7 Cool Nature Photography and Video Ideas
Nature has always impressed and inspired photographers. How can we resist a gorgeous flower or the beautiful spectrum of the autumn leaves?
One of the best things about nature photography is its accessibility. You don’t need to go anywhere far. Your backyard is a lively and resourceful studio.
Grab your gear and try out these cool nature photography and video ideas!
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In this article:
- Nature Photography: Insects l Creepy-Crawlies
- Nature Photography: Birds l Other Wildlife
- Nature Photography: Flowers l Leaves
- Nature Photography: Fruits l Berries
- Nature Photography: Mushrooms
- Nature Photography: The Rain Droplets
- Nature Photography: Time-lapse
Check Out These Cool Nature Photography and Video Ideas:
Nature Photography: Insects l Creepy-Crawlies
Springtime in the northern hemisphere is when we have fairly nice weather with little creatures running their errands.
Ponds are filled with dragonflies. Butterflies are buzzing around the garden, sometimes fluttering past the windows. And don’t miss out on your backyards with thousands of creepy-crawlies; crickets, caterpillars, moths, wasps, bees, praying mantis, snails, spiders, and bugs.
Hone your macro photography skills. There’s no need to splurge on a macro lens. A close-up filter is also a good alternative for quick conversion of your existing lenses if your budget is tight.
Nature Photography: Birds l Other Wildlife
The kind of birds and animals you find varies, depending on which regions you’re living in and how your neighborhood is structured.
Wildlife photography requires patience, particular birds. Spend some time to note down which creatures will likely visit your backyard, their behaviors, and habits. Some areas you expect them to appear may need extra attention, for example, the birdbath.
Be ready to freeze the moment with a fast shutter speed. Make sure your aperture and ISO are all set to go. Consider stabilizing your long lens with a tripod or camera stabilizer. You don’t want camera shake, do you?
Set a spot where you’re 100% comfortable placing and maneuvering your gear. Be inconspicuous and prepared to take the shots.
Nature Photography: Flowers l Leaves
When looking for subjects within your own backyard, flowers and leaves often come to mind in the first place. They offer various shapes, color spectrums, and textures for your photography imagination to capture.
A great way to challenge yourself and expand your skillset is trying to capture something unorthodox, more than just a basic floral shot. Can you make your shots stand out?
Experiment with lighting and conditions: if you want to create a 3D luminous effect with flowers and leaves, try out backlighting. Directional and robust lighting is a good choice for some particular shapes, especially enhancing their colors in wet conditions.
Are you stuck in your apartment due to social-distancing? Get some green spaces by growing your plants indoors with seeds and bulbs. A backdrop, intentional lighting, and some macro tricks will liven up your day.
Needless to say, floral photography is an endless source of inspiration.
Nature Photography: Fruits l Berries
Fruits and berries are next in our nature photography’s list. They grow in colder months, feeding birds and animals.
Towards the end of autumn, the variety of berries and seed pods ripen, coating the garden with the color of winter.
Persimmon trees lose their heavy leaves, revealing shiny, juicy orange fruits. Think of citrus trees, pine cones, acorns, and also nuts.
Nature Photography: Mushrooms
Mushrooms, toadstools, and fungi are abundant in autumn and winter. Some just pop up after rain no matter which season. You can find them on the side of trees, in damps or log piles.
One of the most favorites is red toadstools with white speckles. They’re all familiar to us in fairy tales and magical worlds. Their colors and textures are just perfect for nature photography.
From an aerial view, they’re characterless. But with a show from beneath and backlighting, these tiny umbrellas become spectacular with their fragile structure.
Nature Photography: The Rain Droplets
Rain can tell stories, and raindrops are the words. The rain is a fascinating subject in the lens. Step out of your comfort zone by experimenting with new angles and lighting.
For example, a string of droplets or a single drop can be isolated by an uncluttered background. This can be achieved by distancing the droplets from the background with a wide aperture to create blurs.
Droplets sit exceptionally well in some types of leaves and disperse in others. Notice, and you can see how beautiful that is.
Nature Photography: Time-lapse
Time-lapse is something anyone can do, even from indoors. The flickering light of nightlife or a simple garden scene with a moving sun is a great way to start.
Set up your gear. Stand your tripod. Go into the woods and try time-lapsing. There’s plenty of time at hand, why not incorporate time-lapse in your nature photography’s ideas?
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