Photographing nature is a magical experience. Although it takes effort to capture a landscape or an animal in its natural setting, the results can be stunning when the right elements come together. To ensure that you are ready to capture these moments on your next outdoor adventure, there are some steps to keep in mind.
Here are 6 tips to take your nature photography to the next level.
Photograph during “golden hour”
The number one photo tip I emphasize is to turn off your camera’s flash and use natural light. Better yet, try to photograph during “golden hour”—sometimes called “magic hour” by photographers—the time within the first hour of daylight and the last hour of daylight. The sunlight at this time of day is soft and gentle, eliminating harsh shadows as the sun is low in the sky.
The photo below of the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites was taken at sunset, and the photographer successfully captured the beauty of the mountain range in the warm light.
Be prepared
Nature likes to move quickly! Unfortunately, animals won’t pose for a photo. To be prepared to document animals in nature, it’s important to research your subject beforehand. Learn when the animal is most active and about their habits so you’re ready for the perfect capture.
It’s also important to be patient and wait for the right time to photograph, as demonstrated in the photo below taken in the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa. This tender image of an elephant with its trunk wrapped around a baby elephant was most likely a fleeting moment, captured at exactly the right time.
Shoot wide and low to the ground
To add drama to your landscape photos, get low to the ground and shoot from there. This combined wide and low perspective can help create leading lines that guide you to the subject matter in the background. When using a low angle, you also help emphasize the foreground elements, such as flowers or rocks, as seen in the photo below taken at Parc National du Bic in Quebec, Canada. These objects will help add a sense of depth to your final photo.
Connect with wildlife
When photographing animals in nature, you can create images with more emotional impact if you photograph from eye level. This will make viewers feel like they are present in the scene, and create a connection between the viewers and the animal. To shoot at eye level, explore different angles until you get the right position and wait for the right moment.
In the photo below, the photographer caught a Humboldt penguin making eye contact at the Ballestas Islands National Reserve in Peru.
Get in close
There are so many beautiful elements in nature to capture! Get up close to explore the amazing textures and colors of rocks, tree bark, plant leaves, flowers and more. Try using a macro lens to get close to the subject or zoom in with your lens. By getting in close and capturing the tiny details, you can create some stellar photos!
Respect nature
Last but not least, don’t forget to respect nature when you photograph. Know the rules of the area before you go and obey any signs. Try not to disturb anything in nature, whether it’s the wildlife or the plants and trees around you. Do not take a souvenir of a branch or flower with you. Watch your step as you go to avoid disturbing a creature’s home, and do not feed any animals.
Have you taken a great nature photo using one of these tips? Share your photo and experience in the comments below.
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