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Outdoor Photography
Anyone can take beautiful outdoor photographs. These simple tips can give you great results even if you don't have expensive equipment.
Try common species. Wildlife photography doesn't have to be just about the big game. Many people overlook the smaller critters. Try photographing animals that are abundant like squirrels, birds and other common species around your neighborhood. You can practice and won’t have to go far for a great wildlife photo.
Be patient and persistent. Whether you're waiting for the right lighting or an animal to sit still longer than one second, patience and persistence will pay off. If the sunset isn't hitting the water just right, try again from a different vantage point or angle. Observe wildlife quietly and from a comfortable distance; they’re more likely to strike a pose when calm and relaxed.
Keeping it natural. Try placing twigs or branches around a bird feeder to give birds a place to land and rest before they feed. This gives you prime opportunity to snap a photo with a more natural look.
Check your background. Before taking a picture, look through the camera's viewfinder to make sure you're happy with the background that will be included in the scene.
Bringing the subject up close. You don't need a long telephoto lens to take close-up pictures. You can get the same effect if you position a bird feeder, birdbath or birdhouse close to one of your windows. When doing so, consider where the sunlight will fall so you can get attractive, natural light on your subjects. Sunlight coming in from the side usually is good; light coming in from behind the subjects may require using a flash from inside to eliminate shadows.
Adding stability. Using a tripod or resting your camera on a stable surface will help your photo turn out crisp and blur-free. Keeping the camera steady is especially important when photographing at night or in very low light. You need longer exposure to grab the available light, and even minor camera movement can produce blurry results.
Know your subject. Knowing a bit about your intended subject can help you avoid frustration and photo errors. Want a beautiful landscape? Estimate when you'll get the best light, research when the native plants are in bloom, and watch the weather reports to avoid unfavorable conditions. Want a great wildlife shot? Research species' favored habitat and behavior. Facts like the time of day the animal is most active or how it gathers food will help you anticipate when to snap the perfect wildlife photograph.
For more Photo Tips, visit National Wildlife Magazine's Nature and Wildlife Photo Tips Center.