2 August 2009
There are so many great photo opportunities right on our doorstep. Most of us don't even realise they are there. A stroll around the local park, walk along the beach, or a day at the zoo. Photographing animals and nature can be one of the most rewarding ways to use your digital camera. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the opportunities around you.
When snapping pets, you should remember to draw their attention. Try to remain engaged with them, otherwise your photos may appear boring and dull when your dog decides to walk away. Throw a toy to your cat, food can work well too. Have your camera ready to capture the perfect shot as a friend tosses up a dog biscuit, your pet will look alert and may even jump up.
Be patient. Often the most interesting photos of animals are extremely brief. Be prepared to observe and wait for something to happen. Use the continuous shooting mode on your camera to be sure not to miss the magical moment when it does happen.
You can take great portrait shots of animals. How about a grumpy expression, or angry look. Remember that animals tend not to look in your direction for long, so you may have to move your own position in order to get the right shot. Get on the floor and shoot them at their eye-level for excellent results.
One problem with animals is that they don't keep still for long, often on the move. To solve this problem be sure to set your camera to sport mode, or decrease the shutter speed to stop motion blur from occurring. Alternatively, you may want to experiment with the shutter speed to create artistic results.
Focus on detail. You usually shoot a nature photo because of the impression it makes on you. However, often the photo doesn't reflect what you saw on that day. This is because it's the small things which are important. Focus in and capture that perfect bit of blossom, or strange crack in the tree.
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