Outdoor photography can be tricky because you don’t have much control over the lighting or your environment, says Canva. In order to make sure your outdoor photography turns out great, you have to learn how to work with what is available and to make the most of the natural elements.
There are lots of different factors to keep in mind and variables to handle, and here are some tips on how to work with the outdoors in your photography.
Prepare for Changes in Weather
Weather can certainly be unpredictable, but you can plan for it by looking at the forecast and simply dressing appropriately for whatever weather you may end up encountering. You also want to prepare your camera with the necessary protection depending on if you’re going to be shooting in rainy conditions or in an environment that may be too hot or cold for your camera.
Cloud cover can affect your shots, and when the clouds are very high, you may end up with brighter colors. If you’re dealing with windy conditions, try to go to shoot at a time when the wind is calm, particularly if you’re shooting close to the ground or from a low perspective.
Scout the Location
Before you go to start shooting pictures at any outdoor spot, it’s best to scout it out ahead of time. That way, you can take into account the different factors that might affect your shots and prepare for them appropriately. You may need to bring some props with you to make the location work better for you and to customize it to fit your specific needs. You might want to bring lighting with you in case the lighting in the area isn’t up to par. You will also want to dress appropriately for the elements, and take other precautions. For example, I make sure to bring insect repellent (such as this) when taking photos in the country.
Have the Proper Equipment
It’s more important when shooting outside that you have appropriate camera equipment. If you’re doing a landscape shot, you might need to bring a tripod, says MakeUseOf. Beware of the clothes your subject is wearing, as different lighting conditions may work better with certain colors.
It may take you a while to shoot outside, so bring extra batteries just in case. It’s a good idea to have extra lens as well for different kinds of shots. Also make sure you have enough space on your memory card or bring an extra memory card so that you can take as many pictures as you need on location.
If you do all of these, your outdoor shooting should go much smoother.