Nature photography is all about capturing fantastic flora and fauna. Nature shots are waiting to be captured, whether it takes you halfway across the globe or just a few steps into your backyard.
Nature is one of the most unique subjects you can explore in photography, and you don’t have to be a professional to do it. You just need to find interesting subjects, beautiful patterns, eye-catching colors, and a purpose for why you’re doing it.
What You Need to Start with Nature Photography
If you want to start taking photos of nature, a good set of gear to start with includes a DSLR camera, a wide-angle lens, a zoom lens, and a tripod. Of course, you can also do it with your regular digital camera, or even your smartphone, but having this basic equipment for nature photography will help you capture subjects large and small with greater ease.
Below are some nature photography tips and techniques that can help you snap photos you will treasure forever:
- Study Your Subjects: The more we study our subjects, the better we understand them. If you’re taking pictures of animals, for example, knowing their habits will make them more predictable – so you know just when to press that button.
- Make the Most of Natural Light: Nature photographers love the golden hours – roughly, the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. During these periods, your subjects will have a warm glow and the colors will be more vibrant. You can also make use of direct or indirect light during daytime or evening to vary the tone and mood of your shots.
- Explore Different Angles: You are not trying to please anyone else while you hold that camera and commune with nature. Your goal is to satisfy your craving for nature shots, so don’t be afraid to try out different angles, play with textures, or crop close.
- Respect the Environment: While it might be a cliché, always adhere to the adage “leave only footprints,” so you can capture only memories.
- Scale To Your Subject: If an animal is small, you should get close and low to the ground. If it’s a bigger animal, try to show the world as they see it. Everyone knows what a cellphone photo from a standing adult’s perspective looks like.
5 Reasons Why You Should Do Nature Photography
Being a nature photographer might be considered a dream job. It can be a fulfilling career with benefits that go well beyond monetary bonuses. Below are some of the top reasons why you should take up photography.
1. No Boring Subjects
Whether you’re taking pictures of a landscape or some wildlife, nature photography subjects are and will never be boring. There is always something to explore and discover. When you snap photos of animals in their environments, for example, you are documenting moments that no other human being may see again. When it comes to landscapes, the weather can be so unpredictable, and the lighting is always different.
2. Easily Accessible
Nature is all around us. When you engage in nature photography, you will be one with nature. You don’t have to reserve a studio or coordinate the time your models will be available. With nature, either you perfectly time your shoot, or you totally miss that ideal lighting or perfect subject. Those who do it full-time also enjoy the freedom of traveling from one place to another, documenting beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
3. It’s Therapeutic
Doing nature photography is healthy for both your body and mind. You need to get outdoors, because the planet is your studio. You will be taking more steps on a daily basis as you deal with different terrains, weather conditions, and subjects in different places. Aside from chasing your subjects or finding the perfect angle for your landscape photos, spending time with nature can be a form of meditation that helps you relieve stress. In addition to boosting your immune system, being outdoors helps lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
4. Different Challenges Every Time
When snapping photos of nature, it can be easy and hard at the same time. You don’t need expensive equipment if you’re just starting and don’t have to bring a lot of equipment to a shoot. However, you need to plan and be ready with exactly how you want to compose a shot. Getting to the perfect spot can also be a challenge – but every sacrifice is worth it, because you will be rewarded with jaw-dropping images and a sense of satisfaction that will keep you coming back for more.
5. Give Back to the Planet
Nature photography also raises awareness about our planet and the current issues we’re dealing with. Not all people will have the opportunity to visit the places you explore during your shoots – and your photos will, in a way, let them experience nature. Photography can serve as your platform to encourage change and help people reduce their carbon footprints.
Want to Purchase Nature Photos?
If you are someone who appreciates amazing nature shots, check out my store to see a great collection of Nature Photos.
We have a vast collection of images of nature that can be yours with a few clicks of the mouse. Visit our website today or contact us for more information.