# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cameras have the power to immortalize the most important moments in history, but few things in this world can match the beauty of nature photography. From preserving the exact moment of a lightning strike to capturing a meadow in full bloom, these images can bring the peace and tranquility of Mother Earth to those who may otherwise miss out.

Of course, photographing this artistry requires a different skillset than that used to snap images of people, events and other subjects. By using these nature photography tips, though, you'll be well on your way to capturing the most grandiose pictures in our world.

1. Bring Along the Wide-Angle Lens

If you're hoping to get noticed on Nature Photography Day, you'll need to pack a wide-angle lens before heading out to the countryside. Many images look amazing by having a centralized focus, and although pictures of the environment also have a main subject, the idea is to showcase a sense of wide-open space.

Additionally, these lenses offer a greater depth of field. And if this wasn't enough, you're also able to use faster shutter speeds since wide-angle lenses permit more light to enter. Some of these nature photography tips may situation-specific, but there's rarely a case when wider angle lenses aren't ideal.

2. Opt for Longer Focal Lengths

Short focal lengths provide a wider angle of view, but nature photography is basically a balancing act. If you're capturing images of animals in the wild, for instance, a longer focal length will be necessary for improved magnification. While we'd all love to snap that photo of a hippopotamus up close, it's important to remember that nature photography sometimes carries inherent risks that require distance for safety.

3. Understand Your Subject

When it comes to nature photography it's essential that you really knowyour subject. The fact is that we capture greater images when we understand our subjects. If you recognize a lioness's behavior prior to a charge, for instance, you will be better prepared to snap the perfect photo. And if you've learned that a basking shark is essentially harmless to humans, you might just end up getting an up-close shot of the scary-looking pacifist.

4. Utilize RAW Format

Many budding photogs - especially those who stick to human-focused images - don't use RAW format in their daily quest for capturing beauty. This is because it can take up a significant amount of memory card space. When it comes to nature photography, however, RAW format is typically your best friend.

Compared to JPEG formatting, cameras that capture RAW images produce unprocessed final products. This means you'll have a massive amount of pixel information to work with when you're later editing photographs. Rarely does an image capture nature as perfect as it really appears. So, rest assured that there's no shame in post-snap edits.

5. Remember the Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds requires you to envision an image composed of nine equal parts by dividing your view with two equidistant vertical and horizontal lines. The rule states that important aspects of your photo should be placed along these lines or where they intersect with each other.

It's important to use your best judgment - or just take several photographs with different compositions - when capturing these images. There will no doubt be instances when a focal point is best in the center. However, the Rule of Thirds forces the viewer's eyes to wander the frame.

By doing this, those who see your images will take in far more of the natural environment. Additionally, placing subjects along these lines creates more energy and tension.

6. Define Your Subject

The subject in nature photography is often apparent. If you're snapping wildlife, it's obviously the animal. When it comes to landscape photography, however, defining your subject can be more difficult.

When looking through your viewfinder, what stands out? A river, meadow, rock, or even clouds may seem commonplace, but the right photographer can make them appear extraordinary. Never just snap a photo haphazardly because it "looks pretty." Choose a subject and capture the scene accordingly.

7. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Nature photography sometimes requires the trusty flash function on your camera. If at all possible, though, you should try to utilize natural light. When capturing images just after sunrise or just before sunset, natural lighting will provide a soft and hazy quality that allows for even illumination and the avoidance of harsh shadows.

This is known as the golden hour for a great reason. Don't be afraid to snap images during what's known as the blue hour (right before sunrise or after sunset). The evenly diffused sunlight can make for some great photographs.

8. Use Water for Mirror Effects

Mountain views reflected in crystal lakes are some of the most stunning examples of nature photography out there. Regardless of the subject of your image, capturing a reflection in the water can only add to its majesty. If this is your goal, the golden hour is the right time to snap the photo.

You should recognize, though, that getting the perfect mirror image requires a few steps. Utilizing a tripod is the best method, and using TV or Shutter Priority mode is ideal. It's also good practice to allow your camera to choose the aperture while using a slow shutter speed to produce the crispest reflection.

9. Don't Stop at Instagram

Instagram and other online sharing tools can be used to create a beautiful montage of your natural images. As you may have learned from looking through nature photography books sold at book stores, though, turning the pages of a physical volume produces a feeling of awe as each new image jumps out from the page.

Even if you don't plan on selling physical editions of your nature photography work. In fact, creating a photobook for yourself has numerous advantages. It's an easy way to show off your skills to friends and family, and the collection can serve as the perfect portfolio for potential clients. A professional grade photobook can be worth its weight in gold.

Nature Photography: All About the Details

Whether you're just starting out or you were published in the last issue of Nature, there's always room for improvement when it comes to nature photography. The nuances of catching native habitats in all their beauty may seem menial. However, even the slightest changes can take your photog game to the next level. By utilizing these tips, you can properly immortalize a moment in an ever-changing environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
best online photo printing professional quality

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
which is the best online photo printing service uk?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
how do i order prints from apple photos?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Nature Photography Tips to Apply on Your Next Adventure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pack your camera for your next adventure. Use these nature photography tips to easily improve all of your shots in the midst of natural surroundings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content.

By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Doris Mitsch: Photographing nature beyond the limits of human perception

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Artist Doris Mitsch invites us to revel in the wonders of nature through her dazzling photography: stacked images of starlings in flight, hawks surfing thermal updrafts, bats echolocating through the night sky and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nature photography covers shooting flora and fauna. This means plants, flowers, and animals, photographed in their immediate environments.
It's challenging because of the variety of subjects and movement. But we've got you covered with all the nature photography tips you need.

12. Pick the Right Lens for Nature Photography

There is a famous Boy Scouts saying - always be prepared. This applies to nature photography too.

Figuring out the best lens for a particular type of photography isn't an exact science. You may have different goals for different shots.
In general, you'd do best to use a lens with a longer focal length. This could be a zoom lens, with a wide aperture.

This is for two reasons. First, you'll want the longest reach possible. Some nature photography subjects, such as animals, will involve some distance. This way, you can observe and photograph without disturbing them.

Second, we'll want to provide a sharp image of our subject against a creamy, blurred background. This will make the subject pop. To do this, you need to understand the foreground and background distances. Use a lens with a wide aperture such as f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2.8.

11. Separate the Subject From the Background

Nature photography usually features a subject such as a plant, animal or flower. This means that you need to separate that subject from the background of the frame.
You'll need to judge the placement of the elements in the frame. And you'll need to make a few adjustments.

First, you'll want some distance between your foreground and background. This will help separate them in the shot.
Use a wider aperture ( lower f-stop number) such as f/2.0 or f/2.8. Focus on the subject in the foreground. The wide aperture should yield a softer, blurry background.

10. Crop Close on Textures

We draw inspiration from nature for many things in life. From colors, to sounds, to patterns. Some of the most interesting subjects can be right in front of us.

When shooting nature photography, zoom in and crop close on your subject. This could be tree bark, a leaf, the forest floor, a lizard's skin.

There is a whole new world waiting for you when you look closer. For an even closer look, invest in a macro lens. These lenses magnify even the tiniest details and can produce some amazing images.

9. Study Your Subjects for Better Nature Photography

Nature photography is an interesting topic, and continues to be so all over the world.

It's very important to study your subject, as far as nature photography tips go. This is for a few reasons. First, we can better capture images of things we understand.

Knowing your subject's habits will also help you predict shots. You'll know when that swan is about to charge, or when that particular plant is in bloom. And if you find out the animal you're photographing isn't so dangerous? Then you can start capturing close-up photography.

8. Shoot Your Subject in Their Natural Context for Powerful Images

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but rather, a guideline. If you're going to shoot nature photography, try to keep everything in the shot natural.

There's nothing wrong with taking a picture of the bird on a power line, or spider on the side of your house. It can make for some creative and interesting juxtapositions.

But if you're after powerful nature photos, then photograph animals and plants in their natural habitat.

7. Take the Right Gear for Taking Nature Photography

We've already discussed lenses, and later we'll touch on camera bodies. But it's easy to overlook other useful items.

On the photography side, a camera bag with extra gear such as batteries and lenses is a no-brainer.

But how many times do nature photographers venture into a remote shooting location without their tripod? More times than you can count, I assure you.

Also, don't forget to wear appropriate clothing for the location and season. It may not seem like weather for a jacket, but wait until the sun drops behind the horizon.
Plan ahead. Hats, gloves, and different shoes could all prove useful. This might be one of the most important wildlife photography tips for beginners.

What about navigation? Don't depend on your phone. Bring a current map and a compass, and learn how to use them.

6. Find the Best Camera for Nature Photos

Shoot with what you want. You might be tired of the phrase "the best camera is the one you have with you". But there is definite truth in that statement.

You can create amazing smartphone photography with an iPhone or Android device. Smaller apertures, dual-lenses and optic zooming are all becoming common features. These allow you to create some pretty compelling photos even without a DSLR.

To see what's possible, check out our article here. And see what others have done with minimal gear and tiny camera sensors. Even national geographic photographers didn't all have digital cameras.

5. Use Natural Light to Improve Your Photos

Natural light photography is outdoor photography using direct or indirect light from the sun or moon. Nature photos will look great in the morning or evening light in general. And during the golden hours in particular.

This light after sunrise and before sunset has a softer, hazy quality. It illuminates your subjects more evenly and eliminates the harsh midday shadows.
Imagine a small bird in a tree or even the leaves of that tree. If that's your subject, it will be softly lit with the golden hues of a setting sun. That's what I would call atmospheric.

This type of light can provide an emotional overlay to your images. This is hard to reproduce otherwise. You'll notice the difference in the effectiveness of the shot. You might even notice a difference between morning and evening shots. Check for color temperature changes.

4. Choose the Best Time of Day to Get Perfect Nature Shots

There are advantages to shooting in the early morning or late evenings. This includes the likelihood of the area you're shooting being less crowded.
This is especially important in high-traffic "tourist" areas. These are popular national parks and other landmarks.

If you're shooting animals, aim for mornings and evenings. You're more likely to score great wildlife shots then. Many animals escape the heat of the day. They are much more active when it's darker and cooler.

3. Use Different Angles and Perspectives to Stand Out

Landscape photography isn't about pleasing someone else. Or appealing to someone else's sense of style. It's about shooting what makes you happy.
Take the time to study other nature photographer's work if you've not discovered your own style yet.

What angles do they tend to use? What colors do they coordinate within the frame? How close do they get to their subject?
Try to do something different. Go against the grain! Use a different angle, shoot a close-up where others would shoot wide-angle.

Nature offers us unlimited beautiful setups. Go out there and take advantage of them! Using your own creativity is one of the best wildlife photography tips for beginners.

2. Bring Your Crop Sensor Camera Body

If you have a full frame and a crop sensor camera body, consider leaving the full frame at home. Lenses have a more pronounced effective focal length on crop sensor cameras.

This is especially useful when shooting animals. There is a distance you must maintain to avoid frightening them. A 50mm lens on a crop sensor camera body will show a 1.6x effective magnification over a full frame camera. Using a crop sensor means getting as close as you can for your nature and wildlife photography.

1. Respect the Animals and Environment

It's impossible to explain this without using the phrase "leave only footprints". As cliche as it is, it couldn't be more accurate.

Be sure to take home any rubbish, even if you think an item is biodegradable. An orange or banana peel can take up to 2 years to decompose. Respect the environment you're shooting. You have to understand the importance of not disturbing natural environments.

We are photographing a sensitive world that is the home of many living things. We should make every effort to have a minimal lasting impact on that world.

Conclusion

Are you a nature photography lover? What other tips would you give a beginner? And what are some of your favourite subjects and environments in the great outdoors to shoot in?

Join the discussion and comment below!

If you want to make the most of the great outdoors, then try our Simply Stunning Landscapes course!
For more great nature photography tips, check out our article on high and low key wildlife photos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 Easy Ways to Improve Your Nature Photography

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nature photography is a unique discipline covering flowers, macro, landscapes, bird or wildlife photography. Read our great tips to get you started!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how to better photograph nature with Adobe. Follow these tips to capture the nature pictures including plants, flowers and animals in a new light.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether the weather is cold or warm, stormy or bright, photography is an excellent way to appreciate the natural world and everything in it. Capturing gorgeous landscapes, stunning wildlife, and breathtaking flowers can also be a ton of fun - and, when you come home with memory cards full of gorgeous shots, incredibly rewarding.

But creating amazing nature photography isn't always so easy. Professionals spend years perfecting an array of skills, including exposure, composition, natural lighting, and autofocusing - and even then, it can still be a struggle to find the right subject in the right conditions and nail the shot.

Fortunately, as an experienced nature photographer, I'm aware of all the best tips, tricks, and shortcuts you can use to improve your images and jumpstart your photographic journey. Specifically, I share:

The right nature photography gear for consistent results

The best settings for nature photoshoots

How to prepare for a nature outing

Much more!

Ready to level up your nature shooting skills? Let's get started.

1. Do your homework before heading out

Doing nature photography is a lot of fun; in fact, it's often totally exhilarating.

But did you know that - if you want the best results - nature shooting starts at home, long before you ever set foot outside?

First, a few days or hours prior to an outing, check the weather. Will it be cloudy? Sunny? Rainy? Make careful gear decisions depending on the forecast. And spend time thinking about the expected nature photography lighting and how it will affect your settings. (Cloudy light, for instance, will generally require a higher ISO for a sufficiently fast shutter speed.)

Then research the subject matter you can expect to find on your excursion. Here, Google Earth can help, especially if you're planning to photograph landscapes. You can also do some Googling for a list of wildlife in the area, and do some more Googling to learn about the peculiarities of different wildlife subjects.

Also, pro tip: Check to see what other photos have been taken at your destination. Here, Instagram and Google Places are incredibly helpful. Use other photographers' images to find inspiration and to determine specific subjects and areas to focus on.

Of course, you can never be totally prepared for a nature photoshoot, and that's okay. The preparation process isn't about choreographing your excursion down to the individual photo; instead, it's about determining what to expect in broad terms and optimizing your time spent in the field.

2. Pack the right nature photography gear

While professional nature photographers do tend to load up on gear, you don't need the best cameras and lenses to capture stunning shots.

Instead, you can create beautiful images with a basic camera and a lens or two, as long as you're willing to apply plenty of patience and perseverance.

At the same time, before heading out, you should choose your equipment carefully; that way, you maximize your chances of success.

Have you done your research (see the previous tip)? Then you should know what subjects to expect. So if your goal is to capture wildlife close-ups, be sure to pack your best zoom lens so you can capture full-body and even headshots of birds and animals. I recommend at least a 300mm lens when shooting large animals, and a 400mm or 500mm lens is essential if you're shooting skittish critters and small birds.

If your goal is to capture landscapes, pack your widest lens. A wide zoom, such as a 16-35mm lens, will be highly effective, though you can also get away with a 24-70mm lens or even a 24mm prime.

Finally, if you hope to capture tighter scenes of flowers, tree details, ice on the water, and so on, then bring a macro lens for a stunning close-up perspective.

As for cameras, any interchangeable lens model will work, though if you plan to photograph moving subjects, such as birds in flight, then the faster the autofocus system, the better. Higher-resolution sensors can also come in handy if you need to crop or create large prints, and durable, weather-sealed bodies are ideal for photographing in bad weather.

Whatever you do, though, don't overpack. If you take too much gear, you'll feel weighed down and you'll struggle to find the motivation to keep shooting. Instead, while it may be difficult, it's better to take too little gear than too much.

3. Be sure to take a good bag

Nature photographers often obsess over cameras and lenses. But while such gear does matter, it's important to remember the little things - for instance, a good bag.

Because all the gear in the world isn't worth much unless you can comfortably carry it with you.

There are many bags out there that are too small, are highly uncomfortable, and are liable to break after a bit of stress.Bags range greatly in price and quality, but in my experience, you get what you pay for.

So don't skimp! Consider the largest set of gear you'd ever want to take on an outing and be sure that it all fits inside the new bag. In particular, make sure the bag is spacious enough to handle your biggest lenses.

And for added peace of mind, grab a bag that is weatherproof or at least water-resistant.

Here's my go-to lightweight bag for nature photography. It has a rain cover that I use when things start to get dicey, as you can see in the image on the right:

These days, most photographers shop for bags online, and that's okay - but if you do go with an online order, be sure to read plenty of reviews. Alternatively, if you have a camera store nearby, go in and try on the various options. Ask the staff what they recommend for nature photographers.

And remember: Don't forget about comfort. Sure, a bag might not feel that bad after a few minutes on your back, but after a day of shooting while carrying an uncomfortable bag, you'll wish you had paid extra for a better option.

And speaking of comfort:

4. Don't forget about the little comfort items

Every nature photographer should bring a few key items - things that won't directly improve the photography but will make everything far more pleasurable.

For instance, I highly recommend you grab a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that a good pair of boots is one of the most important pieces of nature photography gear that you'll ever encounter. Grit, dirt, mud, water, insects, rocks, and creepy crawlies; you need a pair of shoes or boots that can handle all of these and more.

I also recommend you research temperatures and pack the right clothing. (When in doubt, dress in layers; that way, you can always remove outerwear if you feel too hot.)

And bring plenty of water and snacks. If you'll be shooting all day, then it's essential to keep your energy up and your body hydrated.

5. Prepare a checklist

Before beginning a nature photoshoot, create a mental - or, if you prefer, a physical - checklist. You don't want to reach your prime photography location only to find that you forgot something crucial!

So ask yourself the following questions:

Are any special permits or permissions required? Some national parks, state parks, and wildlife sanctuaries require special permits for access to certain areas, especially backcountry environments.

Where will I park my vehicle? This is very important. If you park your vehicle in an unauthorized area, then you will be stuck with a sizeable fine - believe me. (Or worse, you'll return to find your vehicle has been towed.)

Are there time restraints of any kind? Most natural areas and parks have hours of operation just like a business. You might arrive expecting to shoot a great sunrise, only to find that the location you chose isn't accessible until after daybreak. Also remember that wild creatures and critters are usually most active in the early morning and late evening, so pick a location that lets you make the most of your time.

What are the expected weather conditions? This one is a biggie. Check the forecast on your day of departure and keep tabs on it throughout the day, if possible. Never risk endangering yourself or your equipment by venturing out unprepared for bad weather. (Even if the weather is supposed to be nice and sunny, I do recommend you bring a rain cover for your camera and backpack. Better safe than sorry, right?)

What are the times for sunrise and sunset? Again, be sure the places you want to capture a sunrise or sunset are accessible. You also need to be aware of the sunrise-sunset schedule so that you allow enough time to reach your location and set up your gear before the magic happens.

Are there any commonly photographed animals, landmarks, or structures? I mentioned this one in a previous tip, but it's worth repeating. Research what is usually photographed around the area you plan to visit. Find a park ranger or staff member and ask about lesser-known spots. If you can discover what's popular and what has been done before, you can avoid shooting scenes the same old way. Consider how you can be creative!

6. Shoot in the right nature photography lighting

Lighting is hugely important in nature photography. In my experience, good light can be the difference between a failed photoshoot and a successful one - plus, if you learn to use the light to your advantage, your images will really stand out.

So what type of light is best? That depends on your subject and the look you're after, but I highly recommend golden-hour lighting for most nature photography endeavors, which refers to the warm, soft light produced just after sunrise and just before sunset. You can also shoot during the blue hour - the short period before sunrise and after sunset - though this tends to work better for unmoving subjects such as landscapes.

Cloudy light is especially good for forest and flower photography as it helps bring out colors and details, though you'll want to shoot during the middle of the day to maximize the intensity of the illumination.

Really, the only type of light that you should actively avoid is harsh midday lighting, which casts unflattering shadows and rarely looks good when illuminating nature photography subjects. But no matter the light situation, it's still important that you pay attention to the type of light you're working with and plan accordingly!

7. Shoot in RAW

If you're not already photographing in RAW, then head over to your camera right now and change the image format.

You see, while JPEGs are processed - and compressed - at the moment of capture, RAW images contain uncompressed data straight from your camera sensor.

Yes, RAW files are bigger and they require a bit of extra time on the computer (i.e., you can't display RAW images directly; they need to go through a converter like Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw first).

But RAW images offer massive benefits. You can radically adjust the white balance during post-processing, you can recover lost detail in the highlights and the shadows, and you can apply major tonal and color shifts without worrying about unpleasant artifacts. Nature photoshoots are often unpredictable, which means it's best to maximize your post-processing flexibility.

And by the way: If you don't like the idea of processing your nature photos in a software program, you can always expedite the process by batch editing with presets. Just import your photos, apply a basic preset to the entire collection, and export them as JPEGs. It'll only take a few minutes, and the results will look good (though I recommend you do extra editing in certain situations, such as when your files feature missing details!).

8. Keep your ISO as low as possible

Your camera's ISO basically determines its sensitivity to light, which means that, if you crank up your ISO, you can capture bright images in relatively dark conditions (e.g., in a shadowy forest or at dusk).

Unfortunately, higher ISOs also increase image noise, which looks terrible and - when left unchecked - will ruin your photos.

So you must choose your ISO carefully.

My recommendation? Keep your ISO at your camera's base value to start with. Then, when the light drops, raise it only as needed.

You see, as you lose light, you'll need to take steps to keep your exposures sufficiently bright. One option is to drop your shutter speed, but you'll need a decently fast shutter to capture sharp handheld shots. (A fast shutter speed is especially important if you're photographing moving subjects!)

So in nature photography, the best move is often to raise the ISO - but conservatively. Don't boost the ISO just because you can; instead, keep the ISO low in good light and boost it only when absolutely necessary.

9. Don't be afraid of bad weather

Many beginner photographers think that shooting in bad weather is, well, bad. But nothing could be further from the truth!

You see, rain, fog, and snow all make for dramatic conditions - and rather than harm your photography, they can actually elevate it. A landscape or a bird in blizzard conditions can result in a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

You don't want to just grab your camera and race out into tough weather, however. It's important to keep it protected from the elements by keeping it away from falling rain and snow, and - when that's not possible - using a rain cover. (If you're in a pinch, you can always rely on a trash bag and rubber bands!)

Also, avoid changing lenses, batteries, or memory cards in rough conditions, and if temperatures are cold, place your equipment in an airtight bag before heading back inside to prevent condensation from forming.

10. Use the right autofocus mode to capture sharp shots

Most cameras offer two distinct autofocus modes.

1. AF-C, also known as AI Servo, tells your lens to continuously acquire focus as long as your finger half-presses the shutter button.

2. AF-S, also known as One-Shot AF, tells your lens to acquire and then lock focus when your finger half-presses the shutter button.

The right autofocus mode depends on your subject. Still subjects, such as flowers, plants, and trees, are best shot with AF-S. You can position an autofocus point over the key part of your subject, half-press the shutter button to lock focus, then carefully recompose the shot, all while remaining confident that the focus is correct.

Animals and birds, on the other hand, are constantly on the move. In such cases, AF-C is essential; otherwise, you'll lock focus on your subject only to have them leave the focus plane before you can capture a shot.

By the way, if you can combine your AF-C mode with your camera's tracking mode, it'll instantly level up your images. Some of the latest mirrorless cameras even offer various forms of animal tracking; if yours offers this as an option, I'd encourage you to try it out and see what you think.

(If you're not sure how to set the autofocus mode on your camera, check the manual. It's full of helpful information!)

11. Practice your manual focusing skills

If you like to shoot macro or landscape subjects, it's worth learning how to focus manually.

You see, as a landscape or macro shooter, you'll sometimes run into scenarios where your camera and lens will struggle to focus precisely where you want it. You might need to carefully set the focus point for enhanced depth of field, or you might want to nail focus on the edge of a flower petal, and your camera's AF system just won't give you good results.

Manual focus, however, will help you achieve the perfect point of sharpness in your scene. It's reasonably easy to use, too; most lenses allow you to switch off the autofocus via the AF/MF toggle on the barrel, and you then simply need to turn the focus ring (also on the lens barrel) forward and backward until your subject comes into focus. If you're working with extremely small subjects, you might even try setting your focus point manually, then slowly moving your camera forward and backward until you get the result you're after.

By the way, your lens's MF setting isn't just good for those times when you need to do precise focusing. If you're dealing with strong backlighting or shooting in low light, your camera's AF system may struggle - in which case your manual focusing skills can make a huge difference.

12. Don't forget a tripod

Carrying a tripod isn't always convenient, and there are a few subgenres of nature photography that don't always benefit from tripod use...

...but in most cases, a tripod is incredibly helpful and will make a huge difference.

You see, nature photography is often done when the light is low - think sunrise and sunset - which means that you'll either need to crank up your ISO or you'll need to drop your shutter speed. Both options come with major drawbacks unless you have a tripod, in which case you can lower your shutter speed to your heart's content!

Plus, if you're bothered by the idea of lugging around a heavy tripod, don't worry; there are plenty of lightweight - and compact - options out there that are surprisingly sturdy. In my view, it's worth paying extra for a robust carbon-fiber option (plus, even a high-quality tripod will still cost less than most lenses!).

So purchase a tripod and use it as needed!

13. Learn some basic composition techniques

Composition refers to the way you arrange elements within the frame, and it's an often overlooked method for elevating your images. By carefully composing your shots, you can create a sense of balance, lead the viewer's eye through the frame, and more.

But what's the easiest way to create nice compositions? I'd recommend starting with the rule of thirds, which encourages you to position elements a third of the way into the frame. It's also important to understand the concept of leading lines - these direct the viewer throughout the image - and negative space, which gives the viewer room to breathe when observing the frame.

If you're struggling to get started with nature photography composition, it can be helpful to study images taken by your favorite photographers. Ask yourself: What do I like about this shot? How is the main subject positioned in the photo? How does the photographer lead the eye throughout the image? Then try to use those concepts in your own shooting!

14. Remember to do some post-processing

Once you've captured a great nature photo or two, the work isn't quite done! You should also spend time processing the files in your editing program of choice (such as Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One, or ON1 Photo RAW).

Every RAW file needs a bit of processing; otherwise, it won't match what your eyes saw in the field. I'd recommend doing some white balancing - to neutralize any color casts - and applying a bit of contrast and saturation, too. You might also add a vignette to draw attention to your subject and adjust the exposure and tones until you get a pleasing result.

Editing is pretty subjective, and there are plenty of different approaches. It's important that you spend time experimenting until you identify a look that really works for you!

Nature photography tips: final words

Nature photography might not always seem easy, but it can yield huge artistic, personal, and even spiritual rewards.

So remember the tips I've shared. Consider your equipment, do the proper planning, think about lighting and composition, and don't forget about post-processing.

Of course, the most important part is to get out with your camera and have fun doing what you love! Capture birds, wildlife, landscapes, flowers, and more.

Now over to you:
What do you plan to photograph? And which of these tips will you apply to your workflow? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How can you capture beautiful photos of nature? Discover tips to instantly take your landscape, wildlife, and macro shots to the next level!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sometimes the coolest subjects are literally right in our own backyards. Got a garden? Then great images are mere steps away.

Or they're close enough to make the photo opportunity irresistible-that nearby arboretum, park or botanical garden, for instance.

To gather some tips for garden photography, we elicited the advice of Cindy Dyer, who combines the skills of a professional photographer and graphic designer with the enthusiasm of an avid gardener.

Here's what we learned about capturing a lot more than garden-variety views.

The Garden Idea

Think of a garden as the sum of its parts-flowers, plants, structures, decorations, perhaps a pond. The key to portraying it is the establishing shot. "Picturing the garden as a whole is a prime goal," Cindy says, "and the establishing shot sets the scene." So first capture vistas that include all the elements of your garden; you'll get to the individual components, of course, but the initial step is picturing the garden as the collection it is.

The Best Time

Honestly, just about anytime is the best time. "There's always something in bloom somewhere in the garden," Cindy says. "As some plants and flowers wane, others come into bloom and color." Because May and early June are especially colorful where Cindy lives in Virginia, that's when she's sure to capture the establishing shots. As the season moves on, she'll narrow the focus for medium-distance images and close-ups.

Cindy planned her garden with photo composition and color in mind. "I learned what plants were best for shade and sun, and I looked at other people's gardens and at gardening books to see how the color palette of the garden worked so I'd know what colors are going to complement each other or really stand out. I plant with that in mind. I know, for example, the sweet potato vine is going to be lime green, so in front of it I'm going to plant something that's hot pink, and when those two are blooming, I've got my colors."

Often, getting great shots means choosing the right time of day to shoot. "If you want to improve your garden photography," Cindy says, "shoot when it's overcast." If there's bright sun, the benefit of shooting in your own garden comes into play: you'll know where the light will be and how it will behave.

And don't feel limited by the seasons. "Although most of my garden photography is done from March to October, I also find subjects in the fall and winter," Cindy says. "I love photographing the trees when they're iced over in January. There are red and orange berries in winter, and snow on holly and evergreens. And I'm out there photographing the minute a crocus bloom breaks through the snow."

The thing is, there's always seasonal variety and opportunity.

Subject Matters

Flowers are probably everyone's number one subject, but they aren't the whole story. There are structures and decorations; and vegetables (not only growing, but pictured in a hands-holding-the-harvest image); and the critters who happen by-or who you entice into the frame, like the monarch butterfly in the ninth photo. "I plant things the monarchs love," Cindy says. "I was photographing somewhere else, saw that one land and went right over to take the photo. Most often I'll go up to a flower that I know is a bug magnet and with my camera on my tripod, I'll wait. If nothing shows up, it's a plant portrait."

Remember that the garden is, after all, an invitation to get creative, so not all flowers have to be pictured the same way. In fact, you don't have to portray the entire flower, or even hint at its overall shape. The blue flower in the sixth photo, for instance. Cindy's aim here was, in effect, to reshape the flower so she could fill the frame with color, texture and graphic surprise. And to make the sixth photo, Cindy photographed the flower from the back. She agrees that's a good idea for an unusual view, but in this case it happened because she was working the scene and following the light. "I saw where the light was coming from and where it was hitting and that led me to the rear view of the flower-and if the light is leading me to a different kind of shot, all the better. Just look at how those lines radiate; you can't see that from the front."

Cindy says that her work in graphic design is a major influence on her garden photography. "I'm looking for clean graphics and strong colors, and I tend to try most of my subjects in both vertical and horizontal formats. I think that's almost as important as shooting a scene from every angle possible."

Working the angles not only leads to discoveries, it also eliminates problems. "I can often control my backgrounds simply by finding a less distracting background, or by pulling the background into the scene because the color is fantastic against my subject. Varying the angles allows me complete control over how important or unimportant the background is going to be."

Cindy finds that no matter what she's doing in the garden, photos tend to happen. "Most gardeners complain about weeding," she says, "but it's one of my favorite things to do. I began to see my garden up close and notice things I hadn't taken the time to look at before. Now when I weed, my camera's with me."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Grow Your Garden Photography Skills | Taking Better Pictures of Gardens | Nikon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How to take better photographs of your own garden or a garden that you visit.