Nature Photography

How to have fun with nature photograhy

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Photography is accessible to almost everyone. You don’t need a fancy camera either. A cell phone will do just fine and in some cases rivals the quality that can be achieved with a very good camera. And, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed and fun for all ages.

Nature photography is not only vast but filled with interesting subjects. And what better place to start or continue to practice than Lake of the Woods! Teaming with beautiful landscapes, sunsets over the lake, wildlife, fish, insects and plants, the opportunities to take interesting and beautiful photos are endless. In most instances, you don’t even have to leave your own yard, resort or campsite.

Some tips to keep things interesting

Perspective - instead of photographing something at or above the water’s edge, try photographing your subject’s reflection in the water.

Leading lines - use lines to draw the eye toward something in your composition; like a log with turtles sunning themselves on it or a power line with birds sitting on it. Levels - try getting down or up to a different level to view something, like taking a picture of an insect from the ground level, or your dog from his/her eye level, or from above or below something, like a tree or flower.

Experiment - try different angles, play with light, take a silhouette instead of clear shot, or take close-up instead of wide angle.

Some activities to try with the kids or the whole family

Colours – have the child/children look for things of a certain colour and photograph them.

ABC’s - have the child/children look for things that start with each letter of the alphabet and photograph them.

Starts with… – ask the child/children to look for objects that start with a certain letter and photograph them.

Scavenger Hunt - create a list of items to search for and photograph. Be sure to add a few things that are a challenge. And, maybe have some prizes for everyone at the end of the game.

If you love the outdoors - and who doesn’t?! - photography is a great way to explore and preserve moments and memories. Print your photos and add them to an album, create a photo book or make cards to send to your family and friends. Most of all, have fun!