Outdoor Photography Tips For Beginners

Are you new to outdoor photography world? Photos are essential because these are proof of your great experience in your outdoor activity such as hiking and camping. The experience in our adventure trips is already an achievement, but images taken during the journey are a remembrance of how we capture happy moments and the things that we discovered during the trip.

We always share this precious moment to our family and friends, and in social media to showcase the place that we have been and to show also our photography skills. Photography is always a fantastic part of your memories when it comes to outdoor trips. Having good and quality images are an essential part of documenting your journey as a photographer.

Have you ever wondered how to enhance your photography skills? Buying the most expensive camera is not always the answer. It takes a lot of practice to achieve your best photo. Planning to upgrade your camera and gadgets is not always the solution; it is best to try these techniques first to make your photography experience and photos better.

 

Do Some Research

Just like every project whether at school or work, research is the most powerful tool to be informed of the subject matter. In outdoor photography, it is important that you know where you are going and what to expect. If you do your research, you will be able to determine the right equipment that you can use.

Studying other photographer’s work can also help as you will have an idea on how you will frame your shots when you arrive at the location. This will also give you ample time to think of ideas on how you can capture good shot to your subject. Doing this thing in advance will help you in planning out how many shots to take and what kind of story you need to craft in your photography.

 

Make Your Camera Ready

In taking shots at outdoor photography, it is always suggested to keep your camera when you are out. The subject that you are trying to photograph in Nature most of the times comes instantly, and you may not have enough time to dig your camera out. Don't let the opportunities pass; make sure that your camera can be used at all times. For outdoor photography, it is best to keep a mirrorless camera as this is lightweight and compact.  

It is also better if you will invest in an adventure-ready camera backpack if you want to keep your camera. This backpack is specially designed for outdoor activities and has several pockets. Knowing where your gear makes a lot of difference as this will help capture immediately the subject. Creating your system for a backpack can maximize your accessibility and quickness. This is a proven organizational skill needed for photographers, and this includes the backpack you choose.

 

Choose Your Gear Wisely

The most crucial part when you are on hiking is choosing the right photography gear, and this does not only concern the budget but also the weight. Weight matters when you are going for long outdoor trips. Since outdoor photography usually takes a lot of long walk for miles on a sunny day, you wouldn't want unnecessary weight hanging on your back. This is where research also helps. If you check out a lot of product reviews the more likely that you will have an idea on the best and lightest camera to bring during outdoor photography.

Going for the mirrorless camera has the same quality as DSLR, these are smaller in size and has excellent quality when it comes to landscape photography. Also, consider taking a monopod, this may add to weight but helps you get steady shots that can result in excellent photos.

 

Find the Best Time to Capture the Best Shots

Don't limit yourself to capture the best photos, whether morning or evening. It is always best to expand your portfolio and standout. Here’s the following sample of a great time to capture the natural light in outdoor photography.

Dawn and Dusk. This is either end of the hours of daylight when the sun is below the horizon which they commonly call as twilight time. This occurs when the earth's upper atmosphere scatters and reflects sunlight. The light is low and soft.

Golden Hour. Photographer considers golden hour an optimal time to take the photos. This is the time after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light is more natural to work with because the contrast is lower.

Before/After Golden Hour. The sun is much higher compared to the sky and casting long shadows on a sunny day. The light is brighter and is present during mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Middle of the Day. Some photographers prefer to not use their cameras at this time. Simply because this is the moment before and after midday when the sun is high in the sky. However, if you want to experiment with different types of lighting in the middle of the sunny day, it's best to use a reflector or other fill light for outdoor portraits.  

Night Photography. With little or no natural light, photographers face challenges when it comes to outdoor photography. This inspires creativity to the photographer because of the limitation of the cameras. During night time, it becomes more possible to create photographs in ways our eyes do not see. The moving light source can make a picture of lights trails and these are taken due to slow shutter speed.

 

Always Carry Extra Batteries

This is self-explanatory as shooting in the outdoors you need to have an extra battery for each camera that you own. In cold weather photography, battery life can deplete faster. Always keep your batteries in your chest pocket to get them a bit warmer. Bottom line, a photographer should have extra batteries at all times to remain active while using the camera.

 

When it comes to outdoor photography, it provides unlimited background and you can enjoy the natural sunlight which means that we can create our own atmosphere in our photography style. We get to enjoy the beauty of nature in outdoor photography.