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I'm Jerry Monkman. I'm a nature and adventure photographer
from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
I'm also co-author, with my wife Marcy, of Discover Acadia National Park, a guide to the best
hiking, biking, and paddling in Acadia.
I'm here on Sand Beach in Acadia today to talk about some simple things you can do
to improve your outdoor photography.
Now the following three tips just scratch the surface when it comes to making
great images.
But even if you the most beginner of photographers, by practicing these
concepts you can greatly improve your photography.
Now, before we get started I want to really encourage you to get out and tune in
to the place you're photographing. You can't just pull over to the scenic view
sign and get out and snap off a few. You really need to get on your hiking boots,
get on a bike,
or go out on a boat and paddle around. This forces you to relax and get in touch with
yoursurroundings.
The great Galen Rowell called this participating in the landscape
and I feel it is imperative to finding new and interesting subject matter
and the photo stories that only come from truly understanding
a place. By the way, Acadia is a great place to explore
on foot, on a bike, or with a paddle.
Now—on to the tips. Tip number 1:
Follow the rule of thirds. The rule of third is an old composition technique
that basically says don't place your main subject in the center of the photo. Now imagine
your camera's viewfinder
is divided into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. Now instead of placing
your main subject in the middle of the picture
place it at one of those points where these lines intersect. This gives your photo a more
pleasing balance. But more importantly
it forces you to really work your composition. As you try placing your main subject
in different parts
of the photo it changes how it relates to the scene and eventually you'll end up with a
composition that works really well. For landscape shots
avoid placing your horizon in the middle of the scene.
Instead, try putting it in the top third or the bottom third
of the frame. If you have an interesting foreground, try putting it in the top third to emphasize the foreground.
With beautiful skies, place it on the bottom third to highlight the sky.
Basically, use composition as a way to emphasize that part of the photo that is
most important to you.
Tip two:
Shoot your subject in great light.
No matter how well you
compose your photograph, you shoot it in mediocre light and it has no chance of being great.
The scene here is beautiful, but it looks just OK in the mid-day sun. The light is harsh, casting
dark shadows and it has an unattractive blue tone to it. Big landscapes like this look best during the golden hour,
that time of day around sunrise and sunset
That means stay out late or
get up early.
Here on the coast of Maine, that can be before
4 or 4:30 in the summertime, but
it's worth it to see that great light.
Like this! Now isn't this more beautiful? Golden hour light is softer, producing more detail in the shadows
and really highlighting the textures in the landscape. It also has a warm orange tone
that imparts drama and is more pleasing to the eye
than the harsh blue light of mid- day. On cloudy days
head into the woods where the diffuse overcast light is perfect for shooting forest
scenes, waterfalls, and close-ups like flowers
and ferns. And use a polarizing filter to really make those
colors pop. Tip number three: Keep it simple. The outdoors is a visually complex
three-dimensional space.
It's the photographers goal to translate that complexity
into a compelling two-dimensional photo. Now it's really hard to do
so you need to keep it simple by composing your photo in a way that eliminates any
distracting elements or backgrounds.
You're responsible for every little millimeter in the frame
so if there's something in there that distracts from your main subject and doesn't enhance
it, recompose to get rid of it.
By simplifying your photograph you make sure that it's obvious what your
pictures is about.
If you have to explain what it is then you've failed.
Those are your three photo tips.
Follow the rule of thirds, shoot in the great light, and keep it simple.
Now get out there and tune into the wonder that is Acadia National Park
with its miles of scenic coastline, over 100 miles of hiking trails, and
more than 50 miles of carriage roads, Acadia is a top-notch destination for
outdoor recreation.
And in our book, Discover Acadia National Park, we detail
50 hiking, biking, and paddling trips, all of which make great great
opportunities for experience the park with your camera.
To order a copy, visit AMC Books at outdoors.org.
I'm Jerry Monkman. Enjoy your photo adventure!