Nature Photography: 7 Tips to Take Stunning Photos

The natural world has long provided inspiration to photographers. And who can blame them? With unlimited subjects, stunning landscapes, and a whole world to explore, it's easy to get inspired by nature.

When you get the technique, subject, and lighting right, the result can be sensational.

And you don't have to go to a tropical rainforest or exotic locations to capture beautiful photos—you can take stunning natural photographs in your backyard.

But how should you go about capturing better photos? Here are seven of the best photography tips to make your photos stand out.

1. Pack the Right Gear

First and foremost, your photography gear will make a big difference in the result. The best thing to get is a DSLR camera, ideally from one of the top brands like Canon or Nikon.

A great digital camera will give you full control over shutter speed, light sensitivity, and other features so you can shoot in different light conditions and get amazing results.

Alternatively, you can use the auto mode and still take great photos.

If you cannot afford a DSLR or fancy equipment, don't let that stop you. A good smartphone can capture great photos if you know how to use it.

Just make sure you understand its settings, and practice with it at home before you go out to photograph the natural world.

In addition, it's worth getting a tripod to stabilize the camera and avoid camera shake, especially for landscape shots.

2. Use a Suitable Camera Lens

The type of lens is crucial too. Different lenses are more suited to different photography styles, and a wide-angle lens is essential for landscapes.

This type of lens allows you to capture the scale of the scenery, and it helps to provide a sharper image of the subject against a blurred background, bringing the subject to life.

Wide-angle lenses allow more light to enter, so you can use a faster shutter speed, which is often useful when capturing animals.

A long focal length and wide aperture are a good combination. Animals are often far away, and you want to photograph them without disturbing them.

A wide-angle zoom lens allows you to capture the details, and you could even invest in a telephoto lens.

3. Use the Light

Any type of photography, from macro photography to portrait photography, is all about light. This is never more true than with nature photography.

If you are shooting during the day with direct sunlight, this leads to harsh tones and too many shadows. You want your shots to be more dynamic.

Ideally, you should shoot photos in the golden hour, just before sunset or after sunrise.

This will give your photos a softer natural light and a dreamier, hazier feel, helping to create more atmosphere.

Whether you use the golden glow of the sunset or the fresh morning light, your photos will have more emotion and power.

If you're shooting animals, There is a practical reason for photographing at these times of the day.

Animals will often be more active during the mornings and evenings rather than during the day. As a result, you can often capture more interesting shots.

4. Keep the Rule of Thirds in Mind

Most photographers can benefit from the rule of thirds, and you can certainly use it in your nature photographs.

This composition technique is used by many photographers and helps you to position the main points of interest using an invisible grid.

Imagine two horizontal and vertical lines dividing the viewfinder into a 3x3 grid. You may even have a grid mode that displays the lines for you.

The subject should be where the lines meet or along the lines.

This helps to create a greater sense of balance and delivers more energy and tension than placing the subject right in the middle of the photo.

Of course, you should use your judgment. This is not a rule; sometimes it will not apply, but it is worth keeping in mind.

An article of interest: Examples of Photography Mistakes and How To Avoid It

5. Use Your Creativity

Digital photography is a creative art, so let your creativity go wild. The best photos are always where you do something different, unique, and surprising.

There are endless possibilities with nature photography. For example, the tree in your backyard could make for a fascinating or mundane image depending on how you bring it to life.

You have a unique vision, so use it. Try new things and see what you can do:

• Take close-ups where others use wide-angle.
• Shoot from ground level, where others take from a higher spot.
• Use interesting angles.
• Use reflections in the water to create dramatic effects.

You could experiment with the camera's built-in flash or use intentional camera movement (ICM) photos to create abstract effects.

To do this, use slow shutter speeds and move your camera as you shoot. The result can be dramatic. You can also use photo editing software to experiment and create different effects.

6. Focus on the Subject

There is usually a subject in nature photography like an animal, flower, or tree. Separate it from the background to increase its impact.

You can use a wider aperture to make a more blurry background and bring the subject into greater focus.

Remember that a good photographer can make something ordinary seem extraordinary.

The winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 photographed the humble cactus bee and gave us a fascinating insight into a world most of us know nothing about through being creative.

7. Take Time to Study the Natural World

You should study nature and the natural world because it will help you take better shots when you understand your subject more.

If you are photographing an animal, study it. Work out its habits and find out the best time to shoot it.

Visit places at different times of the day, and then you don't have to just be in the right place at the right time, and you can improve your chances of taking an amazing photograph.

Study other nature photographers and see what they have done. What makes their work special?

How have they done something differently? Follow their lead, and then find a way to make your photos unique.

Follow these Top Photography Tips

These are simple but effective tips to take better photographs of the natural world and amaze your friends and family. But the real secret is to practice. Practice makes perfect, and the more photos you take, the better you will get.

You may choose to focus on one particular animal or insect, on landscape photography, or a bit of everything. Whatever inspires you, these tips will help you take photos you can be proud of. Finally, respect your environment.

This is especially true when you are taking photos of wild animals. Don't get too close and disturb them; keep a respectful distance. Make yourself invisible, leave only footprints, and reduce your mark on the natural world to a minimum.

Leave it as you find it so others can enjoy it too, and all you take away are your beautiful photos.

You can find more camera tips and tricks in our articles here, check it out!