Getting outdoors doesn’t have to be all about exercise. Many of my blog posts are about higher intensity exercises, but for today, I bring you an activity a little more on the creative side where you can still get some exercise! Welcome to outdoor photography tips for beginners! Starting as a beginner can be exciting and overwhelming, but don’t worry too much about nailing every shot right away.
I am going to share with you how simple it is to begin and what you’ll need to capture those awe-inspiring moments in nature. I am no expert and I am teaching myself some new things too as I research for this blog post. Just today when out on an urban hike we saw a guy with a massive camera pointed up at the trees. We were sure he was seeing an eagle or something worth lugging a giant camera on to a path for. We stood and stared and saw nothing. We finally asked and he pointed out just a little bird on a branch. I was happy he found joy in just a little bird.
Light, Camera, Action!
Let’s start with the basics. That’s going to include getting a grasp on how your camera works, whether it’s a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone with a capable camera. This isn’t about buying fancy gear, but making the most of the camera you have. There’s a lot of opportunity in learning how to adjust settings like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed to suit the lighting and movement in your outdoor scenes.
Choose something that resonates with you: Maybe you’re drawn to landscapes, wildlife, or floral photography. Just don’t focus too much on getting the perfect shot. Enjoy being outdoors in fresh air and the process of capturing the changing seasons, the wildlife in their natural habitats, or the peaceful scenes of rivers and lakes. Capturing the beauty of natural light, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, can transform your photos.
Sunrise in Idaho required a 5:30 wake up time!
If you want to pursue outdoor photography, patience is your best friend. Some moments are fleeting, and nature doesn’t work on our schedule. The perfect shot might take time, so be patient, keep exploring, and the right moment will present itself. And remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last; you can always adjust your approach down the road.
Framing the World Through Your Lens: Composition and Perspective
I think great photos are made, not taken. When you’re about to snap a shot of that breathtaking landscape or that sun-dappled forest path, it’s not just what you see, but how you frame it that makes the difference. Composition and perspective are your best tools. Think of them as your paintbrush and palette in creating visual art.
You’ve likely heard of the rule of thirds, and it’s your starting point for composition. I fyouhaven’t heard, you are welcome! Imagine your viewfinder is divided into nine equal segments by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections makes for a more balanced, engaging photo. Once you’re comfortable, don’t hesitate to experiment and try a different approach.
Changing your perspective can transform a boring scene into a masterpiece. Crouching low can make a flower look grand against the sky, while climbing higher might reveal patterns in a landscape unseen from ground level. It’s all about finding a fresh angle that speaks to you.
Don’t overlook the power of leading lines – these are lines within your frame that lead the viewer’s eye through the picture. They might be a winding river, a fence, or even shadows. Natural frames can work wonders too. A window of foliage around a distant mountain peak can turn a good shot into a great one.
I couldn’t resist this shadow shot.
Maintaining a balance between the foreground and background adds depth to your shots and keeps the viewer’s eye roaming through the scene. With these tips, your photos will start to pop with life and lead you down the path to recognizing photography not just as a hobby, but a pursuit that enhances well-being – especially for women, which I will talk about next!
The Unseen Health Benefits: Walking Around with a Purpose
In the previous section, we explored how composition and perspective can elevate your outdoor photography experience. Now, let’s shift gears to a surprising perk of this pursuit: your health. While you’re out there focusing on shutter speeds and apertures, you’re also giving your body and mind a beneficial boost – and this is particularly significant for women. *Please excuse the bad bullet points below. I am trying to fix them!
- Regular walking during photography outings
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Aids in weight management
- Strengthens muscles
- Significant advantages for women
- Improved bone density
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Mental health advantages
- Patience, concentration, and present-moment awareness in outdoor photography
- Mindfulness linked to reduced stress and anxiety
- Singular focus provides a break from multitasking for women with multiple roles
- Walking combined with the creative process of photography
- Increases endorphin levels, leading to a more positive mood
- Creative outlet for self-expression, promoting empowerment
- Documenting nature’s beauty
- Fosters a deeper connection with the environment
- Promotes peace and well-being
Consider making a calendar or cards of all your photos as a holiday gift. This may save some shopping stress! My mom once made us cards and it was a personal and thoughtful gift. Everyone still likes to get cards!
Remember, whatever you capture through your lens can be transformed into a personal work of art. In the next section, we’re going to talk about how to edit your outdoor photos while preserving their natural beauty. Walking with a camera isn’t just about the photos you take; it’s also about how you bring them to life afterwards.
Editing Your Outdoor Photos: Preserving Natural Beauty
Now that you’ve gotten some fresh air, exercise and some awesome shots, you’ll want to polish those images to truly do justice to the natural beauty you’ve witnessed. Don’t worry too much about this being a technical hurdle.
Editing isn’t just about correcting mistakes; it’s also about bringing out the essence of your photographic story. You’ll start with the fundamentals; adjust your photos’ contrast to add depth, tweak exposure to get the lighting just right, and play with saturation to make colors pop – all without overstating the scene’s natural allure.
Keep your edits subtle. Over-editing can strip away the authenticity that makes a nature photo resonate with viewers. We have all seen this a million times with selfie enhancements. Choose something that retains the spirit of the setting – a bush shouldn’t look neon unless it’s bathed in some unusual light. Apps like Lightroom or Snapseed are user-friendly and offer plenty of tutorials to get you started.
In conclusion, diving into outdoor photography isn’t just about developing a creative skill. It’s a journey that benefits both your mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re walking around your local park or trekking through a forest, each step you take is an opening to a new frame, a fresh perspective, and, most significantly, a step towards a healthier you.
Photography isn’t just an art; for many, it becomes a way of life, intertwining with daily habits that fortify mind and body alike. Keep in mind, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. You can always adjust your approach down the road. Embrace the journey, and let every snapshot be a milestone on your path to wellness and artistic fulfillment. I would love for you to share a favorite picture you have taken outdoors!