How to Take Great Nature Photography

With a good 35mm single-lens reflex camera and the proper lenses, you can take close-ups of flowers and wildlife. Each photograph requires techniques and accessories.

Taking Close-Ups

You will need to use either a close-up lens that screws onto the front of your regular lens and the body of the camera. The latter should be automatic so that your camera functions normally. If you have a zoom lens, it may have a "macro" mode that will allow you to shoot at a close range.

Close-ups should be taken using a tripod. It will steady the camera and allow you to compose the picture better. Focus carefully to get the most significant parts of your subject sharp; a lens has a very sallow depth of field at close range. To increase the sharpness of the photo, use a small aperture (f/11 - f/22); if there is sufficient lighting, use slow-speed film (ISO 25 - 125.)

Movement is exaggerated in a close-up. To avoid a blurred image, try to work on a calm day. If it is breezy, tie a flower to a stake to steady it or erect a wind shield with stakes and fabric.

Pay special attention to the light. Backlighting will give a translucent effect to leaves and flower petals. Side lighting will sharply define textures. Hold up a white cloth on a frame cut from cardboard to soften harsh sunlight; position a white card to reflect light into shadowed areas.

Photographing Animals

Most wild creatures are timid, so you should move quietly and slowly to avoid from frightening them. Wear muted colors and cover shiny surfaces of your equipment with dull tape.

Seek out locations where animals feed or water, or put out food to attract birds and small mammals. Find natural cover with a good view or hide from view in your car or tent. Often, like a hunter, you must stay quietly in one place for hours or return day after day until your "prey" becomes accustomed to your presence.

To pull in subjects from a distance, you will need a 200 to 400mm telephoto lens. A telephoto lens can be quite tricky to work with; it exaggerates camera movement and has a limited depth of field. Steady the lens on a tripod and focus carefully. Anticipate the actions of your subject, focus on a spot it will move into, and then take the picture when it gets there. Use high-speed film (ISO 400 - 1000) and fast shutter speeds at about 1/250 second or more.