Scenic Shots

Nature photography is a fun way to capture the beauty of the outdoors. camera gear to take great photos. And you may be surprised to learn that you don’t need expensive camera gear to take great photos.

Minnesota-based photographer Joe Treleven shares three simple tips to help you enhance your outdoor photography skills and get stunning shots using your smartphone camera.

TIP #1: Choose the best lighting

Great photos begin with the right lighting. While you can photograph nature at any point in the day, certain times can offer better lighting for your shots. Treleven recommends the 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset for the best natural lighting.

TIP #2: Put subjects into focus 

Before taking your photo, you’ll want to use your finger to tap on the screen where your subject is. This will make sure it’s in focus. For example, if you’re taking a picture of a flower, tapping on the flower will make it look clearer and sharper.

TIP #3: Hold your phone horizontally 

Treleven suggests holding your phone horizontally rather than vertically. This allows you to capture more scenery in every shot. He also points out that the subject of your photo doesn’t always have to be in the center of the frame. Try experimenting with different angles.

The rewards of nature photography

Spending time in nature has been shown to boost many aspects of physical health, from strength and balance to heart health. It can also improve mental wellbeing. As Treleven puts it, “Nature photography gets you out into the fresh air. It can give you time for solitude and quietness.”