Have you ever been out in your garden on a beautiful, bright sunny afternoon when everything is in bloom and thought, "Wow, I've got to get a picture of this?" Then, after running back to the house for the camera and carefully composing shot after fabulous shot, the pictures aren't what you envisioned. The shadows are black and uninviting or the highlights are devoid of the lush colors of the garden. Chances are, the culprit is the light, or more accurately, the combination of light and film.

Film can only "see" a small range of light to dark, unlike our eyes, which can handle a much greater range. Next time it's bright and sunny, pull weeds instead. Wait until the light mellows a bit in the evening to make your pictures, or come back early in the morning and watch the soft light sweep over the garden. Another great opportunity for photography is bright overcast, either a slightly hazy day or that precise moment when a cloud is moving in front of or away from the sun. Like so many things in life, timing is important, so remember to study the light and choose your moments.

Light: softer is better

Contrary to popular belief, a sunny afternoon is not the best time to take pictures. This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions, yet after looking at your pictures, it doesn’t take long to realize that in many cases, softer light is a more pleasing, complimentary light.
Bright, contrasty conditions with its corresponding—and distracting—dark shadows aren't conducive to showcasing flowers, or many other subjects for that matter. (Have you ever taken family pictures and noticed later that everyone has dark eyes or [gasp] half-lit faces?).
In the garden, bright light is tough to work with. For example, large petals of irises and lilies block light and turn the center of the flower into a dark cave. Shiny rose leaves act like mirrors and reflect light—which is what they are supposed to do in nature, but it makes for white, shiny spots all over your pictures.
The soft, diffused light of overcast and misty, foggy days is ideal for taking pictures in the garden. The soft, even light creates richer colors and textures, and it makes it easier to take light meter readings. You can see into the center of flowers, and butterflies, birds and leaves are more evenly lit; and wider-angle “gardenscapes” photos are more pleasing to look at.
You can avoid the bright midday sun altogether by taking pictures in the early morning (before the breezes start up) or later in the afternoon when lighting conditions have a more pleasing and warm glow. When you can’t change time of day though, that’s when my old Rule of Photography kicks in: do the best with what you’ve got!
So, let’s tone down the sun and create our own soft light.
On sunny days, you do this by blocking—and diffusing—the sun with a piece of wax paper, a white bed sheet or T-shirt, a white garbage bag, frosted glass or a sheet of faded “clear” plastic (3 to 5 mil thick). Just hold the diffuser, prop it up on a support, or have someone hold it for you between the sun and the object you’re photographing. The diffuser blocks the sun and creates a soft light. See the difference? The shadows are less prominent and not as distracting. Take two pictures: one with the diffuser, and one without. I think you’ll be amazed at the difference.

How to prevent blurry photos

Out of focus pictures are frustrating, but they are preventable. Most pictures that don’t “work out” aren’t due to incorrect exposure, but because the subject is out of focus. Even today's auto focus cameras don't guarantee picture-perfect results. Therefore, you need to use a faster shutter speed, faster film or a way to support your camera, such as with a tripod. 
 If you don't have a tripod, you can brace your camera against a tree, fence post or overturned bucket. Or set it on top of a shovel handle or stick like a mono-pod.. To further dampen vibration, press your camera against a rolled-up jacket that's placed on the tree or fence post.

Go with the flow!

The slightest breeze can make a flower dance wildly when seen through a camera lens. If you want to calm that gale, use a wind break made from materials at hand, such as a bed sheet, piece of plywood, mat board, shirt, a couple buckets, or a wheelbarrow turned on its side. Or, get creative and take the picture anyway. A longer exposure and the movement created by the wind can add a beautiful watercolor look to your photograph.

“Back light” for a change

"When taking a picture, place the sun at your back." This is a basic rule of thumb, but it deserves to be broken. (The rule, not the thumb). To make flowers really glow, back light them by placing the sun behind the flowers in front of you. Change your exposures to create silhouettes or a striking stained-glass look.

Last but not least...

It’s important to go out and have fun with picture taking. Experiment with different lenses and backgrounds. Get low and shoot up through flowers and trees. Include people, but don’t have them look at the camera. Play with close-up photography techniques, and remember, avoid putting your subject in the center of the picture!
On the next sunny day, go on a treasure hunt. Photograph the same flower in different lighting conditions. Compare bright and diffused light; front light and backlight in your work. Most importantly, have fun. You'll never be wanting for subject matter, as flowers are more than happy to pose.