Nature
Nature photographers have very little influence over their subjects compared to other photographers. Landscape photographers can only hope for good weather, great light, and spectacular skies. In wildlife photography, there is the additional problem of having to deal with subjects that don’t show up when the conditions are perfect, or if they do, they rudely present only their backside. Luck is an important factor in nature photography, but it is certainly not a lottery, and there are many things you can do to get the results that you’re after. Here’s my top ten:
1. Preparation is the key to success. Search the Internet for images that have already been shot of your subject so that you, a) know what the possibilities are, and b) what you don’t have to shoot anymore because it’s already been done. Find out what the best season is, check sunrise and sunset times, and maybe even the moon phase and tides. If you’re going to shoot wildlife, learn about their behavior—you don’t want to be waiting for an animal that has just gone into hibernation.
2. Be patient; be very patient. The longer you wait, the luckier you get. Really.
3. Experiment. Those who try the absurd will achieve the impossible. Try a different technique, a weird angle, anything you normally don’t do. Experimentation is not only great fun, it can lead to surprising results.
4. Knowledge is power. When photographing ...
