They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder , but still some aspects exist that differentiate between nature pictures and fine art nature photography.
First and foremost , the photographer interested in producing art must accept the reality that hundreds of pictures will need to be taken for every one that may be a contender . Sometimes , there is precious little a photographer can do when the subject matter is organic and unpredictable other than using quick reflexes and a whole lot of patience. The very first aspect relating to fine art nature photography then is the ability to catch a natural moment. Anyone can photograph lions sleeping in the grass or a storm pelting a reservoir , but it’s a photographer that is focuses and patient who can immortalize the airborne moment before a pounce , or the first of a thousand spreading raindrop ripples .
Yet another aspect of creating nature photos that are fine art is to ensure you have the right equipment . One example, a good tripod is imperative if you’re taking photos in nature not only to ensure the consistency of the shots , but to help the photographer avoid as much movement as they can so the environment is not disturbed . The right lens for the particular style of photography is also important , for a 300/4 lens will produce a much different effect than a 20mm wide angle lens .
Yet another aspect to consider is lighting that carves canyons between fine art nature photography and the Sunday shots at the zoo . It’s easy to find natural light , and it’s the best, but only if it isn’t too harsh as it is midday . Not only should you know about light sources , but controlling it too . The use of white boards and reflective foils, umbrellas and the like may not be necessary for all nature photography depending on landscape composite and the time you’re shooting . Once again , it’s imperative that you know the equipment you do and don’t need in order to produce the effect one desires .
As we already mentioned , beauty is definitely in the eye on the one beholding the photo, but certain techniques and practices will show up in pictures worthy of bearing the title “fine art.” If you want to produce fine art nature photography, the photographer must have patience and be ready, must know the needed and unneeded equipment , and in the end, must master the techniques of lighting used to get the effect desired . Everything else is about nature and left to chance.