Successful Nature Photographer
Are you dreaming of becoming a professional photographer? If so, you are in the right place! This guide will provide you with all the essential tips that you need to become an expert in nature photography. From buying the right gear to composition and editing, learn how to take stunning images of landscapes and wildlife!
Connect with Nature.
Becoming a Natural world photographer allows you to take the time necessary to closely observe and connect with the natural world. This can lead to a deep appreciation of our planet, as well as new understandings and perspectives on the complexities of nature. During this journey, you’ll likely come across surprising details that you won’t experience when in a rush or on autopilot.
Invest in Quality Equipment.
When it comes to photography, the equipment you use can make all the difference. Investing in quality cameras and lenses will ensure that you get the best images possible. Look for cameras with high resolution, low-light sensitivity, and fast auto-focus features to help make your photography easier and more efficient. Additionally, invest in premium tripod stands and filters to take your pictures to the next level.
To capture nature’s true beauty, you’ll also want to invest in creative tools like external flashes, colored gels, and remote triggers. These items can help bring out the natural light of your subjects or enhance existing colors to bring an added dimension to your photos. Lastly, if you’re serious about nature photography, consider investing in a post-production tool such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Each of these programs can help you make adjustments to lighting and color, bringing even more magic and life to your photos.
You’ll also want to invest in a high-quality camera and lenses that are appropriate for the environments you’re shooting. If your subject matter is often in challenging conditions, such as extreme temperatures or moisture, you’ll want to look for weatherproof cameras and lenses. On the other hand, if your subjects are primarily waterlogged creatures, like fish or dolphins, consider investing in an underwater (waterproof) camera and housing. Ultimately, this investment will take your nature photography to a whole new level.
Master Your Camera Settings.
Take time to learn the features of your camera and understand how they can help you get the best results out of your images. Learn about shutter speed, ISO, and aperture settings so that you can adjust them in different scenarios, such as when light is low or fast-moving subjects need to be captured. Setting up these features beforehand will give you more time to focus on the actual photography and look for those perfect shot opportunities.
Get creative with your camera settings to produce unique shots. Push against the usual style of shooting by experimenting with shutter speed, ISO, and aperture in unconventional ways. Sometimes breaking away from the norm can result in some of your boldest and most powerful shots. Seeing as every photographer takes different creative approaches, having knowledge of the features of your camera is key to achieving a signature style and getting the results that you envision.
Practice Patience & Preparation.
Nature Photography isn’t just about showing up to a location and pointing your camera at some beautiful scenery – there’s a lot of thought, patience, and preparation that goes into every successful shot. Being able to follow the guidelines and tips provided in this guide will take time, dedication, and practice. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the photos you want right away – practice makes perfect!
Preparation is key to any successful nature photographer. Before setting off, it’s important to research the location you plan on visiting and familiarize yourself with the weather forecast. Familiarizing yourself with the area’s environmental conditions before you arrive will allow you to prepare adequate clothing and equipment for your shoot. Next, determine the best time of day to visit the location – paying attention to the sun’s position in relation to your desired shot and selecting a favorable light direction can make all the difference when it comes to capturing stunning photos. Finally, practice patience – oftentimes spending a few hours or even days in one place can yield much better results than taking random shots without thought or consideration.
Utilize the Rule of Thirds Composition.
The Rule of Thirds is a simple yet powerful tool that nature photographers often use to bring out beauty in their work. This rule states that if you imagine your photo can be broken into thirds both horizontally and vertically, the subject should be placed near one of these points for maximum impact. This rule helps to create a balanced feeling for viewers as they look at your pictures, as it draws their eyes away from the static center. Utilize this rule in order to draw your viewers’ attention to different parts of the frame, providing balance and focus across all elements of your photos.
Additionally, the Rule of Thirds can be used to bring out depth and perspective in your shot. When attempting to capture the beauty of sweeping landscapes, use the rule as a template for your composition, placing more interesting elements in the right-hand corner of the frame. If you are attempting to shoot a detailed portrait or up-close photo of nature, using a central crop might be preferable as it avoids having any elements cut from the edges. Either way, keep this principle in mind when taking photos in order to create beautiful and dynamic works that are evocative and impactful.
Get Creative with Lighting & Exposure Settings.
When it comes to nature photography, lighting and exposure are two key tools that can help you to convey your desired atmosphere and mood. Experiment with different settings for each shot such as long exposures, wide apertures, high ISO settings, and other creative lighting techniques. By playing with light and exposure, you will be able to develop the perfect atmosphere and capture stunning images that will bring your audience closer to the beauty of nature!
To expose your image correctly, there are three primary elements you need to know: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Aperture is measured in “f-stops” – when selecting an f-stop for a shot, consider your desired depth of field (how much of the frame will be in focus). Shutter speed is measured in fractional seconds. The longer the shutter speed, the blurrier and more ethereal the picture will become. And lastly, ISO measures light sensitivity. Higher ISO settings capture pictures with more “noise” or grain. By experimenting with different combinations of these three settings, you can find what works best for the particular scene you are trying to shoot.
Why Jardene Photography
Andy from Jardene Photography is an award-winning Nature photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Andy also has a craftsman degree in Nature Photography from Master’s Photographers International. We sell fine art nature prints in Alberta Nature photography, including wildlife and landscape photography. You can check out our website for more information. Alternatively, you can browse our shop to see our fine art print collection.