(Editor’s Note: Exploring Light is a monthly Shutterbug column featuring tips, tricks, and photo advice from professional photographers in the Canon Explorers of Light and Canon Legends education program. This month's column is by Adam Jones with tips on photographing wildlife and landscapes in our National Parks.
All photographers strive to make images with maximum sharpness and detail, but depending upon conditions that goal isn’t always easy to accomplish. Sometimes you can improve soft photos during the editing process, but the preferred approach is to use proper shooting techniques so you get what you want in the camera.
There are many forms of wildlife photography, from capturing images of big cats in the Serengeti to shooting colorful birds at a local park or animal sanctuary. While the choice of gear often depends upon the particular assignment, many important techniques are the same.
One of the most daunting challenges in Photoshop, regardless of your skill level, is doing a precise job of cutting out hair and fur. But in today’s tutorial you’ll learn a remarkably easy trick for achieving great results.
The great thing about bird photography it that it’s a passion you can pursue year-round. But let’s face it: Capturing superb images of our feather friends can be difficult unless you know a few tricks.
The current trend in cameras is clearly moving in the direction of full-frame mirrorless models with super-high resolution, and the megapixel race shows no signs of abating. But is this based upon sound photographic principles, or does creative marketing and the “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” factor into the equation?
Nothing spoils an otherwise great photo more than a really unattractive or distracting background. And that holds true whether you’re shooting portraits, macro, flowers, or certain types of wildlife images.
A lot goes into making eye-popping bird photos in the field. First you have locate an attractive subject, and then catch it in a great pose against a pleasing background. Once you’ve done that, you still have to get the exposure right under often changing light—all before the bird decides to take flight.
Some photographers shoot landscapes, while others concentrate on wildlife or travel imagery. But you can take your outdoor photography to the next level by being less of a purist and combining two or three of these disciplines in your work.
Making complex masks and precise selections can be an intricate chore especially, if you’re using a Raw editor in Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw. That’s why one pro turns to a Photoshop trick whenever he needs accurate control over a specific area in an image.
If you’re a wildlife photographer thinking about ditching your favorite DSLR in favor of a mirrorless camera, this video is for you. Before making the switch, see what this pro says are the pros, cons, and compromises.
We regularly share videos on composition techniques because proper framing is one of the most important aspects of photography. While most of these tutorials have been targeted at landscape shooters, today’s tips are all about photographing birds.
This is a great time of year to make macro magic, as there are flowers, insects, and other small creatures just about everywhere you look. All you really need is a close-focusing lens and the following tips from Swedish pro Micael Widell.
This is a great time of year to photograph our feathered friends, and as you’ll see in this comprehensive tutorial, with the proper skill you needn’t travel further than your own backyard to make some truly spectacular images.
Rebirth and renewal, new beginnings and love. What is it about spring that brings out our inner romantic, and what does it do to our photography? This is what we asked you to show us when we announced Shutterbug’s Spring “Time of the Season” photography contest back in May. And you delivered in spades!