Are you planning to take your camera outside and capture the beauty of nature? Outdoor photography can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be challenging. Here are our photography tips to help you take stunning photos of the great outdoors.
Lighting
One of the most important elements in outdoor photography is light. Avoid using flash or artificial lighting if possible and instead take advantage of natural light. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for outdoor photography because the light is soft and warm, whereas lighting in the middle of the day can create harsh shadows and washed-out colours. If you do find yourself shooting with the sun, at least make sure that it’s behind you so that it’s illuminating your scene, rather than overwhelming it.
Experiment with Composition
To create an engaging and visually interesting photo, steer clear of the "bullseye" composition. Instead, intentionally place your subject off-centre using the "rule of thirds" technique. This method involves mentally dividing your photo into a grid of three vertical and horizontal sections, and then placing the horizon and key elements of your photo along or within those lines. By doing so, you can add depth and balance to your composition, and draw the viewer's eye towards the most important parts of your photo.
Framing is a powerful compositional technique that involves incorporating elements into your photo that create a frame around your subject, drawing attention to it and adding emphasis. You can use natural surroundings such as trees, clouds, or flowers on the edges of your image to create an eye-catching frame that enhances the overall composition. As you explore the great outdoors, keep an eye out for opportunities to get creative with framing and use the elements around you to create a unique and memorable photo.
In photography, it's often just as important to consider what you leave out of your image as what you include. Distracting elements such as a misplaced person or a tree branch can significantly alter the mood and impact of a photo. Therefore, it's wise to take a quick glance through the viewfinder and take note of anything that may detract from the overall quality of your picture. By doing so, you can eliminate any distractions and create a more focused and compelling image that captures your intended message.
When capturing outdoor photos, it's important to keep the horizon level (unless you're aiming for a dramatic or unsettling effect). However, don't forget to consider how the horizon affects your composition. Pay attention to the placement of the horizon and how it interacts with the other elements in the foreground or sky. This can create a more visually engaging composition that draws the viewer's eye towards the most compelling parts of your photo.
Including people in your photos can add a sense of scale, personality, and intrigue to your images. Consider taking pictures of hikers facing the camera, rather than walking away, to capture their expressions and add a human touch to the scenery. By doing so, you can create a more engaging and relatable photo that resonates with your audience.
Don't be Afraid to Edit
The process of capturing the perfect shot doesn't end when you press the shutter button. Editing your outdoor photos is an essential step to bring out the full potential of your images. Before getting into advanced editing techniques, make sure to start with the basics of photo editing. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation to bring out the best in your image. Crop and straighten the photo if needed - especially if there is a horizon line!
Colour grading can transform the mood of your image, from warm and inviting to cool and moody. Use the HSL panel to adjust the hue, saturation, and luminance of individual colours, or use presets or filters to apply a specific look. But remember to keep the edits natural and subtle, so your photos don't look over-processed.
So, get out there and take some stunning snaps! Be sure to tag @kathmandugear so that we can see them.