Reflectors: Lotus and Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

I have a confession. I've never seen a lotus blossom and seeing one up close is a breathtaking experience. Lotus blooms are huge - as big as your head! It's stunning to see such a show-stopping flower close-up and the ponds at Kenilworth were full of them this summer season.

Lotus Blossom | Sony a7 III | 150-600mm | ISO 64 | f/8 | 1/100

I took a photography class with Capital Photography Center and we went on a field trip to the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in DC during the Lotus and Lily Festival. Flowers were in various stages of bloom, which provided ample practice. If you have the means to go on a photography field trip, I recommend the experience. Awesome hands-on learning and a great chance to meet other people who are into photography.

On this trip I shot with a Sony a7 III mirrorless camera and used one lens and one lens only - a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports Lens. As much as I wanted to play with macrophotography, I'm glad I stuck with the 600mm. Those lotus blooms are not always accessible, so you do need that zoom capability to take advantage of shots that are happening farther out in the ponds.

I had the pleasure of learning some tricks from Emily Carter Mitchell, a nature and wildlife photographer, and our instructor for the day. While I won't give away everything (because you should really take the class), one tip she shared is worth mentioning - the value of a reflector. Especially for flowers.

Partially Closed Lotus Blossom | Sony a7 III | 150-600mm | ISO 100 | f/5.6 | 1/250

I think the above picture works because the petals are still closed, but there were ample opportunities where I can see how reflecting light would have made a difference in my end result. A good example is the below American Lotus, which is the only native lotus at Kenilworth. This flower does not have the benefit of that vibrant pink color. A little light reflected under these subtle petals could have added some much needed pop.

American Lotus Blossom | Sony a7 III | 150-600mm | ISO 64 | f/8 | 1/100

I didn't bring a reflector because the only one I have at the moment is huge (I didn't know what I was really buying at the time lol). One that is 12" in diameter is on my shopping list. I can see that getting plenty of use between my love for shooting flowers and my new obsession with macrophotography. Win/win.

Another thing you will want to pack is a tripod. When you're extending a telephoto lens, that weight adds up and even the best people have a little bit of shake. Sometimes you can get away with using your surroundings to prop your arm or lens for stability, but I found those spots to be limited at the ponds. Pack a tripod.

Whatever you do, get out there and enjoy the incredible beauty that nature has to offer and definetly put the Lotus and Lily Festival on your list of places to see.