Tips for Outdoor Photography

With the arrival of Spring, the flowers and trees are beginning to resurface with renewed vibrancy and life. With the return of the warm weather, I enjoy taking nature walks with my children on nearby paths or just playing outside in the backyard. During these fun outings, I often like to document them on film, so they may later be reminisced and remembered in detail. The art of outdoor photography can be tricky at times, however, I’d like to provide you with a few suggestions to help you improve you pictures in the great outdoors.

The most important factor in successful outdoor photography is lighting. When done correctly, outdoor lighting can create dramatic effects, just as flattering as studio lighting. The time of day is crucial for creating the best images. As a rule, dawn and dusk provide the best source of light. On the contrary, if at all possible, you should avoid taking outdoor photographs at midday due to the harsh overhead light it creates. Not only can it create a raccoon effect, but it can also cause squinting. This image was taken at about 1PM on a very sunny beach. Notice how both of their eyes have dark shadows, and they are squinting into the sun. If you cannot avoid shooting at this time of day, it is best to find a nice shady area. Instead, the early morning and late afternoon light is much softer and creates soft-edged, gradual shadows which are more flattering. The warm yellow glow of the setting sun is one of the most beautiful types of light and can create a one of a kind photograph.

When shooting outdoors, a good location is also very significant. Open shade works best to achieve nice, even lighting. Be sure to look all around you, as the same location can produce completely different images by changing angles and/or getting in closer to your subject(s). You must also be aware of what is behind your subject. It is very easy to have trees and sticks “growing” out of someone’s head.

In this portrait, you can see how the tree is coming out from behind the boy on the right. While it doesn’t ruin this image, it would have looked better to adjust them before the photograph was taken. Also watch for trees or objects which can create strange shadows.

Here you can see how the sun causes the ivy to create shadows on the face. Shadows are fine to have, as long as they are falling properly and enhance your photograph, rather than distract. These add a little dimension, but border on distracting.

Beyond proper lighting, basic photography skills and tips become a factor. Simplicity is visually stronger than complexity. Light, solid colored clothing works best to keep the focus on the subject. When subjects coordinate with one another, the outcome is a nicely balanced portrait.

Outdoor photography lends itself well to capturing true personalities, as it is less confined and restricted than an indoor studio. Remember to let the subjects be themselves and don’t force them to say “cheese”. Try different camera angles, including turning your camera vertically. Your subjects don’t always have to be looking at the camera, or centered, for that matter. Experiment with different types of film. Black and white film can be fun to use outdoors as well.

Outdoor photography is not limited to ‘nature’ shots. On a recent trip out of town, I wanted to take some studio style portraits for my sister-in-law. I bought a piece of black velvet and taped it to the wall. Look how beautifully the natural sunlight illuminated them and created beautiful catch lights. This is another option if you are wanting to set up some “portrait shoots”, but don’t have a well lit area inside your home.

The art of outdoor photography can be very rewarding and can produce amazing images. The most essential things to remember are your lighting (time of day) and location. Be sure to get in the photographs yourself! Try setting the camera on a rock and using the remote feature. The more you practice, the more trained your eye will become and your ability to create beautiful photographs will greatly improve. Get out there and have fun with it!

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