How to Become a Nature Photographer

If you enjoy the outdoors and love to take pictures, you have probably discovered nature photography. It is a genre that is physically, as well as mentally challenging, but it offers such amazing rewards that you are sure to be drawn back time and time, again. If you have never ventured into the wondrous wildlife reserve of nature photography, strap on your hiking boots and break trail with the following steps.

1. Step 1

   Purchase a good set of photography equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, a camera, film, lenses, filters and a sturdy tripod. If you’re a complete newbie to photography, check out the Photo website article on nature photography. It gives a detailed guide to purchasing equipment.

2. Step 2

   Set up a bird feeder in your backyard and shoot any birds that come along (with your camera). This is a great way to build skill with your camera and different techniques without the effort and expense of traveling to a more exotic location.

3. Step 3

   Go to your local library and check out a few books on photographic composition. Since the subject of nature photography is often something generic like a mountain or waterfall, knowing how to balance the visual elements in your pictures will make them better.

4. Step 4

   Take lots of pictures when you take trips to parks, trails or other cities. The best way to develop your eye for natural beauty is through practice.

5. Step 5

   

   Look for galleries of nature photography online or in your town. Expose yours

   elf to the work of as many different artists as you can. Take notes on the composition, lighting, subject matter and technique of these pictures. Use them as inspiration for your own methods.