‘Take only photos, leave only footprints’ – it’s a good mantra to live by in the great outdoors, but if you love bringing along your camera to capture memories of wild adventures, you may be after a few tips to help you elevate your outdoorsy photos. These quick tips will have you snapping the very best moments outdoors in no time.
10 Tips for Photographing Nature and Wildlife on Your Outdoor Adventures
1, Don’t worry about kit
‘All the gear, no idea’ – a posh camera does not a good photographer make. While a DSLR or mirrorless camera will usually produce good quality photos, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t capture beautiful photos on your smartphone – that’s where I take 90% of my shots. Some subject matter, such as wildlife, is harder to do justice to with a phone, but this quick guide will get you using your phone like it’s a posh lens in no time.
2, Learn Your Camera Settings
That said, if you do decide to invest in a proper camera, spend some time in the back garden learning the basics. Understanding ISO, shutter speed, and aperture is key to capturing sharp, well-lit images. If you’re going to invest, a Canon ESO R5 will take photos that will allow you to go pro one day.
Need a cheat sheet?
· ISO: Increase in low light but keep it as low as possible to avoid grainy pics.
· Aperture: A wider aperture (low f-number) creates a dreamy blurred background.
· Shutter Speed: The faster, the better for capturing movement – 1/1000s is great for wildlife.
3, Wake Up Early (Or Stay Out Late!)
Early morning and golden hour (just before sunset) provide the most flattering light for landscapes, and wildlife is likely to be most active too. Soft, warm tones add depth and magic to your images.
4, Tell a Story
Go beyond single snapshots—create a series of photos that show the adventure from start to finish. Capture candid moments of setting up camp, hiking trails, or interacting with nature.
5. Be Patient
If you’re capturing birds and wild animals, be prepared to spend a lot of time doing… not much, Sudden movements and loud noises can scare wildlife away. Move gently, use trees or rocks for cover, and let animals get comfortable with your presence. Do your research – know what local fauna and flora you might encounter. Apps such as Merlin Bird ID can help you make on-the-go identifications.
6. Don’t be a fair-weather photographer
Soft, diffused light is your best friend. Cloudy days may feel disappointing if you were hoping for a bright sunny day for your camping or hiking adventure, but overcast skies work wonders for avoiding harsh shadows. Even bad weather can look beautiful – stormy skies and misty forests look wonderfully dramatic. Bright sunshine forecast? Shooting with the sun behind you will light up your subject beautifully.
7. Include People for Scale and Emotion
I always add a person or an element of interest into a landscape shot if I can. A solo hiker on a ridge or a tent beneath a towering mountain adds a human connection to nature’s grandeur and draws the eye. Top tip? A bright red jacket or an eye-catching orange tent really pops against green hills or snowy mountains.
8, Pack it up
Keep your camera safe with a weatherproof bag or wrap it in a dry bag in your rucksack, and bring lens wipes for mist, dust, or rain. Cold temperatures can drain the batteries of smartphones and cameras alike , so keep spares close to your body for warmth.
9, Go macro
While sweeping landscapes are breathtaking, don’t forget the little things—raindrops on leaves, footprints in the sand, sea glass or the texture of tree bark. These add depth and intimacy to your photography.
10, Respect nature and animals
Respect for wildlife and their habitats is the cornerstone of ethical outdoors photography. Maintaining a safe distance prevents stress and disturbance to animals. Stick to established trails and avoid trampling vegetation or fragile ecosystems. Adapt Network has great tips for keeping yourself safe and respecting your environment.
