How To Take Nature Photos
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How To Take Nature Photos
Finding a great subject to photograph is only part of the story. This clip shows you how to photograph nature, such as birds or animals to get the best outcome and includes issues such as zoom, aperture and shutter speed as well as body position for the best images. Crucial with fast moving wildlife!
If you’re looking for something interesting to photograph, you can do no better than open your front door and have a look around. But finding a beautiful image isn’t enough; you’ve got to know how to shoot it. That’s where the Panasonic Lumix Lifestyle Club comes in.
Step 1: Carrying The Camera
Photographing nature scenes may require some walking before you arrive at your chosen location. So be sure you are comfortable carrying your camera over distance. Carry a camera case in case of rain.
Step 2: Depth Of Field
The best nature photos generally use a shallow depth of field to make the subject stand out from the background. This can be achieved by zooming in on the subject from a distance and also by decreasing the f stop number to enlarge the aperture.
Step 3: Wider Shots
A 45-200mm lens may be useful if you need a wider shot of your subject. This will enhance the feeling of depth in your photograph and give it a more dramatic feel. You can try to make the composition simpler by getting closer to the subject or by shooting from an angle that reduces background clutter.
Step 4: Surroundings
Always be aware of your surroundings and what might be captured in your photo. There may be something that would spoil it, but there may also be something you want to be in the frame.
Step 5: Use The Zoom
Don't be afraid to lie on the floor to get to the same level as your subject and use the free angle screen to make things even easier. When shooting nature, such as birds or animals, use your zoom to get a close up without scaring the subject away.
Step 6: Moving Shots
For fast movement you need a fast shutter speed - a minimum of one 250th of a second. This will ensure motion is frozen but feel free to experiment with different shutter speeds to get the desired outcome. Consider increasing the film sensitivity that's the ISO and reducing the f stop value to increase the shutter speed further. Use the focus mode that enables the camera to track moving objects rather than the one-shot focus mode.