Nature Photography How To

As an avid photographer, paying close attention to Shutterbug’s articles and tutorials, you’ve become pretty confident about using a camera to achieve sharp, properly exposed images. Congratulations: You’re halfway there.

Photography is all about light, and the challenge doesn’t end with achieving a correct exposure in the camera. This is particularly true when shooting outdoors under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

There’s a bunch of photographers out there who’d like to shoot macro images once in a while, but not often enough to justify purchasing an expensive, dedicated lens. Today we’re going to show you how to get started shooting close-ups on the cheap.

Have you ever wondered how photographers capture soft cotton-like clouds or silky flowing water on the beach or astride a stream? It’s a common technique known as “shutter drag” that’s very easy to accomplish.

Most landscape photographers carry a polarizing filter in their bag for darkening pale skies, making colors more vibrant, and eliminating distracting reflections from water. But what if you’re out in the field and your polarizer is at home?

Most experienced landscape photographers reach for a wide-angle lens when shooting expansive vistas. But telephoto lenses, when used properly, can capture compelling outdoor images with a unique look.

Professional bird photographers often travel far and wide to capture images of exotic species. But what if you’re just an enthusiast and you’d like to give this a try in the convenience of your backyard?