We are always on the lookout for fascinating patterns in nature to photograph. This beautiful ornamental kale at the Bellingrath Plantation near Mobile, Alabama, is a wonderful spiral pattern. I positioned the center of the plant in the traditional rule of thirds corner and the whole image popped off the viewfinder in my camera.
Photographing a deep, lacy, and complex patterned plant can be a challenge when it comes to focus points and depth of field. I choose to go with the maximum depth of field to capture as much of the lacy leaves as possible, carefully positioning my camera parallel to the plant, directly over it. Some diffused light from the sky and a careful bouncing of the gold reflector into the center, and I’m very pleased with the results.
More helpful articles on photographing nature, plants, and patterns, see: