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HOME PROJECT #1
CAPTURE THE SOFT
BEAUTY IN NATURE
➜ AS SHOT BY ANGI WALLACE
NQUESTIONABLE BEAUTY, interacts with objects, the subtle details “To achieve the dreamy look, I shoot
vibrant colours and majestic when observing subjects close up, or at a wide aperture, around f/2, using
wildlife – nature has it all. simple colours and textures. I have a real a variety of lenses – a modified Helios
The natural world proves passion for fantasy and fairy tales, and 44/2 58mm lens, a Lensbaby or 50mm
to be a constant source strive to incorporate elements of these prime. These are paired with a macro
Uof inspiration for many in my photographic work. extension tube, meaning that I can get
photographers. Angi Wallace is one such “The first step in creating these images exceptionally close to my subject.
enthusiast, and has a unique ability to is to take my own out-of-focus nature For the added soft-focus effect in the
capture the intricate beauty of nature shots and print them off to use as a foreground, I hold items such as crystal
from the comfort of her own home. background for my subject. This means beads, sparkling fibres and petals close
I can achieve the appearance of a shallow to my lens.
Angi explains: “I find inspiration all depth-of-field no matter the aperture “My advice with this type of
around me – from the way the light setting – sometimes as narrow as f/18. photography is to always plan ahead,
especially when it comes to backgrounds.
If you don’t have clean backdrops use
TECHNIQUE TIPS
sheets, coloured materials such as velvet,
or spend some time taking and printing
GET AN OUTSIDE LOOK off your own backgrounds. Get creative
and don’t be afraid to break the rules
once in while. You should never shy away
There’s no need to brave the elements to capture
from trying new techniques and ideas as
the beauty of nature. Follow these tips to achieve
you’ll be surprised what you can actually
Angi’s effects from the comfort of your home...
come up with. Perhaps try out a softer
focus, go abstract, or experiment with
n Take and print off out-of-focus nature photos
draping objects over your lens. The
to use as your backgrounds. This helps provide
important thing is to just enjoy the
the shallow depth-of-field look at any aperture.
creative process.”
n Achieve a soft, even light across your subject
by positioning your setup next to a window and
Angi has a real passion for
reflecting the light with white card or paper.
macro photography and takes
n Hang objects such as LED lights, petals or
her inspiration from her love of
beads over or in front of your lens to create a soft
folklore, fairy tales and history.
and dreamy foreground effect.
She also shoots portraits.
angiwallacephotography.com
52 PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
