There is nothing quite like taking photography outdoors. The sheer variety of landscapes you can
capture from cityscapes to natural views provide the potential for many stunning shots. But
outdoor photography doesn’t come without its challenges.
Being at the mercy of the elements and not being able to control your lighting to the same extent
present a couple of barriers that outdoor photographers have to tackle. When travelling, you will
want to be able to capture new surroundings.
Here are some of my tips to make sure that you can take some great outdoor photography whatever
the weather or location.
1. Timing Is Everything — Make Sure You Pick the Right Moment
The beauty of taking outdoor photography is the sheer variety of it. There are so many rare
moments that you could capture on camera, making for one-of-a-kind photography that stands
out. Make sure that you have your camera — or phone —near you, ready to snap into action.
Don’t worry about being preoccupied with taking photos and enjoy the surroundings — the right
moment will present itself. Every photo may not be as dramatic as you were expecting, but you
don’t have to take a picture during a thunderstorm to have a great shot.
2. Protect Your Camera and Equipment from the Environment
It’s important to keep your camera and equipment safe from the elements. Use a plastic bag that
you can seal to stop moisture getting inside and destroying your camera and equipment. Batteries
can start malfunctioning if it’s too cold, so bring some backup batteries with you in case this
happens. If you’re shooting outside in the cold, dress for the elements and invest in some
fingerless gloves to allow you to use the camera and still keep warm if you will be outside for
prolonged periods.
3. Consider What You Can Do to Maximise Your Lighting
Of course, being outdoors, you can’t control the lighting situation. You will be dependent on
natural light that will vary at different points throughout the day. What you can do is stay away
from shadowy areas and pick points of the day with the most natural light and clearest weather.
You can also adjust the settings on your camera, by using a larger aperture or adjusting your
shutter speed, therefore improving the quality of your photos when a significant amount of light
isn’t guaranteed.
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4. Keep Things Interesting —Try Something New with Your Photography
Don’t think you have to be bound by what other photographers have done before. Perhaps
instead of taking photos of mountain ranges or waterfalls think of a new twist or subject which
you’d like to capture. There’s nothing wrong with mountain ranges or waterfalls if you put your
stamp on them. By framing the photos differently, or choosing a different time to shoot, you can
create unique images even with subjects that are already familiar.
Ori Guttin is a co-founder of Viewbug, an online picture-sharing community, and has spent years
working in the internet industry.by Ori Guttin
