Hey y’all! We’re back for Part 2 of this fun series, Oh Shoot! It’s Summer!, where I’m helping you turn ordinary moments into extraordinary photos. Last week I shared some tips for changing your perspective. This week, we’re heading outside to shoot some gorgeous nature photos!
(Be sure to read all the way to the end of today’s post to find out how to get some awesome FREE photography resources!)
It’s summer, so of course you’ll be spending a lot of time outside – nature hikes, kayaking, a trip to the mountains or the lake, fishing trips, and so on. I want to show you how to capture nature’s beauty without fancy camera equipment and without being a professional photographer.
If you missed last week, let’s do a quick recap of what this series is all about.
A FEW LITTLE DETAILS:
- Each week we’ll cover one photography tip that you can apply to improve your everyday photography.
- You’ll have a chance to sign up for a special freebie offer – 4 FREE 8×10 images created by me, mailed directly to your front door, ready to frame and display in your home!
- Share your images using #OhShootItsSummer2015 on Instagram & Twitter, send them to me via email to sweetteagrace{at}gmail.com, or post on my Facebook page! (Your images might end up in the weekly newsletter or on this blog!)
- At the end of this series, on June 29, 2015, you can enter a giveaway for awesome prizes, including a chance to win a $50 gift card from Shutterfly!
- The best part: No fancy equipment needed! You can use these tips for photos taken with your point & shoot camera, a DSLR, or the camera on your phone!
Let’s Enjoy Nature
Nature photography can be intimidating, so I think a lot of people just shoot a quick photo of wherever they are and decide that’s good enough. But it doesn’t have to be scary! In fact, Ansel Adams says,
Sometimes I arrive just when God’s ready to have someone click the shutter.
At the risk of sounding “preachy”, God created so much beauty in nature and sometimes we arrive at the precise moment when our scenery is worthy of being captured in an image.
But how do you capture it for the best effect?
USE AVAILABLE LIGHT
Typically, early to mid-mornings and dusk are the best times to take beautiful nature photos. However, we’re not always outside or available to shoot at those times, especially if we’re hanging out with family and actually enjoying our life, right?
Here’s a few tips for shooting at any time of day:
- Shoot in the shade for more indirect light and softer focus on your subjects.
- Don’t point your lens into the sun – have the sun either at your back or to one side or the other of whatever your shooting. (Unless you are going for some fun silhouette shots, which you’ll see in a minute.)
- Shoot the sparkle of the sun on the water at the beach or lake for a pretty effect.
USE CREATIVE FOREGROUNDS
Sometimes, what is right in front of you is all you need to capture for a stunning image. I was in Colorado a few years ago snapping pictures of the beautiful sunset when I spotted the hummingbirds at the feeder. They were literally less than 10 feet in front of me, so I focused on them instead of the sunset.
Remember a minute ago when I told you to keep the sun either behind or to the side of whatever you’re shooting? This is one of those times you can break that rule and put the sun in front of you. Whatever is in front of the light source, in this case, the sun, will be a silhouette.
It creates a stunning image, don’t you think?
GET THE DETAILS
Truth: I took this picture with my iPhone 6 and did zero editing. Promise.
When you’re outside taking pictues of the scenery around you, it’s easy to get lost in the big picture. And that’s totally fine, just don’t get so caught up that you neglect the pretty details.
I was fascinated with the moss and algae on trees when Marley and I were hiking in Tennessee recently, so I got down low (perspective!) and snapped a picture.
Pay attention no matter where you are. Beautiful details are everywhere. This pretty little bee was on a flower in the nursery at Home Depot. I couldn’t resist a photo opp of that little detail! (And yes, this was taken with my camera phone, too!)
GO WIDE
In contrast to the detail shots, take advantage of the whole scene for awesome nature photos. Some locations are just perfect for this kind of nature photography.
This image is another one from our trip to Colorado. The wide open spaces allowed me to shoot wide and capture such gorgeous photos, like this massive field of wild horses.
CAPTURE YOUR PEOPLE
Sometimes it’s nice to include your people in your nature photos. It’s a great way to remember how you were enjoying such a beautiful place.
This shot was taken at the beach a few years back. We were about to head in for the day when I noticed the girls digging in the sand, so I snapped a picture with the sun behind them. The beach itself is beautiful, too, but including them in the photo creates a different kind of impact.
Use a combination of all of these tips to create a memorable vacation album filled with beautiful images of your trip.
FREE OFFER!!!
I am so excited to offer this FREE resource to you! We all want to take better pictures, capture ordinary moments in an extraordinary way, and have visual momentos of great memories we’ve made. In addition to the tips you’ll learn from this series I’ve put together, you can’t miss this amazing deal! (affiliate link)
Just click to get your free download. It’s that easy!
Everyone who takes advantage of this freebie will have the first chance to get even more photography resources coming NEXT WEEK!!
NOW WHAT?
#1 – Snap some photos with different perspectives and share them on Instagram or Twitter using #OhShootItsSummer2015 and be sure to tag me @sweetteagrace – or share them on my Facebook page or through email!
#2 – Pin this post and be sure to come back every Monday through June 29th (Just pin that image right down here:)
#3 – Take advantage of the FREE photography resource I mentioned above & start taking better photos right now!
#4 – SIGN UP HERE & check the box for “Special Announcements” to learn how to get your FREE 8×10 photos mailed directly to you, plus get extra entries in the epic giveaway that will go live on Monday, June 29th!
(P.S. If you are already subscribed to the email list, you’re already signed up! WOOT!)
To check out Week 1 – Perspective – click HERE:
Talk to me!
What’s the most beautiful location you’ve ever visited?
