Outdoor Photography

Photographing outdoor and nature scenes takes time, patience and experience. An important step in obtaining your perfect photo requires learning all the elements that affect your shot, then being there when conditions are right.

These factors have a major effect on outdoor and nature photography:

* time of day
* light level
* visibility
* movement
* distance
* behavior of wildlife

More Tips

Most fuzzy photos are a result of camera movement. Digital cameras have some delay between the time you press the button and the photo is taken so it is important to be very still while shooting. If possible, always use a tripod when shooting wildlife images or other outdoor scenes. If you shoot free hand remember to tuck your elbows close to your body for better stability or rest the camera on a stable surface if possible.

Glossy

Pros:

* shiny finish

* colors are vibrant.

* images appear sharper

* Glossy finish does not appear textured when scanned and converted to digital

Cons:

* susceptible to fingerprints and smudges

* removing fingerprints and smudges requires a photo cloth and/or a liquid solution

* Glossy photos produce a glare

Matte

Pros:

* fingerprints and smudges are not as visible

* a more professional look

* reduced glare

Cons:

* texture of matte finish can make a photo look grainy.

* Colors are less vibrant

* The texture of a matte-finish print may produce a pattern or visible texture if the photo is scanned and converted to digital

These tips will help anglers to photograph a trophy catch without harming the fish:

* Make sure that equipment is working and ready before handling fish.

* Keep fish in the water until the photo is taken. Every second that the fish spends out of the water can affect its chance for survival after release.

* When ready for the picture, barely lift the fish out of the water.

* Have the angler support the fish by cradling it in their hands. Place one hand under the fish's belly and one at the fish's tail.

* When lifting the fish, keep it horizontal and support it's full body weight. Avoid holding fish in a vertical position by the jaw.

* Avoid taking fish out of the water for more than 20 seconds. A good habit is to have the angler hold their breath until the picture is taken.

* After the photo has been taken, lower the fish into the water and gently move the fish back and forth in the water to revive it. When the fish tries to swim away, release it.