The Art of Nature Photography
Barry Craft
Before starting nature photography, you need to have the correct lens for your camera in order to take close up pictures. Most cameras do a fine job of taking landscape photography because everything is in focus. However, if you plan on photographing wild animals you may need a zoom lens to shoot from a distance. You will probably not be able to get as close to the animals as you would like without scaring it off.
Macro photography, on the other hand, is the photographing of small objects usually shot very close up. Things such as shells, insects, and small flowers are great subjects for macro photography. Some cameras have a built-in setting that allows them to take very good pictures close up. To get the best results though, you'll need special lenses to take close-up shots. With the right tools, macro photography can be very beautiful and very rewarding.
Macro photography requires more patience, especially when photographing small animals or insects that won't stay still. Just remember, patience and persistence does pay off. The wind can play a role in the quality of your photos when photographing outdoors. This is because of the fact that you're zoomed in so close. Even very small movements will be exaggerated causing your picture to be blurred.
To compensate for this extra movement, you can purchase various accessories for your camera to help stabilize the flowers or plants especially in windier conditions. They usually clip onto the tripod and then gently hold your subject in position.
To compose a great nature photograph, you must begin by selecting a subject. Do you find beauty in the sun shining through a leaf or do close-ups of insects make you happy?
If you choose to photograph animals, you must wait until one comes along that you can photograph. See our Wildlife Photography article for information on photographing animals.
To compose the best picture, use a tripod or lean on something steady and still. A crooked picture will show a lack of experience and a straight picture will make the photo look more professional. Even if it is on a tripod, make sure the camera is level.
Some tripods come with a bubble level or you can purchase one separately that fits on your camera. This will assist you in leveling your tripod and improve the quality of your photographs. After checking this, you can begin taking pictures.
Once you have played around with your camera a bit, try to take a nature picture that shows a feeling such as joy or serenity. You might view the bright sun reflecting off of a window as joy. You may see the sun melting on top of the ocean as peaceful and serene.
Try different lighting options or color filters to give your photo a different personality or capture an emotion of the scene. Practice with your camera enough and you will think to yourself, "Wow! I can't believe that I took that picture!" Once you get even better, you can sell your photography, make large prints to hang on your wall or put your photos on a card, mug, pillow, etc. You will be rewarded with a smile and admiration from friends, family, and all viewers.
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