It’s also important to understand how ISO and aperture speeds affect the outcome of your photo.
For shooting bright landscapes, it’s best to use a wide-angle zoom lens. To capture amazing close-ups of wildflowers, a macro lens is suggested.
Although a point-and-shoot camera is quick and easy, and can take great photos, you won’t be able to photograph moving water, star trails, or light trails unless you use a camera that will choose and set all the exposures for you and has a zoom lens.
While photographing wildlife, take lots of photos. Remember that the animals will not stay still or pose for you, so you will have a lot of blurry shots. This is the beauty of digital cameras, you’re not wasting valuable film or money developing blurry shots! When photographing animals and birds, a good rule of thumb is to focus on their eyes. But be careful not to get too close, wild animals can become dangerous if they feel threatened. Sudden movements can scare animals away, learn to approach them. Remember, you are on their territory! With all this in mind, the best way to photograph wildlife is with a telephoto lens.
If you don’t have the funds to travel to Africa to join a wildlife safari, why not try the zoo, your local park or botanical gardens?
Don’t forget your tripod… it’s often overlooked as a necessary accessory. Most tripods have a spirit level to ensure that the tripod…and therefore your shot is level. Using a tripod can greatly improve your shots, especially when you’re shooting landscapes.
Always be prepared, don’t miss the opportunity to take the perfect photo… don’t get caught with a dead battery or a full memory card. You should always have an extra fully charged battery and extra memory cards in your camera bag.
A couple of the best times of the day to take photos are early or later when the sun is low. The lighting produced is soft and warm. Slightly cloudy days are also good days to shoot, since the subject will still be illuminated.
Lastly, remember to be there and enjoy it! Sometimes the most amazing things are lost when we forget to take the time to slow down and enjoy our surroundings. But remember to also look back!
As Ansel Adams said… “You don’t take a picture, you make it”
