Study Before You Go:

Remember in school when studying always got you better grades? Nature photography works the same way. A few weeks before you go out to shoot, google research "nature photography" images.  Try to figure out how the image was taken, time of day it was captured, camera equipment used by the photographer, etc. Also, ask yourself what you like about the image?  What don't you like about it?   Maybe think about how you can try to copy it in your own creative way.  It's always great to study what others have done and see where you can add your own originality when you get to your location.  

Plan Ahead:

If you’re going on a trip to take nature pictures of birds or animals, do your research.   Know the habits of the animals, where you're going to find them, and how to behave around them. It's also important to know the times of day that animals feed.  If you don't research, you may find you arrive after they've gone into their dens to sleep. You can also read my previous tutorial "How to Take Great Zoo Photos" on Facebook for more tips and tricks. 

To the right, is a sample of some of my Wildlife Photography. Using a long lens, and manual focus, I was able to capture this intimate family portrait in mid-day. If you'd like to purchase this image, just click the image and it will take your to the shopping cart.   Prints start as low as $25 for a 5x7.

Use Manual Focus:

When taking nature photos, having the ability to manually change your focus is critical. DSLR cameras have that great options and more. The quality of your pictures will increase dramatically when you have the ability to change focus, as well as change lenses with a DSLR. Here's the various modes on a DSLR:

M – Manual mode

A or Av – Aperture Priority

S or Tv – Shutter Priority

P – Program mode

Use Your Smartphone Apps:

If you don't have a DSLR, here are several great Apps to download which will give your smartphone the ability to act more like a DSLR.  I'm not being paid to advertise these apps, they are just my personal favorites.

Iphone Users:

Halide

ProShot

Hydra

ProCam 7

Android Users: 

A Better Camera 

Adobe Lightroom 

Bacon Camera 

Camera MX

Use Fast Shutter Speeds:

Nature is always changing. Make sure you catch the photo opportunity you’re looking for by having a camera with a fast shutter speed. The faster the shutter speed the easier it will be for you to capture the moment, rather than miss it by a few seconds. The more creative you are with your pictures, the better they often come out.

Be Patient:

The best nature photographs are not the ones that you seek out, but the ones you stumble upon. Take a relaxing walk through the woods, or around a lake.  Go boating, have fun in the outdoors. Just happen to have your camera with you when that perfect photo becomes available.

Experiment:

A 10 year old can take a picture of a flower. Before you take the picture look around, and think about how you could make the photograph interesting. There are tons of things you can do that can dramatically enhance a nature photograph. Change the angle of your shot, change where your focus is. Maybe the flower isn't in the foreground it is in the background of your photo. Don't be afraid to take chances, the best photos are the ones that take what could have been an ordinary photo and make it extraordinary.

Use A Packing List:

• Camera(s)
  
• Lens(es)
  
•  Tripod and head
  
• Filters
  
• Cable release
  
• Large waterproof bag
  
• Drone
  
• Cleaning accessories
  
• Rain cover
  
• Food and drink
  
• Spare batteries and memory cards
• Plastic bags
  
• Mobile /cell phone
  
• Portable battery charger
  
• Compass and map
  
• Tape and tools
  
• First Aid Kit
  
• Waterproof outer shell jacket
  
• Down jacket
  
• Hiking pants
  
• Low top waterproof boots
  

Improve Your Photograph Skills:

If you want to learn more about how to become a better photographer, I've written a Beginner's Book (for digital download).  I take you through the basics of the "exposure triangle" and simplify it for you. Many of the most basic photography terms can be off-putting for a beginner. This book covers those fundamentals in a quick, and easy manner. Click here or the image to purchase for only $49.

Stay In Touch:

I hope you enjoyed this free tutorial. Share the love and share this tutorial with friends and family. If you want to receive future tutorials or newsletters, simply click here: http://eepurl.com/g0P4Eb. Happy Friday!