Nature photography 101: Windy conditions.

If you have the time and the means to do it, nature photography is probably the best hobby you can take on.  The world is just too beautiful not to document.  If you step outside, you’ll notice that there are literally infinite subjects to choose from. 

But nature photography is not without its challenges.  Being out in the open leaves photographers vulnerable to the elements.  One such element is the wind.  In most hiking trails around the world, the wind is ever-present. 

Sometimes, the wind can get strong enough to blur photos.  Even stronger gusts can keep a photographer from staying still.  The strongest winds may even pose a threat to your safety.  While there’s not much you can do about gale-force winds but stay indoors, there are ways to shoot good images in less windy conditions.

Toggling the settings of the camera such as the flash and shutter curtain can produce better images.  Photographers are urged to experiment to see which is best.  The higher the shutter speed (1/500 is standard), the less likely an image will be affected by the wind.

The wind makes objects move.  Because of this, expert photographers say it’s best to anticipate the movement of your subject.  If the wind bends your tree, it may be best to anticipate the direction of the bend and find a good perspective for a shot.  Then take a photograph a split-second before it happens.

JimFeldkamp, here, nature photographer and lover of the great outdoors.  For more about me, follow me on Facebook.