Quick tips on how to photograph local parks

Parks offer nearly unparalleled opportunities for many interesting subjects, whether greenery, animals, or the buzz of everyday life. But they can also be quite a challenge if a photography beginner or hobbyist doesn’t know where to start or how to make the most out of the experience. Here are some expert tips to consider.

Check your camera

Before you start shooting, check your camera settings for ISO (100 or lower), white balance (AWB or cloudy), timer, metering mode (evaluative, except if a large part is the sky, which should be partial), focusing mode (one shot), and mode (aperture priority). Have optional gadgets handy, such as a warm circular polarize filter and a tripod.

Be mindful of people and the crowd

On a fine day, there should be enough people to snap a few candid photos of as they pass by. Try to shoot from the hip or if someone, such as a park personnel, catches your eye in good action. Remember though to ask the subject if they mind having their photo taken.

Experiment

Don’t be afraid to take 15, 20 photos at various settings for a single subject or scene. If it’s a moving subject, try taking pictures in continuous shooting mode, such that there will always be a satisfactory photo.

Shoot even when it’s an overcast day

It’s when the light is mildly diffused – the perfect opportunity to capture flowers and foliage, especially after a light rain shower. Shoot a cute animal like a squirrel using a telephoto lens while you’re looking through the bushes and trees.

Explore the surroundings

Don’t waste time shooting the same old trees and paths from the usual angle, or the angle your eyes view a scene. Instead, spend time searching for a subject, going to a place where visitors don’t usually go. Walk around, explore, and get the vantage point!

Jim Feldkamp hails from San Francisco, California, and is into photography and outdoor recreation. For more on Jim and his interests, visit this page.