SWAN ISLAND DAHLIA FARM, Canby, Oregon
Swan Island Dahlia’s, Canby Oregon
This image was made this morning,(8/18/2012) Nikon D700/ Nikon 200 macro F4
If you like color……Things are looking really good at SWAN ISLAND DAHLIA’S . http://www.dahlias.com/
This farm currently is over 40 acres, featuring over 350 varieties of dahlias You can access driving directions to the farm here: http://www.dahlias.com/visitinginfoanddirections.aspx
Even the owner says the fields are looking the best they have in 5-6 years. It looks like the peak should be in about 2 weeks. There are still many flowers that have not opened.
Here is a short video I shot this morning on my new GO PRO camera. https://vimeo.com/47791794
Photography: I am running a 2 day workshop here, in the Portland Japanese Gardens and in my studio in 2 weeks http://www.jackgrahamphoto.com/gardens-portland
The folks at Swan Island Dahlias love photographers, as; long as you stay on the paths. They even run a photo contest (details on their web link found above)
Get there early, It usually gets breezy after the sun is up a while. You’re going t need a tripod here for sharp images. Use the lowers ISO you can. Play with your aperture settings. Sometimes F16 or F22 isn’t the best choice. Get artistic and try using shallow DOF for effect (F 5.6 – F8).
Bring kneepads. A diffuser and gold reflector comes in handy if the light is too bright
TIP: A diffuser and reflector can be helpful EVEN when it’s cloudy. Try it. You’ll see the difference.
©Jack Graham
BETTER TIP: Slow down, this location can be overwhelming. When you get here, if it’s you’re 1st time, you’ll think this is an easy shoot. It is anything but that. You need to slow down and think composition.Be selective.
We all love the tight shots, but look for some good landscape work there as well. Always look for patterns and good color combinations in the flowers. Look for the unusual.
These flowers can last through September but peak around Sept 1….. send me some images.. and enjoy this colorful location
©Jack Graham
