On Nature Photography Day,
the Sentinel’s Red Huber has tips for taking the best pictures of the beauty around us.
The advancement of technology has made it easy for people to snap compelling pictures. Professional-grade cameras are much more affordable than they used to be and even your smartphone can capture some pretty amazing images. However, it doesn’t take long to realize that really great photography isn’t as easy as pushing a button.
Today, the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), along with millions of photographers and photography lovers across the nation, celebrate Nature Photography Day.
At the Orlando Sentinel, we are blessed with some really talented photographers. Red Huber’s byline is one readers in Orlando have followed for many years, and he has a magic touch when it comes to nature photography.
And while we can’t all be as talented as he is, here are some tips from Red Huber on improving your nature shots:
■ Learn to be patient. Be ready for the unexpected moment to happen. Waiting a few extra minutes can make all the difference.
■ Capture movement of your subject. Whether it is an animal running or a bird in flight, capturing movement has additional visual impact. You can hand hold your camera or use a tripod depending on the focal length of the lens. Sometimes a nature scene can be even more storytelling if you apply a long-time exposure to your image. It could be waves crashing on a beach or field of flowers blowing in the wind. Always use a tripod in this scenario.
■ Compose your image in the rules of thirds. To use the rule of thirds, imagine four lines, two lying horizontally across the image and two vertical creating nine even squares. Some images will look best with the subject in the center square, but placing the focal point off center at one of the intersecting points of the imaginary lines will often create a more aesthetically composed photograph.
■ Create depth. Try creating a sense of depth by keeping all the different elements of the image in focus and use a small aperture. Again, using a tripod will nullify any camera shake.
■ Tell a story. When an image tells a story, then it’s an image that resonates with people.
If Nature Photography Day isn’t for you, today is also Flip Flop Day and Smile Power Day. Saturday: Fudge Day Sunday: Apple Strudel Day, Cherry Tart Day, Eat Your Vegetables Day, Stewart’s Root Beer Day and Turkey Lover’s Day.
Monday: Go Fishing Day!