|
Wow! What a wonderful time
you're having on your camping and outdoor adventures. Wouldn't it be great
to capture that excitement on film? You can! Here are a few tips to help
you become a better outdoor photographer.
Tell a Story. Your
pictures are worth a thousand words. Each photo shows a different
interpretation of the moment. What is your interpretation?
Photography is a personal
expression. Photograph the images that interest you. People - Landscapes -
Emotions - Signs - Specific Objects - Activities - Formal - Natural -
Action. Just be creative. Use your imagination.
Use a Small Camera.
Keep it  handy for
those unexpected moments.
Make a visual impact with
each photo. Take the time to compose a great picture. You want each
one to communicate a feeling. A little patience can make for a great
photograph.
Keep it Simple. Reduce
clutter and confusion. Get closer to your subject. Get particularly close
when taking pictures of people.
Keep colors to a minimum.
Use the proper film and consider the use of filters.
Use good light. The
best times to take pictures is during the "magic hours" of the
day -- an hour or two after sunrise and before sunset. This natural light
is warmer--almost a golden tone. Use your flash as needed but remember
that it is only effective when used eight to ten feet from your subject.
Campfire photos make for interesting portraits with the glow of the
flames. Be sure to use fast film and don't focus directly on the light of
the campfire.
Create depth by
contrasting your background and main subject.
Pay attention to the
details of your surroundings. Search for interesting subjects. Look
for the things that most people don't see. The smaller objects in the
larger picture. Ex. leaves, flowers, water, ice etc. Eliminate distracting
details from your viewfinder such as poles, walls etc. Keep your subject
out of the center of the picture.
Take pictures of people
within your scenery. This makes the photo feel more real and also
gives the landscape a measurable perspective. Don't forget to put
yourself in some of the photos. Use a tripod, a rock or have someone else
take the picture.
Experiment with
various lenses. Work with different angles. Zoom in close. Photograph from
above the subject. Use different lighting. Various weather conditions can
create some very unique and dramatic photos.
Look for unusual views
of familiar subjects. Hike to unique vantage points.
Capture the fun found in
everyday moments.
Take a ton pictures.
You'll get some great photos.
Label
them. Look at those handouts found at visitors centers with your
journal labeling needs in mind. Many will have FREE wonderful fonts and
FREE descriptive phrasing and words that you will be hard pressed to find
once you get back home.
Get
a Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle made from
your favorite photos.
To
catch all the action in real time, use the pocket size Flip
Ultra.
With a little creativity and
patience, you can easily compile a complete outdoor adventure photo
journal for each of your trips to share with your family and friends. This
is a great project for kids also. Give them a disposal camera and let them
take their own pictures. The photos in these journals will help you recall
those special moments for many years to come. |
