TIPS FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS


These tips work for me, and they might work for you. You won’t find most of these in a photography book (Making this list was inspired by Kevin Kelly’s book “Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier).”


  • You can and should share your images on social media, but photograph for yourself not for social media.


  • Remember that a snapshot shows the world what your camera sees. A photograph shows the world what you see (from the brain of Ian Plant).


  • Remain astonished at what you see.


  • Before and after making photos, take a deep breath and take in the bigger picture.


  • Study the edges to make sure nothing is there that you don’t want.


  • Embrace new ways of seeing.


  • Make photos of things everybody knows but in a way no one has ever seen.


  • Go to a location you’re interested in and embrace whatever you see.


  • Appreciate the skill you have to make good photos. Develop new skills to make great photos.


  • Learn the limits and capabilities of your equipment.


  • Always read about subjects you just photographed.


  • Walk around your subject until the angle, background, and lighting resonate with you.


  • Find a photograph in a book or magazine that you don’t like, then go out and do better.


  • Photograph with intent.


  • Trust the histogram.


  • Be patient.


  • Be grateful.


  • Have only one subject per photograph.


  • Don't dwell too long on past photos you made; the photo is for the ego, making the photo is for the soul.


  • If you want honest feedback, don’t ask a family member. Ask someone whose photography work you respect.


  • Find interesting subjects.


  • Photograph like a writer, edit like a poet.


  • Remember you’re photographing the light.


  • Make sure your photographs say “you need to see this,” not “I saw this.”


  • To truly see your subject, forget what it's called.