For those inclined to photograph "star trails", this is a nice description of the technique and experience by Alan Briot.

Flower photography requires lens that have a macro setting. Like a macro zoom lens about a 55-100mm zoom lens. Other equipment would be diopters & bellows which are less expensive then a macro lens. Reflector, diffusers, trash bags, cloths pins, black cloth, tripod, bean bag.

Most important is the time of day and the quality of the light (quality=soft light). Best times are early morning for warm soft light or overcast days. You will want to have a day where there is no wind or very little wind. Late afternoon light is also a good time, just before the sunsets. Use aperture to control what is in focus and what is out of focus. Find the center of interest and use the "Rules of Thirds". Use the tripod or bean bag to support the camera. Turn focusing ring to the closest focus and move your body in and out until the area that you want in focus is sharp.

Side lighting, back lighting, for a three-dimensional effect. Hunt for the perfect flower in the perfect light. Use the white trash bag or foil to bounce the light into the shadow side of the flower. The black cloth can be used to give a completely black background. The main thing you want to keep in mind is how to eliminate visual distractions. Shallow depth of field, black cloth, shade from another part of the plant.

Photographing plants are fun to photograph and wonderful because... there are no two flowers that are the alike ! Uniquely different, like people ! "Good luck and good hunting".