Nature's Palette: A Small Business Owner's Handbook to Springtime Photography

Garden Photography

15 Apr

April and May are some of my favourite months for nature photography - the wild garlic, blubells and cow parsley evoking nostalgic moments and lifting my spirits as with them usually arrives the sunnier days and the smell of spring. There’s always something magical about the way the air just has a different scent at this time of year - it heralds a lift in mood and awakens my creativity again. If you’re inspired by the springtime in your business, I thought it would be a great time to share a few tips with you and help you get some of those seasonal shots you’ve always dreamt of.

My Top 5 Tips for Nature Photography (even if it’s just with your phone)

Find the Right Light: Look for soft, diffused light during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can create strong shadows and wash out colours. Experiment with different angles to see how light interacts with your subject.
Get Close and Personal: Use the macro mode on your mobile phone (iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max users can access the Ultra Wide camera to capture macro photography) to capture intricate details of flowers, leaves, and insects. Get as close as your phone allows without losing focus or clarity. Explore different perspectives and angles to highlight the beauty of nature up close.
Focus on Composition: Pay attention to composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. Use these principles to create visually compelling images that draw the viewer's eye into the scene. Experiment with different compositions to add depth and interest to your nature photographs.
Embrace Movement: Nature is constantly in motion, so don't be afraid to capture movement in your photos (you may have seen a lot lately about ‘blurry’ photos in social media discussions - the trick is to make it relevant to the scene). Experiment with techniques like panning to capture the graceful movement of flowers swaying in the breeze or the flutter of butterfly wings. Use burst mode to capture fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or rushing water.
Practice Patience: Nature photography requires patience and observation. Take the time to study your surroundings, anticipate interesting moments, and wait for the perfect shot. Be prepared to spend time in one location, observing changes in light and behaviour, to capture unique and memorable images.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of exploring and capturing the beauty of nature whatever camera you have with you. With practice and experimentation, you'll develop your own unique style and techniques that reflect your love for the natural world.