Jim Feldkamp

Image source: exposureguide.com You’ve finally purchased an underwater camera and water casing, now what? Underwater photography not only produces stunning results, but it represents patience and determination. Here are some tips to help you get that perfect underwater shot. Practice in a pool : It is advisable to familiarize your shooting skills in a pool before taking your chances in the great unknown. Ask your friends to model for you so you can practice capturing actions and experiment with how you utilize sunlight. Slow down the shutter speed : Doing this will not only let you catch ambient light, but it will also increase your chances of catching beautiful movements in the water. Shoot in upward angles : This will add drama to subjects, especially if sunlight is beaming through the water. Image source: digitalrev.com Have a steady grip : Holding a camera with steady hands is vital for shooting underwater. Practice your grip by trying to hold your b...

You may already have your cameras and lenses packed for your next nature shoot, however, there are still some essential accessories that you might have overlooked. Here are some of them. Remote trigger A lot of photographers underestimate the importance of a remote trigger. Even with a tripod, cameras may experience the smallest vibrations that might ruin a shot, especially when you press down on the shutter. Many cameras now come with their own remote triggers and shutter releases. If those aren’t enough, you can also purchase an extra one. Lens filters Lens filters help photographers cope with the ever-changing lighting of the outdoors. Whether it’s the flapping leaves above or the unpredictable rain, lens filters can help bring out the best photos. Polarizers, and UV and ND filters are great investments. Tripods It may be a bit of a hassle to carry but a reliable tripod can save you tons of film or bytes on a nature shoot. Remember that the great outdoors...

Since I love nature photography and the great outdoors, it’s only fitting that my favorite sports are played out in the open. Last weekend, while hiking, I came across a number of seniors out for their nature walk, and they described walking as their sport. I loved it and thought to come up with my own favorite sports. While I love soccer as much as the next guy, I went for sports that are more in tune to the beauty of nature, sports that make me interact and appreciate what the natural world has to offer. Golf, for instance, is one such sport. For me, there is no game more relaxing than golf. You can spend an entire afternoon hitting balls with different clubs, and you’ll never tire of the view. That’s how golf was meant to be. It’s great for your body and mind, and for nature lovers like me, it’s simply heavenly. My second favorite sport is cycling. Not only do you get to go places, but cycling also affords you the chance to see different areas, areas you’ve never seen...

Any nature photographer who knows what they’re doing will tell you that one of the hardest images to capture is that of a bird of prey. Birds of prey are fast, and they’re quite elusive. Many shots of birds of prey are taken through extraordinary patience and skill and a substantial amount of luck. But these are the images that make it to big-time publications. Here are a few ways to finally land that much-coveted bird of prey photo. Research Birds of prey aren’t around all day. As I mentioned, they’re quite elusive. The good thing is though, they very territorial and can appear multiple times in certain places. Once you know their eating habits and what time they go out to look for food, it will be easier to set up a shot. Being at the right place at the right time is what being a photographer is all about. Preparation Once you’ve done your research and know where you have to be, it will be all about setting up your equipment. Since these are birds, take along gear n...

For a lot of people, nature photography is as good a hobby as hobbies can get.   Each shoot is an adventure on its own, plus there is a myriad of health benefits to reap.   However, before engaging in this wonderful endeavor, photographers have to be ready.   One of the things you need to remember before going on a nature shoot is to bring the necessary things.   Here’s a short checklist. A safe bag for your camera and all its accessories:   We already assume you know the what photography accessories you need to bring for the trip ahead. A water bottle:   Never underestimate the importance of a water bottle and drinkable water.   This is important especially if you’ve never been to the place before, or if you’re traveling to the desert.   Protective clothing:   The outdoors, though beautiful, can also hold a lot of dangers for your body.  Bring towels, hats, sunglasses, scarves, gloves, and other protect...

I f 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.   Photographer...

Nature photography combines two of my favorite hobbies – photography and hiking in the great outdoors, which is more often than not, an exhilarating experience.   But don’t let excitement get the best of you.   It’s always best to be prepared before you venture out into nature to take some shots.   Here are some important safety reminders for you. Research Research on what you need to know about the location.   What’s the weather like?   Are there any predators that pose a threat to humans such as mountain lions and bears?   What clothes need to be bought ?   Are there cellular phone signals in case an emergency arises?   These are just a few questions that need to be answered. Buddy It’s best to bring a friend along, especially if you’ll be camping out or if you’ll be carrying a lot of equipment for the shoot.   Having someone come with you cuts all the hassle in half.   Just make sure it’s someone who has an appreciati...