Let’s be honest: photos of flowers are the instant noodles of photography. Cheap, cheerful, easy to make—and everyone’s had a go. But before you scoff at another shot of a dewy tulip or a lone daisy, hear me out. These petal portraits, when shot on glorious 35mm film, deserve a little love—and maybe even a spot in your next gallery wall (or fridge door).
Key Takeaways: Flower Photography (and What It Teaches You)
- It’s Okay to Be Basic: Flowers are the pumpkin spice latte of photography, and everyone secretly loves them.
- Film Elevates the Ordinary: Grain, tone, and imperfection turn a daisy into a daydream.
- You Learn A Lot: Framing, exposure, and delayed gratification. All from something growing out of the soil.
- They Make People Smile: Even your grumpy uncle likes a nice photo of a sunflower.
- Beauty Doesn’t Have to Be Original: Sometimes a rose is just a rose. And that’s enough.
Why Flowers? Why Film? And Why Now?
Because people love looking at flowers, especially when they’re not sneezing in front of them. 35mm film also does something digital tries to emulate—it naturally flatters its subjects. Even a slightly blurry buttercup can come out looking like a Monet.
But it goes deeper. Flowers don’t just look good—they feel good. Research reveals how different types of flowers can affect our emotions and well-being in specific ways.
Also, flower photography is democratic. You don’t need travel budgets, models, or permits. Just walk outside (or to your nearest supermarket bouquet), and there they are—posed, colourful, and not asking for photo credit.
Why We Start with Photos of Flowers
(Right after the cat and a latte)
When you first get a camera—especially a beautiful, unpredictable 35mm one—you start looking at the world differently. Suddenly, the once-ignored flowerbed in your parents’ back garden becomes a botanical wonderland. The sunlight hits those petals just right, then click; you’ve captured nature’s equivalent of a screensaver.
Let’s not kid ourselves: it’s an easy subject. Flowers sit still. They don’t blink. They don’t complain. And if you mess up the focus, you pretend it was intentional “softness.”
Flowers Are the Free Masterclass
(Composition, colour, patience, and grief when the lab scratches your negatives)
There’s a reason flowers are the default muse. They teach you composition. You learn framing, focus, and how not to waste half your roll on a bee that never stays still. The swirl of a rose, the pop of a poppy—it’s a lesson in colour theory. Furthermore, shooting them on 35mm adds the drama of texture and grain. No two shots ever look the same, even of the same bloom.
Additionally, let’s not forget the waiting. With analogue film, there’s no LCD screen to check your shot right after you take it—no instant feedback, no zooming in to check focus. You commit, cross your fingers, and wait to see if you nailed it days later.
Photos of Flowers Are Cliché—And That’s Fine
(Not everything has to be gritty urban decay)
Yes, I could be photographing abandoned vehicles or back-alley murals. But sometimes, the camellias are looking smug in the sun. Why resist?
Film loves flowers. The soft pastel tones of Fuji Superia. The moody drama of Kodak Gold. Even expired 35mm film lends a nostalgic haze, like memories of a garden you never quite visited.
Consequently, I present these photos with no claims of originality—just the joy of colour and form, captured for the sake of it.
Gallery (Some More Photos of Flowers) 😄
Flower Photos of:
- Two daffodils standing proud, like tiny heralds of spring.
- Nigella, or “love-in-a-mist,” with its delicate spindly leaves weaving a natural lace.
- A backlit red rose glowing like it just stepped off a perfume billboard.
- The perfect symmetry and soft pastel hues of a camellia—too flawless to be genuine.
Everyone Has a Folder Full of Flower Photos
(Looking at you, Instagram #floraltuesday)
There’s no shame in floral photography. It’s a rite of passage. Some people move on to portraits, street photography, or conceptual work involving fog and vintage mannequins. Others stay in the garden, with their lens deep in chrysanthemums, and that’s also fine.
Indeed, it’s a visual comfort zone—and sometimes, the world needs more comfort than boldness.
Shooting with 35mm – A Blooming Good Time
35mm film adds a kind of magic. Light leaks make petals glow like spiritual relics. Grain turns a rose into something dreamlike. Even lens flares behave nicely when surrounded by rhododendrons. You find yourself shooting wide open, backlit, and on your knees in the grass like an extra in a nature documentary.
Are Photos of Flowers Boring?
Yes. Sometimes. Especially when uploaded with captions like “Spring Vibes” or “Nature’s Beauty 🌼”. But when done with intention, film flower photos can be meditative, moody, and oddly revealing. They show where you paused, what caught your eye, and what light you were chasing. In that way, they’re self-portraits with petals.
Final Thought: Whether You Snap Flowers or Not, We All Start Somewhere
So, let’s stop pretending we’re above the humble blossom. Flowers got us here. They trained our eyes, taught us light, and made us appreciate detail. Whether you’re into Brutalism, protest photography, or avant-garde puddles, remember: there was once a time you knelt in front of a geranium with reverence.
And if you still do? Good. You’re not being boring. You’re blooming.
If this post made you smile—or reminded you of your first flower photo—feel free to like, share, or leave a comment. Petal pushers unite!