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10 Ideas For Photographing Nature In, Out Your Backyard

 


What makes nature photography quite popular is due to the access. Photographers, whether professionals or hobbyists, can do this according to their schedule. Even in their own backyards, they may take shots of various things for their projects.

If you are looking for some ideas on how to take photos of nature, inside and outside your backyard, you have come to the right place. This post has some pointers for you that may help your next photoshoot outdoors.

1. Be An Ethical Wildlife Photographer

In nature, outside your backyard, you may opt to focus on the wildlife. However, you have to ensure that you are ethical about it, and when doing it.

While there are no specific guidelines as to how you should do it as a photographer, the primary thing that you should remember is to not harm. Apart from keeping all the bio factors safe and secured as you do your photoshoot, make sure that you will not change anything when it comes to the surroundings.

2. Know The Wildlife Photography Laws

Although there are no formal guidelines in the aspect of ethics, there are laws in place when taking photos of wildlife. As noted, these regulations vary by location and area. They also vary from one species to another, as well as depending on the purpose of the project.

Accordingly, before heading out to do some nature photography, be sure to know all the laws and regulations.

3. Plan the Entire Composition

Whether doing your photography inside or outside your backyard, one of the things that you should do from the beginning is to plan the entire composition.

Generally, a good composition means there is a balance in all of the elements included in the shot. So, before doing the actual shoot, prepare and plan ahead, particularly the things and elements that you want to include in each set.

4. Avoid Distractions In The Process

When doing nature photography outdoors, especially wildlife, you have to ensure that there won’t be any distraction in the process. This is actually a part of becoming an ethical photographer.

It is essential that you do not disrupt the activities of the subjects, including even the tiniest bio factors in the surrounding. Hence, as much as possible, plan beforehand how you should take the photos without causing any distraction.

5. Utilize Camera Traps

Taking photos in nature is pretty time-consuming. You will have to spend a great deal of time monitoring and observing your subjects. This, then, adds up to the consideration of not causing any distraction.

So, to be able to capture almost all, if not all, aspects of the movements and activities of the elements in your composition, setting up camera traps, especially at night, is highly recommendable.

6. Set Up A Photography Garden Hide

Similar to camera traps, photography hides do the same function. But, the latter relates to a more personal dynamic, considering that you will be the one taking the shots firsthand. It is just that you will be using constructed “hides” while doing the activity.

If you are looking for some samples of portable hides, the platform of Dhaval Patel Photography has some ideas that you may want to check.

7. Utilize A Sturdy Tripod

A tripod is very useful when doing nature photography. But, make sure that your equipment is sturdy enough that will help you throughout the entire process of the project.

Accordingly, you may want to invest in a quality tripod. The market offers dozens of them but, ensure to consider all underlying factors before making a purchase.

8. Shoot Wider, and Shoot Closer

In nature photography, whether inside or outside your backyard, experts advise beginners and newbies to shoot using wide functions. This will allow you to take in more elements in the shot, causing your output to entail more details and narrative.

At the same time, though, closer shots are highly recommended, especially when focusing on the subjects.

9. Capture The Good, As Well As The Bad

Depending on your desired output, your process, composition, and the subject will vary. But, as a good photographer, you should not be biased with your overall narrative.

In nature, there are several things that happen all the time, and not all are pleasant in the eyes of the public. Despite this, you have to showcase your work, and take shots of not only the good but, the “bad,” as well.

10. Learn About The Animals You Are Shooting

When taking animals as your subject and focus, you have to equip yourself with the right knowledge about them. You should learn their nature, as well as their usual activities, characters, and likely everything there is to know about them.

This will help you in creating narratives and compositions. Moreover, getting to know the animals that you are taking pictures of will allow you to get all possible angles.

Conclusion

While access is one of the “selling points” of nature photography, there are several factors as to why many pros and enthusiasts love taking photos outdoors. There is a variation when it comes to the subjects and interests, and a lot of narratives and themes can be made with nature.

So, you may want to take advantage of its availability, and take your shots now.

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