Tips for Outdoor and Wildlife Photos

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Outdoor photography, in particular landscapes and wildlife, are my absolute favorite photos to take. The beautiful outdoors offers so many beautiful subjects; you never have to look very far for inspiration. From weeping mountain ranges to lush forests, nature provides prime material for photographers at any level.

However, the unpredictability of the outdoors can make taking pictures tricky and yet exciting at the same time. Outdoor photographers must master shifting natural light, plan for possible sudden changes in weather, and even manage wayward wildlife to capture the vision for their shot. As a beginner in photography, the unknown element can make outdoor shoots seem both overwhelming and challenging to say the least. But what exactly does it take to create a unique and unforgettable outdoor shot? In this short article, I'll provide you with practical tips for outdoor photography that I have found helpful and, at the end, give a couple of my top picks in books for further reading.

Dress for the activity-

Depending on the location, time of day, and time you will be out, dressing in layers may be the best idea. A good pair of hiking shoes or boots can go a long way in ensuring comfort during your trek. Also, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Layering is the ideal way to make sure you stay warm but can cool off when needed. There can be significant temperature changes from early mornings until late afternoons, so be prepared.

Keep an "eye to the sky" and watch the weather-

The weather will be one of the most significant elements in some of your best shots. Learning what climate produces what kind of image and what weather situations to avoid will help you be well on your way to some of your best photographs!

A dark, cloudy sky, in most cases, will produce the most dramatic colors at sunrise and sunset and make for great compositions; you'll want to avoid going out on fully overcast days. Likewise, I would suggest avoiding cloudless days as well as they typically make for dull backdrops.

Scout Your Location and Look for New Perspectives-

Scouting your location is especially important if you are on vacation or in an area that you don't have the opportunity to photograph often. When possible, visit that area the day before if you'll be taking morning shots or during mid-day hours if you are taking late afternoon/evening shots. This lets you know the area and exactly what you want to capture. Take the time and look at different angles and perspectives. This will help you find which compositions you like instead of returning home to find you only have about one or two shots from the same angles. Also – if you are shooting a place that is a popular destination, check online for photos that others took. This might provide you with some new ideas.

Start early in the morning and stay up late-

The early morning hours around sunrise offer some of the best photo opportunities. While the sun is low in the sky, the soft, diffused light it produces is ideal for outdoor photos. So, although getting up early enough to beat the sunrise can be difficult, doing so is certainly worth the effort. I would suggest, if possible, scoping out your photo area the day before and then getting to that location the following day at least 30-45 minutes before sunrise for the best photos.

Similarly, the ambient light during sunset is also excellent when shooting outdoors. For sunset shots, always aim to stay in the location well after sunset. Sometimes the best light happens well after the sun has already gone below the horizon.

Pro Tip:

You'll often hear photographers refer to the "Golden Hour." The Golden Hour refers to the time right after sunrise or just before sunset. This will give the subject in your shots a nice warm glow because the sun emits a softer and more reddish-orange glow than the harsh direct light during the day.

Nighttime Photography – 

I'll be honest with you – my nighttime photography is an area where I need to continue practicing. The difference in the outdoor scenes when darkness transcends allows for so many new and exciting photos. Some of the most beautiful to me are reflections on water, the moon, and the stars. This is where you need to focus on shooting in RAW, manual mode, lower ISOs and aperture settings, and another important tip – use a tripod for those long exposures that nighttime photography will require.

Avoid the midday sun-

If anything – use midday sun (I would consider this 11 am – 3 pm) as the time to scout your location for late afternoon or evening shots. The harsh shadows and highlights present during the mid-day hours can easily ruin even the best outdoor opportunities.

Use the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds is a golden rule in photography. Imagine the image is cut equally into nine sections divided by two equal vertical and horizontal lines. Each intersecting line is where the eye usually falls. Placing your subject on the intersecting lines or in one of the squares helps to ensure a more dynamic photo.

Wildlife Photos are Beautiful, but Don't Get Too Close!

Animals can frighten easily. You don't want to scare off or anger your subject, so make sure you are at the appropriate distance when photographing wildlife. Choose a fast shutter speed and an aperture priority mode when photographing wildlife.

Don't forget to respect the "Leave No Trace" principle of Respecting Wildlife.

This principle encompasses the following:

• Observe      wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never      feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural      behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect      wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
• Control      pets at all times or leave them at home.
• Avoid      wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or      winter.

Patience is key-

The thing with the outdoors is, it's constantly changing! You may have a fantastic sunset one day and then rain the next. Do not be discouraged if you didn't "get the shot" on the first go. If you are editing and notice many of your shots have the sky blown out with no details, make a note to lower your exposure next time you're out. Photography is a lifelong hobby, don't be too hard on yourself if you don't perfectly nail every shot on your first few tries.

Have fun, and Always Keep Learning!

Finally, my last tip – Have fun and always keep learning! Regardless of where you are in your photography skill set, there is always more to learn. One of the best things about outdoor photography is the opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and exercise while you are doing it. Even if you don't get the shot you were hoping for, try to enjoy the moment.

Lastly, taking any opportunity to meet others with the same interests is the best way to share knowledge and improve your skills. Instagram is a great way to meet other photographers in your area or follow them for inspiration. Search your local hashtags to see who's posting in your area and take mental notes of their composition of locations you'd like to shoot. Use social media as inspiration, not comparison. YouTube is an excellent resource for building your skillset.

Challenge yourself with new techniques. It's a great way to keep photography fresh and fun.

Below are a few of my favorite books:

Stunning Digital Photography by Tony Northrup

National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Great Photography by Joel Sartore and Heather Perry

Digital Photography Complete Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks by David Taylor

The Beginner’s Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by Step Manual for Getting the Most from Your Digital Camera by Chris Gatcum