LIVE AMA with Caroline Jensen

[alpha-jessica-a]

Caroline Jensen (@CarolineJensen) is a botanical photographer, Sony Brand Ambassador, and flower farmer. You can check out some of her work on her instagram.

Caroline will be participating in a text based AMA here on the forums on March 13th from 4-6pm EST!! Caroline will be answering any questions about botanical and macro photography, lighting, gear, editing, and building community around your photography work. 

[alpha-jessica-a]

We’re excited to have Caroline Jensen in the community for this live AMA. This is a great time to learn and connect with Caroline on her work, ask questions about how she got to the level she is at today and any tips or tricks you’d like to know! Please be patient, as Caroline will be typing responses out as questions come in.

[CarolineJensen]

Hi everyone! My name is Caroline Jensen – I am a botanical photographer, Sony Brand Ambassador, and flower farmer. I specialize in photographing flowers and lighting the arrangements just so. I love sharing my knowledge of botanical photography, macro photography, and lighting with the Sony Alpha Community. You’re welcome to check out some of my work on my instagram (@carolinej). I will be typing these answers in real time, I’m excited to answer your questions!

[R.R. Berry]

What's the most exciting part of botanical photography for you?

[CarolineJensen]

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What's the most exciting part of botanical photography for you?

I love the way that botanical photography relaxes me. There is nothing like spending time in nature and growing my own subjects. It has become a lifestyle for me. I spend every morning, in the summer, with coffee in hand, walking around my gardens.

I also love the thrill of getting the shot. I seriously look like a contortionist sometimes! I usually shoot with a flash in one hand and my camera in the other, which can be a challenge in garden full of roses!

It is also fun to see my work in print. Lately, I have been printing in unconventional ways, such as getting tapestries woven of my work.

[avmil]

How do you create images that differ from classic shots of flowers?

[R.R. Berry]

Can you tell us more about your lighting setup for interior still life work?

[CarolineJensen]

How do you create images that differ from classic shots of flowers?

I love light and getting the smallest detail is what makes me excited. I love dreamy light too, so I use unusually large light sources (7 ft umbrella with diffusion) which make the softest light with the most details. I am all about the details!

[avmil]

How do you create images that differ from classic shots of flowers?

You're soooo good at dreamy light! Thanks for the info!

[CarolineJensen]

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Can you tell us more about your lighting setup for interior still life work?

I am always trying to re-create a 'natural' window light. I tend to shoot with light bounced into a very large light source and super super close to the subject. I often have to clone my light out of the images. I also use a large reflector on the opposite side of the light to some fill. I LOVE drama.... so I tend to face the light more toward the camera than my subject. The goal is to just GRAZE the light over the face of the flowers.

I use two different types of light indoors...LED mats and strobes. The LED mats let me see what I am getting and I tend to use a slower shutter speed, as they are not as powerful. Usually, I only ever have one light source, supported by reflectors and flags to shape the light.

Inside, I use an FJ400 strobe and 7 ft umbrella with white interior.

[CarolineJensen]

How do you create images that differ from classic shots of flowers?

my pleasure!

[miar]

Do you have any advice for people new to macro photography?

[CarolineJensen]

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Do you have any advice for people new to macro photography?

Yes! Macro is so much fun! I would first stop down more than you think. I tried for years to shoot wide open with my 90 macro, but that just doesn't work well. I like to start at f8. Everything is much more shallow with a macro lens, due to how close you are to the subject.

I like to add light too. I haven't had good luck with ring lights, but I do use battery-powered LED lights mounted to my camera to add fill light. I also use my small flash to add light as well. It is harder with skittish subjects, like insects, but fine for water drops on flowers!

Also, never forget glycerin water! It adds nice little drops that are easy to photograph and don't run away. I have found a facial mister (battery powered) works great to build up the tiniest of drops.

[alpha-jessica-a]

Question from the announcement thread from @fiannabean1 How long did it take to build a significant community around your work?

[CarolineJensen]

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Question from the announcement thread from fiannabean: How long did it take to build a significant community around your work?

It took a few years, but I have to say I didn't work too hard at it. I am a big believer in 'finding your people' and those who want to learn from me, usually don't need to be inundated with ads. I find that macro or flower photography meets so many diverse people in a place that is beneficial for them.

Macro and flower photography has truly healing benefits....it calms my mind, and brings so much joy. I often find people of all ages seeking out this sort of photography because they have stressful jobs and need a retreat from the world. I see this type of photography as a way to help other de-stress and stressed out people are not hard to find!

[avmil]

Question from the announcement thread from fiannabean: How long did it take to build a significant community around your work?

What methods did you use? Mostly social media?

[CarolineJensen]

Question from the announcement thread from fiannabean: How long did it take to build a significant community around your work?

Yes, I have been on Instagram forever, but only switched to flowers in the last few years. Honestly, word of mouth has been a big helper for me too.

[CarolineJensen]

Question from the announcement thread from fiannabean: How long did it take to build a significant community around your work?

Also, I think it helps to understand a bit of psychology around what draws people in. I have found that studying classic paintings that are loved by millions for generations, really helps me to tap into what people like. If I fall in love with something at a gallery, I want to dissect WHY I love it.

[alpha-jessica-a]

Question from @fiannabean1 What are some tips and strategies for an artist wanting to grow a community around their work?

[CarolineJensen]

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Question from fiannabean: What are some tips and strategies for an artist wanting to grow a community around their work?

It is really important to have clear goals. Who do you want to attract and why? The people who want to buy your work are different from those who want to like as they scroll by. I have made more over the years teaching than selling prints, but that was deliberate. I want to interact with those who want to grow and shoot flowers. Those are my kind of people. I love talking about gardening as much as I like talking about shooting flowers.

I have found that having the right kind of community is the best. When that is in sync, you will be successful.

I am a true believer in the '1000 true fans' idea. You don't need millions, just a thousand or so, that genuinely connect with what you have to offer.

[etgar]

How much editing do you typically do?

[CarolineJensen]

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How much editing do you typically do?

A lot less than you might think, haha! I used to edit so much. Now, I just do a very quick prep in Lr and then I like some filters by Exposure software that I use at low opacity to adjust the colors. I can do a complete edit in Lr alone in about five minutes. If I am feeling fancy, I might dodge and burn or hours, but that is because I find the process of dodge and burn very relaxing.

I love textures a lot again. I'm enjoying adding grungy textures, which is a throw back to 12 years ago. I love it and so I am doing it, haha! I love the results when printed on fine art paper.

[miar]

What's your favorite flower to capture and why?

[CarolineJensen]

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What's your favorite flower to capture and why?

I love to photograph many kinds of flowers, but I particularly like collarette flowers. These flowers have interesting middles and fluffy petals. I particularly like dahlias and peonies with this kind of form.

I also love English garden roses with the twisted petals in the middle and a halo of soft petals around the outside. Dreamy!

[CarolineJensen]

What's your favorite flower to capture and why?

Another fave is double daylilies. I have to shoot them with flash in the garden, as you cannot cut them, but the fluffy doubles are stunning!