How to take great photos in nature

Learn the fundamentals of nature photography in this short presentation.

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The Complete Guide to Nature Photography: Professional Techniques for Capturing Digital Images of Nature and Wildlife

Taking great photographs begins with research and consists of three steps. The first step is to choose an object: a waterfall, a mountain, or anything that you think will make an attractive photograph.

The second step is to get to the location using either your car or bike along with a reliable GPS system.

The final step is to take a picture using your favorite camera. When choosing the place or landmark at which to take your picture, you can start by conducting online research on interesting places in your area.

There are many opportunities for nice shots or objects for your photos in national parks or landmarks such as Yosemite National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or Bryce Canyon National Park.

You can learn about places by downloading Google Earth software and installing it on your computer. Google Earth software will help you visit locations virtually and obtain an approximate view of the shot. It will also supply you with exact data for your GPS to aid in efficient travel.

Another good idea is to visit the visitor center of a particular attraction online. It could be useful in gathering additional information and downloads that you can print out later, such as parking information, rules and trails information.

The next step is to learn how to get to your destination. In this case, the best approach would be to use a car and a good GPS system so that you don’t get lost in an unfamiliar location.

The last step is to set up your camera and take a few shots for selection, guaranteeing that your photograph will stand out from others and represent your unique vision of the place.

Some things to consider include:

Process. The dynamic range of nature, including sunny spots and surrounding shade, can easily overwhelm your camera’s capturing capability. Use exposure bracketing and combine the photographs on your computer to extend your dynamic range accordingly. Since you will need to underexpose your shot for most nature pictures, make sure your exposure time is long enough. This can be extremely difficult during the day, but it is much easier at dawn.
Time needed. The hike around a park could take about 2 to 3 hours round-trip. Once you’ve reached your destination, allow about 30 minutes to 1 hour to photograph every possible angle of a scene.
Fees. The entrance fee to the entire park could be as much as $25. If you possess a National Park Pass, you usually do not need to pay a fee, but you will need to display the pass in your vehicle, such as on your dashboard or hanging from your rear view mirror while you are gone.
Difficulty getting to the place. The trails at national parks and similar locations can be difficult to maneuver, so don’t try carrying your entire arsenal of equipment. Just take what you need. Also, make sure to dress appropriately to protect yourself from thorns, branches, and other obstructions that are frequently found on trails.

Thank you for watching this overview of nature photography. If you find value in this video, please give it a like. Remember to subscribe to the channel. Bye for now!