There’s nothing like the beauty of nature, and if you’re trying to capture that beauty on camera, there are some tips you can keep in mind to help!
Whether shooting wildlife in its natural element or capturing remote landscapes, outdoor photography comes with unique challenges. There’s no controlling the weather or light source, and your subjects might not always be cooperative if your models are nature itself.
That said, you can set yourself up for success and capture stunning shots with the right equipment and perspectives. Follow these expert tips, and you’ll be mastering outdoor photography in no time.
1. Come Prepared
The last thing you want is to see the opportunity for the perfect shot but not have the right equipment to capture it! In nature, the ideal image can be fleeting and impossible to recreate. You need to be ready when opportunity strikes.
Come prepared with lenses, extra batteries, tripods, your laptop, and any other necessary equipment!
The lenses are as critical as the camera body, and experts recommend a wide-angle lens for landscape and nature shots. The wide angle captures more of the landscape, and the greater depth of field allows you to capture sharp pictures.
2. Bring an Off-Grid Power Source
If you shoot digital, you’ll likely want to pack a laptop. You’ll need a laptop with at least 1GB of memory — and an off-grid power source to keep it charged.
The last thing you want is for the laptop to die right when uploading a potentially award-winning shot. With an off-grid power source, you can ensure you have the necessary power for all your gear.
A portable power station such as the DELTA 2 is a great way to charge all your equipment. With a 1024Wh storage capacity and weighing only 27 pounds (12.2kg), it’s a power source you can take to even the most remote landscapes. Plug in one (or even two) 220W Bifacial Solar Panels to harness the sun’s rays and turn the DELTA 2 into a solar generator for entirely off-grid power.
3. Don’t Miss Out on Golden Hour
Just before sunset is the golden hour, providing an invaluable opportunity for photographers to capture stunning shots.
The quality of the natural light due to the sun’s position is flattering during this time, creating long shadows and stunning contrast.
With so little control over the lighting in outdoor environments, you’ll want to capitalize on this brief time when the lighting is so gorgeous. Plan your shoot to coincide with the golden hour and take advantage of the stunning natural light.
4. Try a Different Perspective
A different perspective can completely change a photograph. Try shooting from a different angle that isn’t straight-on, and don’t be afraid to move around to see what things look like from high above. Or way down below, like with the frog perspective!
You might be surprised at what you can accomplish when you change up your vantage point.
5. Use a Tripod
A tripod provides stability, preventing the camera from shaking. In nature photography, a tripod can be extra helpful. Wildlife photography requires patience. Setting your camera up just how you want means you won’t have to scramble into place when the perfect moment presents itself.
6. Work with Your Environment
There’s little you can do to combat the weather or the landscape. Cooperate with it instead of fighting against it! If the weather is inclement, bring the right gear to protect yourself and your equipment from becoming damaged.
While a clear day lends itself to creating a beautiful image, there’s plenty of beauty in overcast and snowy weather.
Check the weather conditions before you arrive to take your photos, but embrace the environment. Sometimes, the elements that make outdoor photography challenging also lend the scene its beauty.
Conclusion
Capturing nature on camera can be challenging but utterly rewarding for amateur and professional photographers. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of shooting the perfect shot!
These tips will help you master shooting landscape and nature photographs. Be sure to pack all the right equipment and try out new angles or techniques.
And for the best solutions in off-grid power, check out the DELTA 2 Solar Generator from EcoFlow.
FAQs
How Do You Get the Right Kind of Photo When Shooting Outdoors
Come prepared with all the necessary gear, and be creative when shooting outdoors. The two most important things to remember are that you want to pack a wide-angle lens and think about the lighting—the golden hour is the best time to capture stunning landscapes and nature shots.
What Equipment Is Useful for Outdoor Photography?
Your equipment sets you up for success when shooting outdoors. Pack a high-quality carrying case, weather-ready gear, a tripod, wide-angle lenses, spare batteries, memory cards, and an off-grid power source. Bring anything you think will help you capture the perfect shot!