How to Improve Your Own Outdoor Photography
Elements that take your images from MEH to marvellous
The elements, simplified
Who, or what is your subject
Who (or what) is the main subject of your image? Great shots blend the environment with one major subject. That can be a natural feature, an individual or a group of people, but your eye should settle on the most important aspect of your photo.
It’s all about the light
Where is the light? Let it tell you what the moment is about. It helps create the mood, story, contrasts, and highlights. Do you want your subject lighted? Backlighted? In shadow?
Composition is huge
Play around with your composition. Most often the most powerful display is putting your subject off to the side. Centering is OK, but shooting with the “rule of thirds” in mind generally makes for a better image:
If you really want to get artsy, consider using the Fibonacci Spiral for composition, where your subject falls in the final curves of this landscape aspect. You can reverse this and even use it for portrait photography too. Google it for more info.
Be Distinctively Different
Is your subject unique? Try to capture a new perspective, like photographing from above, below, or at an interesting angle.
Are you including people? Try getting a different angle on them as well, other than the front facing aspect.
Focus, focus, focus
Know what your camera is telling you, breathe, and take time to get this right. It is worth every moment you give it to have the image work. Use your settings to ensure this on a moving subject.
Editing and enhancement
If you’re doing any editing or enhancement, make sure your colors are true (blue skies are not turquoise, people have natural skin tones) and you’re exposure is right for what’s going in your photo.
Remove distracting elements. If something isn’t part of the photo story, you probably don’t need it. nature showcases all four seasons—snow, flowers, water reflections, and autumn leaves, creating authentic, seasonal experiences.
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If at first you don’t succeed…
Sometimes a photo just doesn’t add up to what you’ve imagined. That’s ok! It’s all about learning and applying what you know and what you’ve experienced in your photography journey. Think of your photography as ever-evolving. Start where you are, enjoy your outdoor adventures and capture them with the best you can do. Be proud of every single advancement you make, and start creating your own style.