Download - Photographing natural subjects
Photographing natural subjects can be especially challenging as you can be
working under difficult conditions, the weather! – wind, rain, changeable light
The subject may be moving, is too far away or is not looking at its best.
Actually seeing what you are shooting is as important as knowing how to take
the photograph - it’s all down to the eye of the photographer
Having expensive equipment may not always help!
Are you happy with the quality of your photos?
Quality can be dependent on the camera, how it’s been set up by the photographer and then
how the camera is actually used
What can the photographer do to get better photographs? It’s down to the ability of the photographer and also the capability of the
camera equipment used
Picture Composition
Good subject composition and framing
can turn an ordinary picture into a
great photograph
Points to consider before taking the photo
Look at the subject and see what’s in the shot –can the shot be better composed or framed?
Is the light right? Does the photo/subject require good lighting?
With natural subjects shooting in the RIGHT LIGHT is important to get a good result
Can the camera be focused on the part of the photo that needs to be in focus?
If a ‘creative’ photo is required can it be taken with a compact camera?
Camera shake leading to a blurred photo can be a problem - more likely when using the
telephoto end of a zoom lens
The Camera
Has it got manual settings controlling Aperture and Shutter Speed (and ISO)?
or has it got ‘creative zone’ settings?
To get better images it’s usually necessary to have some control over the shutter speed and
aperture settings
Plants can move in the wind, light can change
ISO - change the ISO to suit the situation
Automatic Shooting - select pictograms/symbols for the type of target subject
Advanced Shooting - selection of ‘modes’ to suit the situation or setting the aperture and
shutter speed independently
Shutter Speed & Aperture
Photographic Equipment
& Accessories
Lenses – wide angle, telephoto/zoom & macro
Extension tubes and supplementary lenses
Filters – correction & polarizing
Tripods, Monopods, Camera bags
Flash guns, Reflectors
Some extra kit useful for
Nature Photography:
Background paper. Grey Card.
Misc. Pegs, clamps, wire and tape.
Waterproof bag/plastic sack.
Small stepladder.
Notebook & pen. Tablet computer. Mobile phone.
And don’t forget your waterproofs & boots!