Garden Photographer Phao Hewitson On Capturing Depth: ‘The Perfect Image Is Alive’
Contributions From PHAO HEWITSON
Phao Hewitson is a plant Photographer and Blogger based in the Midlands whose work can be found in the catalogue of GAP Gardens and the Professional Garden Photographers’ Association. Phao was the overall runner-up in a photography competition run by the NGS in 2018 and is a member of the Garden Media Guild.
Phao Hewitson is a Midlands-based Photographer and Blogger who specialises in plant and garden photography.
Her portfolio boasts an array of stunning plant portraits and picturesque gardens showcasing her technical skill and deep-rooted passion for flowers.
I spoke to Phao about her change in career from the NHS to photography, her experience as a hobbyist Photographer and her idea of the ‘perfect image’.
Imagery in this interview has been provided with permission by Phao Hewitson.
How Did You Get Into Photography And Garden Photography In Particular?
“I’ve always enjoyed taking photos and would have a camera with me whenever we were at family events, holidays and days out, but until quite recently, photography was just a hobby,” explains Phao.
“My main career was previously in the NHS, but I’ve been gardening for peace and relaxation all my adult life and my passion for capturing images of plants has grown with my love of gardening.
“Most of my early pictures are close-ups of gorgeous flowers, taken as we developed our garden and I started visiting other people’s gardens – I love NGS visits!
“After a while, my husband Chris surprised me with the gift of my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D3100, and with this great piece of kit, the quality of my pictures improved and I was emboldened to start a blog to showcase both our garden and the photos I was taking.
“After a couple of successes in competitions, I plucked up the courage to try my luck professionally, compiled a portfolio of pictures and applied to be a contributor to GAP Gardens, an agency specialising in garden and plant photographs, and was successful (after a couple of hiccups!).
“I now use a Nikon D7100, which was another pressie from Chris a couple of years ago.”
Why Do You Like Photographing Plants And Gardens?
“A beautiful plant or garden evokes an emotional response, with all senses stimulated,” she says.
“A garden planted with an expert eye for flow, colour and texture can be breathtaking. This response is obviously best experienced in the flesh, but capturing it forever in a photograph is the next best thing – if only we could capture the fragrance!
“There’s also the magic of a well-planted garden over the seasons. There are gardens where no visit is ever the same and photographic opportunities present themselves all year round.”
How Do You Go About Capturing The Perfect Image?
“Composing a shot is my favourite part of the process, but the technicality of it is the least!
“With composition, there are a couple of hard rules that I follow, but mainly it’s just about having an eye for a scene. The technicality of setting up the camera to achieve the best effect can change with the clouds and you really have to be on the ball.
“For me, the perfect image is alive and the beholder can imagine the smell and feel of the plant or garden it portrays. This image isn’t flat, so the light, time of day and weather conditions have to be right.”
Do You Have Any Standout Experiences From Your Career?
“This has to be my success in a competition run by the National Garden Scheme in its centenary year, at a time when photography was still a hobby of mine,” Phao shares.
“There was an awards ceremony at the Garden Museum in London and I’d been invited but didn’t know that I was the overall runner-up. When my image appeared on the huge screen in front of the audience I was completely gobsmacked, but so proud.
“I also met Lucy Hall, who was editor of Gardeners’ World magazine at the time, and had a second lovely surprise when she told me the image would be ‘September’ in their 2018 calendar.
“I’ve also had another lovely experience this year with a successful application for a press pass to Chelsea!”
What Difficulties Have You Faced With Photographing Gardens?
“Light, wind and bright sunlight, as well as people who move into your shot just as you press the shutter!” she jokes.
“I’m mainly an outdoor photographer, so the elements can be a challenge, particularly if it’s a planned event such as a show or open garden, as you can’t choose the date.
“However, the main difficulties I’ve faced have been purely technical. When I started out as an untrained photographer, I naively didn’t know that a good photo wasn’t just in its composition, the settings on the camera needed to be set up to take an image that would pass a technical quality test.
“So my first portfolio submission to GAP resulted in 66% being rejected due to them not being in focus at 100% – I had no idea what this meant!
“Luckily, the team at GAP were really kind and helpful and explained the purpose of essential settings. My next submission passed and I’m now one of their contributors.”
What Is Unique About Your Photographing Process?
“I’m not sure that unique is the right description for my photography, but I think I have an effective style,” she muses.
“I particularly like to be level with subjects, even if it means lying on the ground. My picture of crocuses in late winter is a good example of this.”
What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Garden Photographers?
“Do it! I have no regrets about choosing nursing and the NHS for a career, but the rewards from following a dream and using your creative abilities are immense and should be pursued at a hobby level at the very least.
“In taking up garden photography, new opportunities open up in the form of visiting some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces. Plus, unless it’s windy, plants don’t move much – not like subjects from the animal kingdom!”
What’s Next For You?
“I’m really busy cataloguing the photos I’ve taken over the last few months at shows and notably Monet’s Garden at Giverny in France,” says Phao.
“I’m also prioritising working on my website, but there aren’t enough hours in the day to keep it up to date.
“I’ve recently had my first commission published and now wish to promote my work to attract the next one.”
