I love taking pictures of gardens, both my own and others that I visit in the city and when I travel. On the left is a favourite photo of Nitobe Memorial Garden which I took earlier this year in Vancouver.

Gardens and photography are mates; taking pictures helps capture the transitory beauty of gardens with the changing seasons.

The Photographic garden: mastering the art of digital garden photography is a new title to help you hone your skills. The author, Matthew Benson, lectures widely on the topic and publishes his work in books, magazines and catalogues.

He begins with light and its impact on the garden scene. He talks about its qualities at different times of day and in different seasons. He offers tips on how to shoot into the light through leaves and behind tree limbs to soften the impact.

The very large chapter on design covers many important elements beginning with the principals of design and selecting a point of view. He shows how to use props and add narrative to your photographs. Pets and people enliven your garden scene.

The last chapter looks at the ways you can improve or manipulate the captured image with the computer using software such as Photoshop.

If you’re looking for comrades to share tips and tricks, check out our photo club which meets at regular intervals throughout the fall.

-Jane