A Simple Guide to Nature Photography for Beginners

Contrary to popular belief, anyone can hone their photography skills. You also don’t need the most expensive and state-of-the-art gear and software; even your new smartphone can be enough to take some of the most stunning photos of nature. If you love hiking and national parks and want to take better pictures during your excursions, here are some key tips to help you start your nature photography journey.

Make some plans

If you’ve been hiking or climbing mountains for a while, you must know how big of a part planning plays to ensure your successful excursion. The same rule applies to going on a hike for the sole purpose of taking pictures; you need to have a detailed plan and strategy in place so that you don’t get sidetracked to ensure that you always have good lighting and weather on your side and that you’re comfortable enough in what you’re wearing. Here are some things you need to plan for before you hop on your car on the way to the nearest national park:

• Identify the sunrise and sunset times on the day you’re planning your photo walk. Known in photography circles as the golden hour, sunrise and sunset are when the sun is at its lowest, givings off a golden look and vibe. This type of lighting will make your photos look even more magical.
• Check the weather and temperature so that you know exactly what kind of clothes you need to wear. If you’re not part of the shoot and simply take photos of nature, then your comfort and function should precede style. If you’re going somewhere a bit more chilly, don’t forget to bring a windbreaker. Consider investing in some lacrosse hunting boots to help ensure you remain comfortable throughout the shoot, no matter the state of the ground—whether dry, wet, or muddy. These boots will also provide sure footing for when you’re on uneven ground.
• Bring the right equipment for the type of photos you want to take. You might want to bring a tripod if you’re going to do a blurred effect. If you don’t have one in your photography journey, you can settle for a tree branch or a rock. Anything can be a stabilizer if you’re resourceful.

Having a plan for your nature photo walk will help you be more productive when you’re finally in the park or the forest. Have a general idea of what you want to achieve days and weeks in advance so that you’re not grappling in the dark on the day of your trip.

Understand your camera’s settings.

No matter what camera you plan to use—whether your phone, a DSLR, or a film camera—you need to know all its features, like the back of your hand. Tinker with your camera before going out, and practice taking photos of your plants, pets, and other people in your house before your excursion. Watch some tutorials on your specific camera, and don’t hesitate to learn from the best.

Follow basic photography rules.

Here are some beginner photography rules you need to know before you start shooting:

• Follow the rule of thirds. It’s simply the principle of cutting the image into nine sections divided by two equal horizontal and vertical lines. The rule of thumb is that wherever the intersections are, the eye usually falls. Place your subject on said lines to create a more interesting and dynamic image.
• Use proper framing. It will help you develop a composition that makes sense since it will help you isolate your subject and direct your viewer to it. Adequate framing will also help you eliminate unwanted items, provide depth to your image, and create context. Tree trunks and tree branches can be wonderful frames in nature photography.

Keep a safe distance when photographing animals.

A stunning wildlife photo is not losing a limb or your life over. When taking pictures of a wild animal, follow the tour guide’s rules and practice the necessary safety precautions. Keep a safe distance, let the animals get accustomed to you first, and take as much time as you need. Please don’t treat the wildlife like they are people.

Being around nature is good for your health, and taking photos of the most breathtaking landscapes will help you memorialize the experience. Practice hard, don’t give up, and you will improve in no time.