That can be one of the most difficult obstacles in photography....just get the camera and shoot something. It doesn't have to be an award winning photograph. Look for the most creative way to show what you are photographing and just go for it!
Many times preparation can make or break your photograph. Recently I was asked to write a guest article on BeyondMegapixels.com. This website is great in its coverage of all aspects of photography and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
The article that follows is the submission as it was posted on their website. Please tale a few minutes to read the article and check out their website and blog. Its a worthwhile visit and you will always come away with something new to add to your photographic toolbox.
The following post was submitted by Kendall Adams and you can see more of his photography here.
Copyright 2010 Kendall Adams1. Whatever your subject matter in Nature may be, take the time to research it… thoroughly. Having a working knowledge of your subject will allow you to plan for the expected and the unexpected. Animate, or inanimate, it makes no difference. Consider everything that might be helpful to know about the subject. A few examples might be:
· Is the subject shy or is it readily available to be seen?
· Is the animal Nocturnal?
· What distance will you be from the subject?
· Will a blind or a hide be necessary to photograph the subject?
· Will special equipment be required?
· Will weather be a factor?
· What will be your lighting source and where will it be located?
Some of these may seem unnecessary to you. The real point here is to be prepared for anything that may happen. Getting there and not coming home with the photograph you hoped for can be frustrating and expensive.
Copyright 2010 Kendall Adams
Copyright 2010 Kendall Adams4. Plan a list of shots you want to capture and shoot to this list – this is another be prepared speech. If you know what you are hoping to capture with your photography, you will be more direct in your approach and will strive to capture those shots. You will certainly shoot others to get what you want, but having a list of what you want to go home with will allow your creativity to take over once you start shooting.
Copyright 2010 Kendall Adams
5. Use a bag that is easily carried and makes your equipment accessible when you need it. There is a huge selection of camera bags available in today’s marketplace. Each has its finer points, some finer than others. My best advice to you is to choose a manufacturer you know has a quality product and then evaluate the possible options in their line for your personal needs. Most working photographers have a small closet somewhere in their homes or offices that house years of those “gotta have” camera bags. But when you look at the photographers working bag, they are carrying the tried and true version that carries everything they need in a convenient, secure, and accessible way. It may or may not be pretty, but it works! Take into account any special needs you may have in a camera bag. Make sure your choice is comfortable to carry. If it’s not comfortable you will not carry it! (This is where the collection of bags in the closet begins).You may have noticed that no particular photographic techniques were discussed here. If you haven’t prepared properly there will be little time or desire to continue shooting. There are as many techniques to shoot various scenes and animals in nature as there are species of animals. These techniques are learned over time and are the direct results of personal experience. We’ll discuss some of these techniques in an upcoming article. For now, start researching and planning your nature shots; when the time comes you’ll be prepared and able to concentrate fully on capturing the best shots possible.
