Capturing the Beauty of the Broom Tree

The broom tree, also known as the desert broom, is a truly captivating subject for landscape photography. When I set out to capture images of these trees in their natural habitat, I aim to showcase their unique beauty and form. In this article, I’ll share tips on photographing broom trees based on my experience.

The broom tree is a short, bushy shrub that thrives in arid conditions. It has slender green branches with very small leaves, giving it a wispy appearance. When in bloom, the shrubs burst with bright yellow flowers. There are several species of broom trees, but the most common is the false broom known by its scientific name Genista monopyslla.

Broom trees grow in deserts and semideserts around the Mediterranean region, extending eastward across parts of central Asia. They are extremely hardy, surviving on little water and in poor soil. Their long taproots allow them to draw moisture from deep underground. During very dry periods, the trees may shed their leaves to prevent water loss. The broom tree’s adaptability makes it one of the few shrubs capable of surviving in such harsh environments.

Scouting Locations with Broom Trees

The first step to photographing broom trees is identifying landscapes where they thrive. As they grow in arid areas, look for deserts or dry shrublands in your region In the American southwest, broom trees dot the deserts of California, Arizona, New Mexico and west Texas. Large groups of brooms often grow on the slopes of desert hills and mesas. Their bright yellow flowers stand out vibrantly against the neutral sands and reds of the desert rocks and soil

When scouting locations, note how the broom trees are positioned in relation to landforms and other plants. Try to visualize how the composition will look when framed in your camera. Pay attention to the direction and quality of light as this will greatly impact the photos. Dawn and dusk tend to produce the most striking sunlit images of broom trees.

Capturing the Broom Tree’s Form and Texture

Broom trees have an incredible sculptural beauty. Their chaotic, intertwining branches look like tangled wire. The tiny sparse leaves add texture and dimension. When shooting broom trees, use angles and perspectives that emphasize their unique shape.

• Shoot upwards from ground level to capture the silhouette of the branches against the sky. Use a wide angle lens to exaggerate the perspective.

• Get in close to highlight the knobby, twisted texture of the trunks and branches.

• Photograph groups of broom trees on a hillside, showcasing their zig-zagging forms.

• Focus on just a portion of the tree, such as a single knotted branch. Simple compositions isolate the fascinating details.

The play of light on the trees enhances their texture. Try backlighting to really illuminate all the fine branching. Side lighting also sculpts the form, casting shadows that accentuate the twisted shapes.

Capturing the Broom Tree’s Delicate Flowers and Foliage

The most stunning aspect of broom trees is the prolific yellow blooms that blanket the shrubs. The popping color contrasts beautifully with the subdued desert backdrop. To capture the flowers, use macro and close-up techniques. Shoot in the early morning when contrast is lower and dew adds freshness. To show the scale of the floral display, incorporate some of the branching and leaves. For more intimate shots, zero in on just one or two delicate blossoms.

The tiny leaves also merit their own images. The sparse foliage has a lacy, ethereal quality. Backlighting is ideal for bringing out the delicate translucence. Or try photographing the leaves straight on, using shallow depth of field to throw the background out of focus. This emphasizes the intricate venation and texture.

Using Light to Bring Out Vibrant Color

When shooting broom tree flowers or foliage, lighting is key for maximizing color vibrancy. The yellow blooms glow when hit with direct sunlight. But very harsh midday light can be too intense. For more flattering illumination, photograph in the gentler warm light of early morning or late afternoon. Overcast days also provide softer, more diffused light that bring out the radiance of the yellow blossoms.

Try silhouette shots to showcase the flowers’ color. Photograph blooming broom trees on a hillside with the sun behind them. The backlighting will create a rim of radiant yellow around the black branches and trunks. For more color intensity, use a reflector to bounce golden sunrays back onto the flowers. This enhances the yellows for a vivid, saturated effect.

Composing Impactful Broom Tree Landscape Photographs

Broom trees have an untamed, exotic look that evokes the remote desert environments where they grow. Capture the mood of these far-flung landscapes by composing wide scenic shots. Look for elevated perspectives that showcase broom trees spreading across hills, canyons or dunes. The key is conveying scale and context. Use leading lines like ridges or dry riverbeds to direct the eye into the frame. Include other desert plants to show the intermixing of species.

Try shooting broom trees at sunrise or sunset for dramatic skies. Backlight the trees to silhouette them against oranges, pinks and purples. A touch of haze or dust can further accentuate the dry, parched conditions. For minimalist landscape shots, isolate a lone broom tree on the crest of a windswept dune. Keep your composition simple to highlight the melancholic beauty.

Post Processing to Enhance Broom Tree Photographs

Post processing allows you to finesse the colors, tones and mood of your broom tree images. Start by adjusting the white balance to render realistic, pleasing colors. Enhance the yellows of the flowers for more vibrant blooms. Deepen the blue tone of daytime skies for added drama. Play with contrast to heighten texture and make the trees visually pop. Darken shadows to accentuate the convoluted branching.

For a nostalgic, vintage look, desaturate and add a warm tone. Increase texture and add slight vignetting. Boost clarity to sharpen details like the delicate flowers and foliage. Finally, carefully crop to perfect the composition – zoom in on just the most compelling elements that capture the essence of the broom tree.

Pursuing Your Passion for Photographing Broom Trees

As you can see, broom trees offer endless possibilities for creative landscape photography. Their alien shapes, vibrant bursts of color and hardy resilience in barren environments provide no shortage of visual intrigue. Every season offers new opportunities as the appearance changes – from the twisting naked branches in winter, to delicate spring greens, and of course the golden summer blooms. Once you begin capturing images of broom trees, you’ll surely be hooked by their singular beauty and character.