Celebrating spring

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

Spring is nature’s grand reopening.  It is a time of rapid change and growth, a time when the natural world bursts into color and life, practically begging to be photographed. Whether you're strolling through forests, wandering meadows with wildflowers, or exploring a gardener’s carefully curated oasis, spring photography is all about embracing the season’s vibrancy.

Where to Go

• Forests: Look down! The forest floor transforms with fresh green shoots, mushrooms and new blooms pushing through fallen leaves.
• Meadows: Fields of flowers are nature’s confetti, waiting to be captured in all their glory. 
• Gardens: Don’t underestimate the beauty of cultivated spaces, such as botanical gardens. Spring is prime time for these spaces.

What to Capture

• Blooming flowers: From tulips to cherry blossoms, spring’s floral lineup is ready for its close-up.
• Budding trees: The transition from bare branches to lush green is enchanting. Spring offers the opportunity to capture it in different stages.
• Wildlife: Birds return, squirrels get busy, and insects emerge - springtime is bustling with activity.
• Reflections: Rain puddles, melting snow, and gentle streams offer artistic mirror effects.

Techniques to Try

• Low angles: Get down in the dirt and shoot upwards. It’s a great way to frame flowers or trees against the sky.
• Wide shots: Embrace the grandeur of a meadow or the depth of a forest with sweeping landscapes.
• Macro magic: Zoom in on tiny details - dew drenched petals, curious ladybugs, or delicate patterns.
• Soft light is your friend: Early mornings and post-rain clouds create that gentle, dreamy glow.

Editing Approaches

• Pastel perfection: Spring colors tend to be soft and dreamy. Take advantage of that ethereal feeling.
• Filters: Play with filters to bring out color richness and minimize glare.
• Contrast & saturation: Make those spring hues pop without going overboard.

A big part of what makes spring so special is that it is fleeting. But this is also the reason you should grab your camera and make the most of the season while nature is putting on its best show! I hope this has given you some inspiration.