Garden & Plant Photography
PhotographingNatural Subjects
With Photographer Mike Sleigh from Polypodphoto
Photographing natural subjects can be especially challenging as
you can be working under difficult conditions, the weather! wind,
rain, changeable light
The subject may be moving, is too far away or is not looking at
its best.
Actually seeing what you are shooting is as important as knowing
how to take the photograph - its all down to the eye of the
photographer
Having expensive equipment may not always help!
Are you happy with the quality of your photos? Quality can be
dependent on the camera, how its been set up by the photographer
and then how the camera is actually usedWhat can the photographer
do to get better photographs? Its down to the ability of the
photographer and also the capability of the camera equipment
used
Picture Composition
Good subject composition and framing can turn an ordinary
picture into a great photograph Points to consider before taking
the photoLook at the subject and see whats in the shot can the shot
be better composed or framed?
Is the light right? Does the photo/subject require good
lighting? With natural subjects shooting in the RIGHT LIGHT is
important to get a good result Can the camera be focused on the
part of the photo that needs to be in focus? If a creative photo is
required can it be taken with a compact camera? Camera shake
leading to a blurred photo can be a problem - more likely when
using the telephoto end of a zoom lens The Camera Has it got manual
settings controlling Aperture and Shutter Speed (and ISO)?or has it
got creative zone settings?To get better images its usually
necessary to have some control over the shutter speed and aperture
settingsPlants can move in the wind, light can change
ISO - change the ISO to suit the situationAutomatic Shooting -
select pictograms/symbols for the type of target subjectAdvanced
Shooting - selection of modes to suit the situation or setting the
aperture and shutter speed independently
Shutter Speed & Aperture
Focusing Depth of Field Focal Length of Lenses
Types of Lenses
Camera Settings ISOImage Recording QualityRAW White Balance
Flash on/flash off
Image Processing
Output Resolution, image size and quality
Printing
Photographic Equipment& Accessories Lenses wide angle,
telephoto/zoom & macro Extension tubes and supplementary
lensesFilters correction & polarizingTripods, Monopods, Camera
bagsFlash guns, ReflectorsSome extra kit useful for Nature
Photography:Background paper. Grey Card.Misc. Pegs, clamps, wire
and tape.Waterproof bag/plastic sack.Small stepladder.Notebook
& pen. Tablet computer. Mobile phone.And dont forget your
waterproofs & boots!
Insects
Birds
People
Plants
Fungi
Trees
Views
Rocks
Skyscapes
Its all about being in the right place, at the right time with
the right light! Mike
[email protected]
