Monday 7 January 2013

How to take great nature photographs?

There is nothing more beautiful then catching the nature in vivid colors. Taking picture indoors and outdoors requires a different approach. A good click needs lots of things to be taken care of like light, wind, snow, rain, distance etcetera. If you are taking pictures of animals in their natural habitat, then it far more challenging, be prepared to face dangers, odors, noise and the movement. Shooting nature is mentally and physically demanding, but the reward is precious.

Understand the nature of nature.

The first and foremost thing you should understand is the nature of nature. Be prepared to work with the essentials of natural background, if you try to impose yourself then you won’t be able to get the desired result. Trees, grassland, bushes, vegetation all are associated with the natural world, and they act distinctively in different climatic conditions. If you are into commercial photography, then you need to study the climatic condition and the subject matter. I remember going for a shoot in the animal sanctuary, clicked pictures, but was constantly searching for something unique through my lens, turned around to walk back, and suddenly my eyes fell on a rare species of black squirrel just few meters from where I was shooting. Clicking this rare animal in woods was a thrilling experience, knew the sound of click or any sound will make it run. The pictures came out to be really well, seemed as the squirrel was looking straight into the camera. Till date it remains one of my best and popular shoots.

Be prepared:

Carefully study the area, you are capturing in reels, even if it is own backyard.  The light generally falls at different places at different period of time, and remember clouds may change the equation. The same applies if you are venturing into backwoods. Familiarize with the surroundings; talk to the locals and watch weather reports on television or internet.  Spend some quality time at the place, it will help you better know the place, and it is possible that you come across something really amazing at the location. 

Know your equipment:

Need to have a perfect knowledge about every aspect of the camera and for this practice is must. Take thousand of nature photographs from different angles, using different focus - auto and manual focus, lenses, zooms, try every possible setting. Your camera is your best friend and it won’t let you down if you know how it works.

Have Patience:

Natural event happens when they are likely to happen.  Don’t hurry up for the shoot, if you are trying to click a deer in the wild and want it to walk towards you, then wait because slightest movement from your side will cause it run. Patience is importance characteristic of a good photographer, be ready with the equipment, wait for the right moment, it may require some waiting, but you will end up getting a perfect shot. 

When taking nature photographs, it not possible to have a control over the subject. The only thing that you have control is the equipment and knowledge of the subject matter. So with a professional camera, awareness of nature and endurance, you can click great photographs and get recognition as an outstanding nature photographer.

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