Spring Photography Tips: How to Make the Midwest Look Pretty

April 23, 2018

For me, spring in Wisconsin is the most challenging time of year to photograph. From March until mid-May, it’s that span of time where everything’s brown, nothing is blooming yet, and things just seem plain old ugly. Here are my tried and true spring photography tips for making the Midwest look pretty this time of year.

01 | Focus on the details

Instead of trying to make the brown landscape look somewhat presentable, try focusing on the details instead. Find little things like milkweed, cattails, or tiny branches. Even better, shoot them at golden hour and light them up from behind to give your photo a beautiful glow.

02 | Find water

One of the best things about spring is that the lakes, rivers, and streams finally start flowing again. Bring some blue tones into your shot by having the water as your main focus point. You can also use this opportunity to capture some wildlife, as geese and deer tend to hang out around small ponds.

03 | Look up

Change up your perspective and look towards the sky. In the first photo, I shot straight up at the pine trees for an unusual angle. For the second, I captured the last bit of sunlight falling on the treetops.

04 | Include people

Including a human element can add a little more interest to an otherwise boring photo. Practice portraits on a friend, focus on their rainboots, or have someone walk down a rainy street with a brightly colored umbrella.

My mom shot this photo of me last April.

I had her focus on my rainboots for something different.

05 | Find a greenhouse or botanical garden

When all else fails, and you’re sick and tired of spring, head over to your local greenhouse or botanical garden. The photos below were shot at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL.

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8 Comments

Jessie @ This Country Home on April 25, 2018 at 4:55 pm

You have some great tips here and your shots are amazing!
- Kristen Carlson on April 30, 2018 at 3:22 pm
  
  Thank you so much Jessie!! I appreciate you reading it!
Amber on April 25, 2018 at 1:50 am

These photos are so amazing! There is something so romantic about nature.
- Kristen Carlson on April 25, 2018 at 10:10 am
  
  Thank you Amber!
Margo on April 24, 2018 at 3:40 pm

I love this! Such good ideas ❤️
- Kristen Carlson on April 24, 2018 at 4:04 pm
  
  Thank you Margo!!
Courtney on April 24, 2018 at 8:37 am

These are good tips. I love all of your photography, it’s so beautiful.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
- Kristen Carlson on April 24, 2018 at 9:26 am
  
  Thank you! 🙂