This closeup of a flower shows how well the modern smartphone can photograph the flora of your garden. But how do you use your iPhone or other smartphone to get these great flower photos? Well, you start by attending Molly Pikarsky’s smartphone flower photography workshop at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980 between Marble Falls and Granite Shoals, from 9-10 a.m. July 25. And be sure to bring your smartphone because you’re going to get some hands-on experience during the program. Photo courtesy of Molly Pikarsky

This closeup of a flower shows how well the modern smartphone can photograph the flora of your garden. But how do you use your iPhone or other smartphone to get these great flower photos? Well, you start by attending Molly Pikarsky’s smartphone flower photography workshop at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980 between Marble Falls and Granite Shoals, from 9-10 a.m. July 25. And be sure to bring your smartphone because you’re going to get some hands-on experience during the program. Photo courtesy of Molly Pikarsky

TOBYVILLE — Wonderful as your camera may be — the latest DSLR with a bagful of lenses — sometimes, you just don’t have it with you when you come across a beautiful flower. But you do have your smartphone. Or maybe you’re a gardener who doesn’t have a big camera and wonders how to capture the beauty of your plants to share with others.
Well, you use your smartphone. You know, the one in your pocket that you’ve snapped photos with — including those selfies in the garden — and have close at hand. That’s right, your smartphone can capture incredible flower photos.
Just ask Molly Pikarsky of Backbone Valley Nursery.
“I enjoy photography as a hobby, but I don’t lug around the camera all the time,” she said. 
And who does?
But she found herself still wanting to get some photographs of her flowers and others she came across. So, she tried out her smartphone — and she didn’t necessarily go willingly to the little device. Soon, however, she changed her tune when it came to the smartphone and flower photography.
“I reluctantly started using my phone and discovered that I can capture fantastic photos with it, too,” Pikarsky said. 
On June 25 at the nursery, l4201 FM 1980 off RR 1431 between Marble Falls and Granite Shoals, Pikarsky is sharing her tips for smartphone flower photography from 9-10 a.m. The program is free.
Attendees will have a chance to try out what they’ve learned around the nursery — so bring your smartphone.
“I thought our customers (would like the workshop) since they already are passionate gardeners (and) may like to learn some of the basics for good photos,” Pikarsky said. “Taking the expensive camera out of the picture might make (flower photography) more accessible.”
The program isn’t just for passionate gardeners but anyone interested in capturing great flower photos.
As for those photos once you take them? Pikarsky doesn’t just let hers take up space on her camera.
“I use the pictures for cards, simple framed decor (and more),” she added. 
Pikarsky predominately uses her smartphone for the nursery’s Facebook page photos and updates.
Call (830) 693-9348 or go to www.backbonevalleynursery.com for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com