Photographing Nature
By Sam Lister
All photographs in this article have been taken by care-leavers and the Under the Sky team
With the introduction of smart phones and cheap disposable cameras the art of photography has never been more accessible. Photography can lead to more than just pretty pictures, it is also a great way to immerse yourself in your surroundings and help to enhance your connection to nature, a proven benefit to mental well-being.
Although smart phone cameras now make it easy to get a nice picture, this article will focus on teaching you some simple camera tricks you can use to further improve your photos.
Although smart phone cameras now make it easy to get a nice picture, this article will focus on teaching you some simple camera tricks you can use to further improve your photos.
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The importance of lines
One of the most basic but crucial features of a good photo is how level or symmetrical the lines in the photos appear. One good rule is to always look at the lines in your photo rather than the thing you are photographing to draw the viewer’s attention to the focal point. This technique is great for paths and trails to lead the viewer forward. See how the lines in this photo help to add depth to the image and entice people in. |
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Rule of Thirds
Again, emphasising the use of lines in photography, the rule of thirds is about separating your image into three (roughly) equally sized sections.
By placing the subject of your image in the central section you help to draw the viewer into the photo, again adding depth but also variety to the image. The most common use of this technique is in big landscape scenes to capture as much of the natural scene as possible.
Again, emphasising the use of lines in photography, the rule of thirds is about separating your image into three (roughly) equally sized sections.
By placing the subject of your image in the central section you help to draw the viewer into the photo, again adding depth but also variety to the image. The most common use of this technique is in big landscape scenes to capture as much of the natural scene as possible.
See in this photo how the grass makes up the bottom section of the image and the sky makes up the top, with the rainbow as the focus point in the centre.
These photos show how the frame should surround a central scene to draw the viewer in.
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Framing
Many different objects can be used to frame a photo, from trees and bushes to actual window frames. The aim of framing is to make a rough boarder around your subject to help focus your image, this boarder can be in focus, but you can get some great images by adjusting your settings to blur your boarder. On a smartphone this can usually be done by tapping on the object/person you are trying to take a photo of. |
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Juxtaposition Juxtaposition is a great way to capture a dramatic shot of nature and the modern world by focusing of photographing two contrasting objects. Using this style of photography can really help you to appreciate the nature in your local urban area too, you’ll be surprised by the level of greenery you can find in our concrete jungle. This photo shows how objects like a brick wall with lots of structured lines contrasts highly with the wild and colourful aspects of nature.
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Lighting
Lighting is possibly one of the most important features of your photos and can really change the mood of your photo.
When photographing colourful flowers or natural scenes it is usually best to get as much light as possible in your shot, to really help enhance the photo; flashes or extra lighting can be really helpful in enhancing dark shots. On the other hand, sometimes you can use light to silhouette your subject, this usually creates a very powerful and dramatic image and is great for sunset scenes.
Lighting is possibly one of the most important features of your photos and can really change the mood of your photo.
When photographing colourful flowers or natural scenes it is usually best to get as much light as possible in your shot, to really help enhance the photo; flashes or extra lighting can be really helpful in enhancing dark shots. On the other hand, sometimes you can use light to silhouette your subject, this usually creates a very powerful and dramatic image and is great for sunset scenes.
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Now you know the techniques it’s time to get out and give them a try, nature trails are one of the best places for photography! Although you may think that good photos only happen on sunny days, if you try shooting in black and white you can easily capture a powerful scene of nature on rainy days too.
Have fun! And don’t forget to send any of your nature photos in to Under the Sky at sam@undertheskyevents.org
Have fun! And don’t forget to send any of your nature photos in to Under the Sky at sam@undertheskyevents.org
