Dazzle your Friends with Outdoor Photos
Tips for finding the right blend of color and light that bring your outdoor photos to life
Just about any professional photographer will tell you that light is the most important factor in outdoor photography, or taking any photos for that matter.
But did you ever consider color to be a part of light? If you haven't, you should now! According to master photographer Rob Sheppard, properly used color is the most important component in adding more "wow" to your photography.
Look beyond your subject
Many photographers get their subject in the frame and shoot a picture. This is a surefire way to make dull outdoor photos! If you don't plan the background, a photo will probably turn out to be a typical snapshot. Here are some tips to plan for the perfect shot!
1. Plan
You'll need to do some planning. Look around. Are there any brightly or differently colored objects you could place in the background or foreground?
Let's say you're photographing your kids in the New England area. It's the peak of the fall season and the trees are dripping with bright red, orange, and yellow leaves like crazy.
2. Position
Position the kids so you can capture the color of the trees. Rob Sheppard says that reds and oranges are some of the strongest, most vibrant colors you can use. So put your kids faces in the best colors of fall! Or find that vibrant green tree in summer, or the cherry blossoming tree in spring, or even the snow drenched tree in winter... it's all in the viewfinder. Capture it. Find the color.
3. Again...Find great colors
There are always a variety of colors around. You just might have to do a bit of manipulating. Find a center with the glowy light around a rock, or the water rippling in the background, or the snow mound in the background.
It might seem a little dull if you're in the middle of a rocky desert. There seems to be nothing but shades of brown. But remember, you're not photographing rocks, sand, or the dull shades of brown. You're photographing a subject.
Let's say you're taking a photo of your hiking group. A lot of them are wearing clothing that doesn't contrast much from the surrounding area. So grab a scarf, or a t-shirt or hat that one of them will wear. Be creative!
Look for areas that will make shades look brighter. Maybe you can put the group in the shadow of a large object. Darker colors and shades make other colors appear brighter. By lighting your subject and putting darker shades in the background, you'll magnify the color of your outdoor photos.
However you choose, adding a bit of color and trying to find the light are great tips for outdoor photos. Most of all enjoy playing with the settings of your camera. You are the photographer. Have fun with color and take all the shots you want ... after all, it is the digital age!
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