How does a photographer become a better adventurer? Here we share 7 secrets to boost your adventure photography skills:
Table of Contents
Start With A Plan
Plan your route, budget and kit out, as well as how you’re going to share images with family and friends back home.
The first step in creating a great travel image is planning a trip and creating a plan. By doing this, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and what you need to pack. If you’re travelling somewhere new, be sure to plan in advance. Otherwise, it may be wise to check out the weather, local culture and safety beforehand.
Once you’ve found a destination, it’s easy to find out where to go and what to see. Start by making a list of your must-see locations and do your research. This will ensure that you avoid tourist traps and get the most out of your trip. It’s also worth familiarizing yourself with the climate, terrain and wildlife, as they may all affect the type of photographs you’ll be able to take.
Learn Your Camera
A camera should never be more than half a metre from your face, especially if you’re carrying a lot of kit. The ability to focus quickly on small subjects is also vital in the field.
Many cameras now come with a built-in screen which displays the images as you shoot, making it much easier to frame the perfect shot. But it’s not always possible to view your photos on the spot, especially if you’re on the move and it’s dark. This is where dedicated viewing screens come in handy. You can also use your phone as a viewfinder.
When you’re on the road, you’ll need a compact, portable camera. This will make it much easier to shoot in tight spaces and on the move.
Be Prepared
Your camera and lenses should be packed in a waterproof bag that can fit into your rucksack. You can also carry a second bag to store extra lenses and other accessories while you’re on the move.
In the field, your kit needs to be portable and easy to handle. It’s a good idea to keep your camera and lenses in separate bags to reduce the risk of accidental damage. And don’t forget to pack a change of clothing and toiletries.
When shooting on the go, it’s important to take the time to get familiar with your gear. Practice with different focal lengths, shooting modes, and shutter speed. If you have a manual camera, make sure you understand how to change settings.
Know Your Equipment
Always carry your camera body with a lens attached, but know how and when to switch lenses. Also, always take spare batteries, memory cards and chargers.
If you’re shooting digitally, you will need a memory card that has enough capacity. It’s advisable to use a compact flash card (CF), which will ensure your images will be saved. Memory cards can be found at most major retailers.
When shooting in bright sunlight, you may find that you have to use a tripod to prevent your subject from blurring. And make sure you are aware of your shutter speed and aperture settings, which will affect how your images look.
Go With The Flow
You can learn a lot by just observing nature. Look for animals, plants, people and places, and look for patterns in their behaviour.
If you’re a keen nature photographer, you’ll already be familiar with this, but sometimes the best shots aren’t planned or taken in the best conditions. You’ll have to get creative and think outside the box to take interesting images.
Try shooting in low light conditions. If you’re taking landscape or cityscapes, shoot early or late in the day.
Learn to Capture the Moment
There is no single right way to capture an image. Experiment with composition and light, using natural light where possible. When taking portraits, use slow shutter speeds.
Make sure you are comfortable with the equipment you’re using. If you’re unsure, try asking for advice from a professional photographer.
Have Fun
Don’t take pictures just for the sake of it, get out there and enjoy yourself.
It’s a good idea to photograph in a variety of different locations and weather conditions. Travel photography doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, if you follow the steps above, you’ll soon be capturing amazing images.
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