Are you wild for wildlife? Animals in their natural habitat are some photographer’s dreams. Whether it’s a lion hunting prey or an inchworm crawling on a curb, the imagery can be mesmerizing. Newcomers to wildlife photography often have many questions about the best ways to capture such powerful wildlife photos. What lens should I use? What time of day should I shoot? Do I need a hideout spot? Answers to these common questions – and more – can be found below. You’ll also find a few fail-proof wildlife photography ideas. Follow along and you’ll be a natural in no time.

Animal Photography Tips & Tricks

Stunning nature picture ideas require a well-thought-out plan. This is especially true when you’re shooting wildlife. Wild animals are unpredictable. Before heading outside, review the following animal photography tips. These basic do’s and don’ts will make you a much better sharpshooter.

The DO’s:

DO keep your distance.

Anything can happen in the wild. Out of an abundance of caution, keep your distance.  Maintaining a safe distance between you and your subject is paramount. You’re intruding on their home. Be respectful by minimizing your presence. Some photographers opt to wear camouflage. At the very least, cover your camera to help quiet clicking sounds.

DO wait patiently.

Wildlife photographers have a knack for sitting quietly for long periods of time. Harness that inner Zen and hold onto it. The perfect shot rarely happens within a few minutes of setting up.

DO shoot at eye level.

Some of the most impactful wildlife photos are the ones where the animal is looking directly into the camera. To achieve this, try shooting at eye level. Peer through your viewfinder and adjust the camera’s height and angle until you’re as close to eye level as possible.

DO play around with lenses and camera settings.

Using the camera’s settings and accessories increases the chances of getting the best wildlife photos. Zoom lenses are great when maintaining distance – as you would photographing bears. A macro lens is a better choice for capturing small creatures, like insects, reptiles, and butterflies. Other features to consider include your camera’s burst mode and shutter speed. These settings help guarantee sharp images and fewer blurry ones.

DO keep the background simple.

Busy backdrops are distracting. They can be difficult to avoid when you’re working with unpredictable Mother Nature. Minimize visual noise and enhance the contrast. Your subjects will stand out. How and where you set up determines what’s in the background. Be mindful of this. Check the scene through your camera often. Relocate or adjust as needed.

The DO NOTs:

DON’T shoot midday.

Avoid the harsh midday sun. Fierce, direct lighting can create unwanted harsh shadows. Also, many creatures rest during the day making action shots less likely. Plan to be up well before sunrise to catch the golden hour. Not an early bird? Heading out around dinner is an equally opportune time.  

DON’T use flash.

The sudden burst of light that makes you hide your eyes and blink has the same effect on animals. There’s a strong probability they will scamper and you’ll miss the shot entirely. No eyes, just blurry feet and backsides. Using the flash also produces poor image quality. The lighting is too sudden and harsh. It interrupts the beauty of natural sunlight and diminishes the authenticity of your wildlife photos.

DON’T follow animals.

Fight the urge to walk behind or beside your subject. You’ll either scare it away or possibly make the animal feel threatened and have it attack. It’s best to get ahead of the animal and at a safe distance. Try to predict where the animal is going and smoothly walk in that direction. You’ll be able to snap photos of them looking your way.

DON’T stare at animals.

Play hard to get with the animals you want to photograph. Act like you aren’t at all interested in them. Look down at the ground or up at treetops. Meanwhile, keep the subject in your peripheral. You’ll know where it is without having to make direct eye contact.

4 Wildlife Photography Ideas to Inspire You

1.   Take a portrait.

Portraits of children never go out of style – and for good reason. They’re playful and a great way to show off a child’s unique personality. The same is true for wildlife portraits. When captured well, this type of photo tells a short story about the animal in focus.

How to do it:

Wildlife portraits can be done one of two ways: with or without a background. With a background means including the animal and its surrounding environment. It gives a sense of scale, while also emphasizing how that animal interacts with its environment. For this option, select a mid-range aperture to increase the depth of field.

For portraits without a background, you need a slightly larger aperture to let in more light. A short lens is appropriate, if available. The idea is to tighten the composition, so you get more detail of the actual animal. Consider filling the entire frame with the animals’ faces. The close-up shot captures a lot of cute details, like cool blue eyes or an upturned mouth.

2.   Shoot silhouettes.

The “Lion King” movie poster features a profile of Mufasa standing on the edge of a cliff with a big round sun blazing in the background. This is the truest example of how an animal’s silhouette creates a dramatic effect. The technique works with more than just lions. Try it with giraffes, pelicans, elephants, horses, and other distinctively shaped animals.

How to do it:

Golden hour photography is your best bet. The golden hour is 10 to 20 minutes after sunset. That soft reddish sky provides the perfect low lighting. Position your camera so the subject is between your lens and the sun. Set your exposure based on the brightest part of the photo (most likely the sun). Your subject becomes under-exposed, resulting in a sleek black silhouette.

3.   Focus on behavior.

By researching and observing a specific animal over time, certain behavior patterns emerge. You learn things like when they hunt and feed, how they mate, where they sleep, and much more. Not only will you capture something unique to that species, but you get to time the shot perfectly.

How to do it:

Use a fast shutter speed or activate burst mode to keep your camera moving quickly. You don’t want to miss any shots. Play around with lenses, as well. A long lens can help you watch and capture all at once. That said, the most important factor with this one is time. The more time you can spend in their habitat, the more you’ll be familiar with how to take the best wildlife photos. Spend whatever time you can and pack a lot of patience.

4.   Catch a cute gesture.

A “cute gesture” is defined by any activity that elicits emotion. This could be a mama bear protecting her cubs or a giraffe sticking its tongue toward the camera. In any case, these types of photos show depth and authenticity. Gestures help personify animals, which is always an eye-catching subject.

How to do it:

Oftentimes, capturing a cute gesture is pure luck. To increase your chances, it helps to have a fast shutter speed and an even faster trigger finger. When working with non-threatening animals, try to instigate a gesture. Whistle, wave, or mimic their calls. They might give you an inquisitive head tilt or goofy grin. Again, be patient for that extra-special moment.  

The post Take Nature Home With These Wildlife Photography Ideas appeared first on The Motif Blog.

There are many benefits to being outside. It can boost your energy, spark creativity, and relieve anxiety. If you needed one more reason to get outdoors, here it is: National Nature Photography Day is June 15. Let this be your excuse to enjoy fresh air, while honing your photography skills.

Whether you’re a novice or natural, master nature photography with our 10 tips for success.

What is National Nature Photography Day?

The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) has designated June 15 as Nature Photography Day. Beginning in 2006 as a way to celebrate the art form, it evolved into an opportunity to advance wildlife conservation around the globe. Anyone can enjoy Nature Photography Day. You do not need to be a professional photographer. Here are some simple ways to celebrate the holiday, as suggested by NANPA:

• Learn about your local plants and wildlife. Research those you don’t already know. Or, dive deeper into some of your favorites.
• Get inspired by reading about famous naturalists and nature photographers.
• Create a scavenger hunt for specific animals, plants and other natural sights in your neighborhood. This is fun for the whole family!
• Take many photos! Visit a nearby park, nature preserve or green space and start shooting images of the natural world around you. 

Our easy-to-follow nature photography tips below will help you begin.

10 Nature Photography Tips for Success and Safety

Outfit for the outdoors.

Believe it or not, your attire matters. When shooting outdoor photography, anything can happen. Prepare for sudden weather changes and varying landscapes. You might be hiking a paved path one moment and standing under a waterfall the next.

It’s also important to check local rules and regulations. Many parks have a dawn-to-dusk policy. Wherever you’re going, research it well beforehand. Always alert someone to where you will be. Ideally, you’d have a buddy by your side. If a sign-in sheet exists at the trailhead or entrance, use it. If something should happen, park rangers will know you’re near.   

Use what you have.

Yes, most professional photographers use an advanced DSLR camera. With today’s technology, camera phones take incredible pictures. Many smartphones even allow you to choose different apertures or use dual lenses. Get familiar with your equipment. Refer to a beginner’s photography dictionary as needed. It helps to know the different parts of a camera and settings available.

Pack props.

Wildlife and landscape photography requires a steady hand. After a couple hours of hiking, you might be too tired to keep still. Prevent shakiness (and blurry photos) by packing a tripod. If you don’t have one, that’s okay. A box, a book, or other flat items are surfaces on which you can balance your camera.

Consider other accessories like a lens hood and waterproof cover. A lens hood can help prevent glare on a sunny day. A waterproof cover is protective against rain, snow, or other precipitation.

Consult the community.

Talk to locals. They always know secluded mountaintops and hidden pathways. Locals are also cued into the wildlife. They know what flora and fauna to watch for. In some areas, you might consider employing the expertise of a local guide. Guides can often grant you access to areas not open to the general public. Nature photography is all about opportunity. Seize it where you can.

Find the right lens.

Choose a lens with a longer focal length. You need the longest reach possible. This allows you to keep a safe distance from wildlife while getting the best shot. Conversely, for a truly stunning shot, invest in a macro lens. Macro photography magnifies all the tiniest details. This is ideal for capturing the beauty of nature. You’ll see the zig-zag of a lizard’s skin, the veins in a leaf, and the texture of a bird’s feather.

Separate the subject and background.

There are plenty of outdoor photography ideas, but this is a good starting place. In nature photography, an animal or plant is often the focal point. When you want all eyes on one subject, make the subject as sharp as possible. The background should fade out. To do this, you need a lens with a wide aperture. Try f/1.8, f/2.0, or f/2.8.

Find a dramatic angle.

Birds fly high. Alligators stay low. But that doesn’t mean you have to mirror their movements. Sometimes, you want to be eye-level with your subject. Other times, a higher vantage point offers a better shot. Play around with different perspectives. Nature photography allows you to be creative. Lie on your belly. Climb a tree. Hold your camera overhead. Use wide-angle photography. Shoot a closeup. Do whatever you need to find the most interesting composition.

Use the rule of thirds.

A helpful way to think about composition is with the rule of thirds. It’s one of the golden rules of photography. And for good reason. The result is a much more dynamic image. Visualize the frame of your shot cut equally into nine sections. The sections are created by two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. Where the lines intersect is where the eye naturally goes. The goal is to position your subject on the intersecting points or centered in one of the squares.

Leverage natural light.

Natural lighting should always be your first choice. Luckily, it’s easy to access in nature photography. The key is timing. Morning and evening light produce the most dramatic images. Plan to shoot during the golden hour – just after sunrise and before sunset. This level of natural light eliminates shadows for a more even glow.

Respect Mother Nature.

Wildlife is more fragile than you think. Most animals are afraid of humans and will quickly scamper away. Remember, you’re in their habitat. Maintain an appropriate distance at all times. The same respectfulness applies to plants. Try not to trample on fragile flora. Stay on pathways whenever possible. Walk softly and carry a healthy respect for the world around you. Always carry out what you bring with and pick up litter should you find any. 

Share Your Newfound Nature Photography Skills

The world deserves to see your photos, and they help save the planet. “How you might ask?” On National Nature Photography Day, NANPA wants you to know that sharing your photos helps spread awareness. Exposing people to unfamiliar wildlife and landscapes is a form of education. It highlights the importance of preserving planet Earth. When sharing your photos online, use #NaturePhotoDay.

You can also create a tangible display with a photo book. Thanks to advanced technology, Motif works as an iPhone photo editing tool. Use the app to swap, rotate, zoom in on or crop your nature photos. Motif even filters through your photos to find the best shots. With this specially curated collection, Motif then provides optimal page layouts. This unique service makes it quick and easy to create a beautiful photo book.

All you have to do is decide on the number of copies. How many people will you inspire with your nature photography?

The post Celebrate National Nature Photography Day With These Tips appeared first on The Motif Blog.

• The Joys of Rain Photography
• Rain on Your Window
• Get Macro
• Abstract Rain Photography
• A Twist on Nature Photography
• Rainy Day Portraits
• Enjoying Your Rain Photos

When it comes to adding another dimension to your photos, rain can add a touch of unique beauty to compositions. So why not leave your umbrella at home and get a little creative?

Famed for being unpredictable and always arriving at the wrong time, rain can sometimes be seen as an undeniable downer. But why not take a moment and to give rain the recognition it deserves? 

Embrace the possibilities that come with rain photography and realize that there are amazing pictures to be had.  So when it comes to rain photoshoot ideas, dive into our creative ideas to help inspire you

The Joys of Rain Photography

There is both power and grace to be found in photographing in the rain. 

Similar to amazing snow photos, using the element of rain in your photography can create some beautiful and dynamic shots. Achieve this by using the rain as an accent, a backdrop, or as the central component of the photos you take. 

Once you discover a variety of ways to use the rain to your advantage , you’ll worry less about the weather ruining your photography plans.

Rain on Your Window

A simple way to add rain to your pictures is to photograph the rain that hits your windows while you’re inside. 

Both individual raindrops and heavier sheets of rain can make for interesting pictures. The way light refracts as it passes through water can create compelling effects. Photos can focus on the rain itself. They can also use the rain for refraction photography to change the look of something on the other side of the window. Both ways let you use the rain to your advantage, creating new photo opportunities.

Get Macro With Your Rain Photography

Ramp up your refraction photography skills by using a macroscopic lens to get up close and personal with the rain. 

By shooting rain on a macro scale, you see the reflections within an individual raindrop. Use these aspects of the water to shape what the viewer sees in your photo. Reflections within a raindrop often completely reveal your surrounding environment.

Abstract Rain Photography

Experiment with your rain photography by using it as a natural filter for more abstract photography. 

The aspects of water that make it so useful for refraction and reflection photography can also allow you to you distort your scenes into something more abstract without the need for Photoshop. Combine this with non-abstracted scenes to create a powerful end result.

A Twist on Nature Photography

It’s no secret that many photographers enjoy taking pictures in nature. 

Surprisingly, few of them consider rain photography as outdoor photography ideas. Capturing clouds and rainfall add interesting twists to shots featuring the beauty of the great outdoors. 

Including rain in your nature photography plans let you capture moments you can only get when it rains.. Raindrops on a stream or an overhang creating shelter from the storm are just a couple of examples. Familiar outdoor scenes find a new light when you add a little bit of rain to the mix.

Rainy Day Portraits

When creating unique portraits, consider these outdoor photography ideas that incorporate the rain.

Try portraits by a rain-covered window. Consider shots where a tree provides a bit of shelter. Take pictures where your subject is simply out under the full force of the rain shower. Recognize how the rain affects the portraits you take. Stage shots that will give you an interesting finish that would be all but impossible to capture any other way.

Enjoy Your Rain Photos

So when it comes to rain photoshoot ideas, sometimes you need to embrace the wild weather to get some truly unique photos.

The post Don’t Let a Few Dark Clouds Stop You with These Rain Photography Tips appeared first on The Motif Blog.