Anyone have any nature photography tips?

[NTB]

I'm going camping this weekend, so of course my Canon A80 is going with me . I intend on taking at least 1 day to go hiking for a while and see if there's any interesting pictures to be taken - animals, plants, landscapes, anything that happens to catch my eye. Anybody have any tips on getting the best pictures? I don't have much to work with; basically just my camera and an Ultrapod II mini-tripod. I've got plenty of "film" to work with (2 x 256MB and the original 32MB card), so I'm not worried about that. Any pointers will be greatly appreciated!

Nate

 

[lobadobadingdong]

you need a good optical zoom...at least 10x.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
you need a good optical zoom...at least 10x.

I'm SOL on that one. Like I said, all I really have to work with is the A80 and a little tripod. I did this last year with an older camera, and still got some decent pics (landscapes, flowers, 1 big butterfly, among other things). I know I'm not going to be shooting *moving* targets with this setup.

Nate

 

[GonzoCircus]

Try different things. You will be able to get great pictures with just the Auto setting on the A80. If your new to the A80, play with setting before the trip to get a feel for them. I have some nature photos from my trip to Santa Fe here. I have more macro type pictures of flowers here. Take a lot of pictures. If you find a great subject, keep shooting even if you think you got the shot. You have plenty of storage, so shoot a lot, shoot until all your cards are full. Find new ways to take pictures. Have fun!

 

[Lars]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but here are some very general tips ...
http://photos.msn.com/Editorial/Article.aspx?aid=whatmakesaphotogood&sec=TAKING_PICTURES&sec=digitalworkshop

 

[Evadman]

I thought that said nude. OK, now I know I am messed up.

 

[GoSharks]

best light is at sunrise and sunset. noon light is generally pretty boring.

 

[Anubis]

shot in the morning and afternoon, avoid mid day because teh sun is too harsh, unless its clouds/really wooded
Landscapes are always nice, if you hike to a place with a great view you can take a bunch of them

 

[Renob]

GonzoCircus

What cam do you have, and how do you like Santa Fe?

Nice pics

 

[GonzoCircus]

Originally posted by: Renob
GonzoCircus

What cam do you have, and how do you like Santa Fe?

Nice pics

Thanks

A80. Looking to get a Rebel in the next few months, but I have to get a nice camcorder first. Santa Fe is great, a nice place to go camping. I love the whole southwest. I don't know what it is about that part of the country, but it makes me feel relaxed.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Take pictures of what looks good to you. It's really that simple.

ZV

 

[Renob]

I grew up in Santa Fe, but live in Austin now, Im going home next month to go camping/fishing up in the Pecos Wilderness for 5 days. I will be taking some pics with my A-70 hope they come out well.

 

[ucdnam]

Bring extra batteries. You'll be out of batteries before you fill your memory cards, especially if you are messing with the manual settings and adjusting as you go. That or bring a car charger.

 

[BruinEd03]

Originally posted by: NTB
I'm going camping this weekend, so of course my Canon A80 is going with me . I intend on taking at least 1 day to go hiking for a while and see if there's any interesting pictures to be taken - animals, plants, landscapes, anything that happens to catch my eye. Anybody have any tips on getting the best pictures? I don't have much to work with; basically just my camera and an Ultrapod II mini-tripod. I've got plenty of "film" to work with (2 x 256MB and the original 32MB card), so I'm not worried about that. Any pointers will be greatly appreciated!

Nate

best lighting is during early morning or mid to late afternoon when the sun's rising or setting.

-Ed

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: ucdnam
Bring extra batteries. You'll be out of batteries before you fill your memory cards, especially if you are messing with the manual settings and adjusting as you go. That or bring a car charger.

Got that covered I bought two sets of AA NiMH's when I got the camera, and I've got a third, older set from my old camera (2MP Olympus).

Nate