Much of my photography is linked to my work in garden design - composition is a key part of design just as it is with photography. Looking at the subject matter to create something that is pleasing to the eye has little difference whether I'm talking about photos of flowers or about the layout of a garden. The key is to step back and take your time - think about the scene before you, think about what you are wanting as the finished result, think about what options you have, then taken another step back and think about whether it can be done in a different way! Ocasionally, you stand there and curse your luck - the sun has gone, the wind has picked up, whatever ..... but if we're talking about taking a good photograph, perhaps what you'll end up with is a pleasing well composed image. As you become more confident, it all becomes second nature, you'll be able to make decisions about the composition and the sun will still be out! But start slowly - it will repay you in the long run.

The first garden related photos will be of flowers, seeds and cones - a look at their beauty, the range of colours and patterns, the contrasts, etc. - gradually other aspects of garden photography will be given their own pages.