Those who venture out to capture the majesty of nature with a camera are often disappointed. It’s a true challenge. Anyone who still feels confident should simply try to photograph the moon. The task isn’t impossible but unlike many other situations, every natural element, from wild vistas and tiny critters, requires special considerations seldom employed by amateur photographers.
However, the skill can be learned. In fact, those who want to share their favourite landscapes and capture the beauty of nature can do very well to improve their ability simply by considering the following six tips that are certain to help improve their shots.
Choose The Right Lens
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to photography and your lens will make a significant difference. If you are looking to photograph mountains and coastlines, those epic landscapes that have immense depth and beauty to them, then you need to ensure that you choose the right lens, such as a wide-angle or telephoto lens. These lenses do well to capture a field of view while also emphasising the quality and brilliance of an area.
Understand Light
The fundamental of nature photography is being outdoors, meaning that the use of artificial lighting rarely comes into play. Instead, photographers must cultivate natural light, aiming to capture moments when the sun is in the right position, such as the well-celebrated golden hour.
Change Your Perspective
Trying to capture nature from the trail is seldom likely to impress. The greatest nature photographs are, instead, the ones that offer a different perspective. Take your camera to new heights or out onto the water, and mount it in unusual places so as to capture perspectives that allow viewers to witness nature from new angles. This experimentation might not always be easy but it will open up many avenues for creativity.
The Right Moment
Experienced nature photographers will know all about patience, especially when it comes to wildlife. If you are keen on capturing the beauty of nature, then it’s important to practice waiting. The best nature shots often come from those who blend into the environment, waiting for the right moment, and keeping still so as to let animals feel comfortable around them.
Know Your Landscape
Those who are informed about nature have an advantage, whether it is knowing the location of certain fungi or the time of day when a bird is likely to appear. These small details can give photographers a major advantage over others, demonstrating that, when it comes to visual media, knowledge is power.
Change Your Depth
Depth of field is a significant area of study for photographers and even a small adjustment to f-stop can entirely change the feeling of an image. For some images, it is useful to blur the background, using what is called a shallow depth of field. This can, for example, highlight a focal point, such as an insect or flower. Whereas, at other times, it is a large depth of field that is useful, one that captures the immense and impressive detail of a wide landscape.
