Spring Photography Ideas

Looking for spring photography ideas to blossom your creativity? Oof, sorry, that was a Dad joke and a half.

As much as I love winter and all the photo opportunities it offers, I’m super excited for spring.

Everything comes alive and it’s the perfect time for landscapes, macro photos, portraits and all of that good stuff.

With flowers blooming, bees buzzing about doing their bee things and forest floors covered in bluebells, this season offers so many incredible photos just waiting to be captured by you!

So let’s get stuck into some spring photography ideas that will have you just as excited as I am.

Spring Photography Ideas - Flower field at sunrise

Spring Photography Ideas

Spring is one of the best seasons to photograph as it’s so visually interesting, yet the light is still soft and there’s not as much boob sweat happening as there is in summer! Trust me on that one.

A few tips before heading out to photograph this gorgeous season:

  1. Pack insect repellent! I made this mistake last spring and still have scars from midges that looked as if they took steroids.
  2. Plan your timings and locations well in advance. I use an app called Photo Pills to plan any photo outdoor photo ideas I have. It’s legendary.
  3. Don’t forget your antihistamines! If you suffer with hay fever as much as I do, then the last thing you want to have is a sneeze attack during an important shot. There’s no Bee on this planet that will be saved by your snot flying everywhere.

What Are Some Creative Spring Photography Ideas?
Spring photography ideas include capturing blooming flowers, colourful landscapes, and brand new wildlife. Explore macro shots of dew-kissed petals, wide-angle views of lush meadows, or portraits bathed in golden hour light. Incorporate seasonal elements like rain reflections, fresh greenery, or colourful spring fashion to tell a story. Experiment with new techniques to bring the essence of spring to life through your lens.

Spring Photography Ideas

Golden hour Spring Photography Ideas

One of my favourite things about spring is having more of the day to take photographs.

Spring brings longer daylight hours and warmer, softer light. Yet not too long that you have to get up at 4am for sunrise. The days are just long enough.

Being able to get up a little earlier for sunrise and there not being anyone around to walk into frame. Being able to stay out later, so I can take photographs after work.

Take advantage of the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon/evening – to capture everything bathed in warm, golden light. Yummy!

Experiment with backlighting to create ethereal effects, or shoot during the magical “blue hour” after sunset for captivating twilight shots.

Spring Photography Ideas - Take advantage of golden light.

A photograph of Portland Bill in Dorset under the morning moon at sunrise
I took this photo at the beautiful Portland Bill at 6am last Spring. The moon was still out and the sky was Golden with Pink hues.

Flowers

One of the most iconic signs of spring is the burst of colourful flowers everywhere you look.

Spring Photography Ideas - Flowers and blooms.

A macro image of a flower blossoming

Whether it’s cherry blossoms, tulips, or daffodils, incorporate these vibrant flowers into your pictures.

Experiment with different angles, depths of field, and perspectives to create visually striking images that showcase the beauty of nature.

Macro

Springtime offers a plethora of tiny wonders waiting to be photographed up close.

Honestly, it’s one of my favourite times of the year for macro. Second to Autumn when I can photograph Mushrooms of course.

Invest in a macro lens or extension tubes and explore the intricate details of budding flowers, dew-covered leaves, or buzzing insects.

Get down low and fill your frame, revealing a little tiny hidden world that often goes unnoticed.

Wildlife

As temperatures rise, wildlife becomes more active, making spring an ideal time for wildlife photography.

There’s also lots of new life this time of year and that’s extra exciting.

Head to local parks, nature reserves, or even your own garden to capture birds building nests, squirrels foraging for food, or butterflies fluttering among flowers.

I love going out this time of year to photograph the cygnets at Bishops Palace and the foal in the New Forest during late spring months.

Patience is key here, so be prepared to spend time observing and waiting for the perfect shot. Usually you will have better luck by staying still in one place, as the animals will not spook as easily and will likely come to you.

Spring photography ideas - wildlife

Swan being followed by cygnets at RSPB Ham Wall
This one was taken at RSPB Ham Wall and I think it perfectly encapsulates wildlife in the spring. Maybe check the map to see if you have a local nature reserve. Long lens definitely needed!

Self Portrait Spring Photography Ideas

Use some spring photography ideas in your next self portrait series, either outdoors in nature or by bringing elements of spring indoors into a makeshift home studio.

You’ll need a remote shutter, a tripod and a lot of patience.

Spring Photography Ideas - Self Portraits

Some spring portrait photography ideas you can try:

  • Laying in a bluebell woods (just don’t lie on the actual bluebells)
  • Use a flower wall as a backdrop
  • In a cherry blossom tree. (have some of the branches in front of you for some foreground colour)
  • Wear a daisy chain
  • Stick flowers on your face
  • Put a bunch of wildflowers in your pocket

For the shot below, I used stick on butterflies and a cool little sunset lamp that I found in B&M.

Moody Weather

Don’t let a cloudy or rainy day dampen your spirits – literally!

Moody weather can add depth and drama to your spring photography.

Embrace the diffused light of overcast skies for portraits or atmospheric landscape shots.

Perhaps pack a rain cover for your camera and capture the beauty of raindrops on petals and leaves.

Moody clouds over Cheddar Gorge in Somerset
Taken at the incredible Cheddar Gorge. Another 6am venture but totally worth it for those moody yet soft hues.

Textures and Patterns

Spring offers loads of different textures and patterns that are excellent to photograph.

From the pistil of a flower to the delicate lace-like veins of fresh leaves, there’s no shortage of visual interest.

Look for interesting contrasts, such as the smooth petals of a flower against a rough background, or the intricate patterns of a bee’s wings against a bright flower.

A black and white close up of the veins on a leaf

Beginnings

Spring is a season of transition and beginnings, as nature emerges from its winter hibernation and bursts with new life.

Capture these transitional moments.

The melting snow, the first buds of spring, wildlife coming out of hibernation as they symbolise the promise of a new start.

These once a year moments remind us to cherish the beauty of change and embrace the impermanence of life.

It’s important to photograph these fleeting points in time, as they don’t come around for a while.

Spring Photography Ideas - Beginnings and Transitions

Flower buds on a branch

Abstracts

Spring offers endless opportunities for abstract photography, where there’s lots of new shapes, colours, and textures.

Look for interesting compositions in nature’s patterns, whether it’s the ripples on a pond, the swirling petals of a flower, or the dappled light filtering through the forest trees (especially in bluebell season).

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional angles or long exposures to create mesmerizing abstract images that stand out from the usual spring photos.

Abstract of reeds reflected on water

Tell your own story

Finally, don’t forget to document your own personal springtime stories and memories.

Whether it’s a family picnic in the park, a leisurely stroll through a flower-filled meadow, or the simple pleasure of watching the sunset with loved ones, these moments are just as precious as any grand landscape or exotic wildlife encounter.

Capture the laughter, the love, and the fleeting moments that make springtime truly special.

And if you’re a parent, like me, Spring comes with half term and school holidays. Which makes it the perfect time to photograph some family memories.

Spring Photography Ideas - tell your own story

Spring Photography Ideas Summary

So there you have it, spring photography ideas to inspire your creativity and help you capture the magic of this awesome season.

Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding enthusiast, there’s always something new to photograph and new techniques to learn.

So step outside, and let the beauty of spring unfold before your lens. Woohoo!

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Spring Photography Ideas

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