Capturing the Majesty of National Parks

When it comes to summer holidays, visiting another state or national park is high on the list for many vacationers.  Sometimes the vastness of these natural beauties can overwhelm our senses and interfere with our ability to decide how to best photograph such a vast space.  It’s an issue that puzzles many photographers – how do we do justice to the grandness and detail of our country’s natural treasures?  We have a few tips to help you capture the essence of the beauty that surrounds you:

Be Prepared:  Shooting in nature requires the right accessories, so think about what kind of images you’d like to create while you’re in that amazing environment.  For example, a tripod is invaluable, as it will provide stability and flexibility, allowing you to compose images that you might otherwise miss.  We have a complete range of quality tripods for you to consider here.

Take it In:  Those first moments when we arrive at the park can open the floodgates of ideas, but reaching for your camera immediately can be a mistake.  Instead of shooting as soon as your reach the park’s entrance, consider taking in the scenery first.  Let your eyes and senses experience the views around you; let your imagination wander as your drive along the path.  Your creative mind needs a bit of time to process this new space, and this patience will pay off in your composition.

Shoot a Quick Memory List:  When taking in a park’s many views and vistas, it’s easy to forget certain areas that you wish to shoot.  Use your camera as a visual ‘to-do’ shot list and take quick photos of the areas that interest you.  Don’t be too concerned about composition or details at this point; the goal is to simply create a shot list to remind yourself of which areas you plan to explore in greater detail.

Choose Different Times of Day: The sun’s changing position throughout the day can create a wealth of different images even though the scenery remains the same.  Areas with trees can cast interesting shadows based upon the sun’s position, so you’ll want to explore those options, as the day stretches on. 

One Location, Many Viewpoints:  Instead of rushing from one location to the next, take a bit of time and study your space from several angles.  Shoot from numerous angles – high, low and close up – to examine how the same area can provide so many distinct and different views.  Find a focal point and shoot it from different vantage points.