and use it next time you design or take some photos, please share with me on Instagram or Pinterest with the hashtag #OhFloraDesignNotes and/or tagging me @OhFloraStudio I’d love to see!

Let me know which is your favourite tip below in the comments.

Thanks for being here!
Tanya x

For more design tips check out 5 Botanics for Airy Arrangements.