“Nature photography is for all of us an acting-out of the instinctive urge to hunt and gather, even to claim territory. On another level it is an expression of our appreciation of beauty,” writes Tim Fitzharris, internationally-acclaimed nature photographer in National Audubon Society Guide to Nature Photography, (Firefly Books, 2003)
Many nature photographers are lovers and protectors of nature because of their up-close and personal connection to the wild. Photographers can zoom in close or go for a longer wide-angle shot – depending on the subject and its movement or impact. Here are some tips for nature photography.
Leave Prepared
Check your equipment before leaving home to be sure batteries are charged or extra batteries are close at hand. Travel light, as you don’t want to be hampered by excess heavy equipment.
Move Quickly but Step Quietly.
A fascinating bird, animal or cloud formation can change in a wink.
Know Your Subject
Capturing a good wildlife photo can depend on the photographer's familiarity with the subject, which will help in predicting the actions of the subject. For example: knowledge of an animal’s mating, nesting and migration patterns can determine the type of shot.
Stay Sharp-eyed
Keep your eyes scanning. Look ahead, above, behind and below to see all around so that you don’t miss the special changing action of nature all around.
Protect Your Equipment
Be prepared for unusual weather conditions such as rain, sand, snow, etc.
Study the Works of The Experts
It's important to get to know the world of professional nature photographers such as Tim Fitzharris. Photographing nature since 1971, Fitzharris is an award-winning photographer with over 25 photography books, including a new 2009 book focusing on national parks. He has also taught photo workshops and won several prizes in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.
Based in Sante Fe New Mexico, he travels all across North America photographing nature. Some of his books include Close-Up Photography in Nature and Rocky Mountains: Wilderness Reflections. Fitzharris’ spectacular photos have been featured on the covers of many magazines including Life, Audubon Society publications and Nature’s Best Photography.
His book National Audubon Society Guide to Nature Photography offers advice for nature photographers on topics such as: getting the right equipment, skills essential to getting great pictures, close-up picture taking and suggestions about lighting. He also gives suggestions about what clothing to wear out in the wild (such as dressing in layers) and how to prepare for variable seasonal weather conditions.
“At a time when the earth’s natural resources and wild places are being destroyed at a pace unmatched in human history, you could choose few better ways to spend your life or your leisure time than photographing nature,” says Fitzharris.
Another highly-respected professional photographer specializing in nature and landscape images is Freeman Patterson.
For other photo suggestions, check out the article called Powerful Photography.
A plant and bird conservatory such as the Vancouver Bloedel Conservatory offer photographers a year round location for nature photography.
Bev Yaworski - Bev Yaworski is a published writer and photographer for magazines such as Green & Organic Lifestyles, various parenting publications such ...
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