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nature photography tips and tutorials

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Connect with other photonaturalists on our new Facebook page!

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pnat-facebookFor awhile now, I’ve been trying to think of the best way to create an online forum for us, where you can meet other photonaturalists, and share your photos, stories, and useful links.

Well, I just created a Facebook fan page that I hope will become a part of that.

Why you should join our Facebook fan page

Facebook has become the premier social network, so it seems natural that we should have a fan page on there, but why should you join? Well, here are 3 great reasons:

  • Meet other photonaturalists
  • Share photos and ask for critiques
  • Participate in discussions (check out our first one: how do you feel about HDR?)

So, if you’re on Facebook, please join our page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PhotoNaturalist/72505424246

I’m looking forward to seeing you there! [Read more…] about Connect with other photonaturalists on our new Facebook page!

“Stop and take a look around once in awhile”

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(c) iStockPhoto/CreativeShot
(c) iStockPhoto/CreativeShot
Have you ever seen the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day off? One of my all time favorite quotes is at the end of this film when Ferris says,

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and take a look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”

Bueller wasn’t a naturalist (or a photographer), but I think his advice is the key to enjoying nature.

In our modern world of cell phones, next day shipping, and instant access to just about anything, it’s really hard sometimes to take a break and escape this “on demand” attitude.

But, to really enjoy nature and see all of its beauty, you have to look through patient eyes. You have to stop and take a look around once in awhile.

Here’s a short story to help illustrate what I mean: [Read more…] about “Stop and take a look around once in awhile”

What is a natural photograph?

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Photo by Vic Berardi
Photo by Vic Berardi

Sometimes as nature photographers, our minds focus too much on getting a good photograph, instead of just enjoying nature and being there to capture some of the light we come across.

It’s important to keep nature natural, and I’ll tell you a story to help illustrate what I mean. It’s about the ethics of attracting animals by “baiting” them–feeding them in an effort to get them to come closer to you, so you can get a photograph. [Read more…] about What is a natural photograph?

Don’t be a photographer, be a photonaturalist

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Photo by Steve Berardi

Do you remember why you first got into nature photography? Most likely it was the mesmerizing beauty of nature that inspired you to buy a camera and attempt to capture those precious landscapes, or that wonderful flower, or that unique wildlife.

I remember clearly what inspired me to buy my first SLR camera–the American Southwest. I still cannot describe what I love about the desert so much, but maybe it’s the desolation, or its ability to prove the infinite strength of life. Ever since seeing the desert landscape, I have been on a mission to capture all that glorious natural light.

As you become a better photographer and get caught up in learning all the latest tricks and buying the latest gear, it’s easy to forget what originally inspired you to learn photography. [Read more…] about Don’t be a photographer, be a photonaturalist