Quick & Easy Spring Photography Tips
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Photo by bantersnaps on Unsplash
Spring is one of my favorite seasons to be a photographer. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, a wedding photographer, or are in the events space, exciting things are happening in March, April and May.
But, as is always the case, I’m trying to push myself during this season to grow in my photographic skills and pursue some projects I haven’t before.
If you’d like to join me on this journey, here are some easy spring photography tips for you.
Focus on the Details
photo by KarenHBlack via iStock
Bokeh, lighting, patterns and backgrounds are all details you can focus on in your spring photography.
Since spring photography is all about reinvigorating the senses, you’ll want to focus on finding as much light, new growth and texture as possible.
For instance, if your spring photography looks more like flower photography then you can use bokeh to capture a single flower amidst a buttery background of other flowers. Just make sure to use a wide aperture.
photo by TonyFuse via iStock
This technique isn’t limited to just flowers, either.
Using a shallow depth of field allows you to zero in on any subject and render the background beautifully blurred.
Find ladybugs or other insects, take a pet portrait, or make a single leaf on a branch your subject. Whatever the case, focusing on the details will help you practice your creative and technical skills.
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Spring is Perfect for Portraits
Photo by Jenny Marvin on Unsplash
I try to take all of my personal portraits during spring, and I tell other people to do the same as part of my spring photography tips and tricks list.
Portraits taken during spring have the added advantage of using gorgeous blooming backgrounds, and clients are more than willing to travel to find them.
So not only are you practicing your portrait photography, but you’re getting out and traveling, which is a great time to do some location scouting.
photo by fotostorm via iStock
There’s also no time like springtime for street photography. Head to your nearest park and begin photographing people enjoying the warmth for the first time in months.
Again, widen that aperture, minimize the depth of field, and see how beautiful a tack-sharp portrait subject can be against a bokeh-filled background!
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Shoot at Dawn
photo by valio84sl via iStock
Of all my spring photography tips, this one can really be applied to any season. However, shooting at dawn during the spring helps you to capture the natural beauty of your locations because you can catch the dew and mist of this fun season.
Shooting dew on flowers adds another layer of texture to your photos that you barely have to work for and a field full of dewy flowers is incredibly ambient.
photo by ElenaBelozorova via iStock
You can also add some mood to your photographs by shooting spring photography at dawn.
While misty fields can look otherworldly, misty and foggy roads and houses can be a little creepy. Have fun with it!
Just be aware that fog can really mess with your camera’s metering system. Get a few tips on how to photograph foggy landscapes to overcome this issue.
Use Backlighting
photo by Pawel Gaul via iStock
Unless you’re regularly taking photos of couples, you’re probably not using backlighting nearly as much as you should be. Spring photography provides the perfect outlet for you to perfect this skill since the light is so bright for the first time in months.
When using a backlighting technique, your camera can encounter difficulties with metering and focusing.
Most cameras use matrix or evaluative metering that assess the light that’s available by measuring light at various points throughout the entire scene.
But when the scene is backlit, the bright background and darker subject in front of it can lead to an underexposed image.
The simplest solution to this problem is to use exposure compensation to brighten the image. One or two stops should work great.
Gear Tips for Spring Photography
Now that you have all the spring photography tips you’re going to need, you’ll also need some gear.
Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of photography gear for spring weather that will keep you comfortable but won’t break the bank.
An All-Weather Camera Strap
The Vegan Leather Money Maker is the perfect camera strap for the spring because you can get it wet all you want and it will remain comfortable and pliable.
We chose the Money Maker specifically because it allows you to hold two cameras at once, which prevents lost time making lens changes in the very early morning hours.
Holdfast, the creator of the Money Maker, also has a lifetime guarantee on all of their products, so you know that this $195 purchase will be the last camera strap purchase you ever have to make.
An Easy-to-Use Rain Cover
Plastic rain covers that barely work are out, and the Camera Canopy is in. While you are going to be fine in the rain thanks to the vegan leather Money Maker, your camera might not be weatherproof. If so, it’s going to need some help.
Well, the Camera Canopy, which comes in different sizes for your DSLR or your mirrorless camera, keeps your camera protected from rain, snow and sleet by connecting directly to your hotshoe.
For under $90 (DSLR) and $60 (mirrorless), we think this is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your camera. Plus, it’s far easier to use than those gross plastic bags that encompass the back of your camera.
Instead, the Camera Canopy sits on top of your camera so you have easy access to the LCD and controls. It’s a win-win!
A Circular Polarizer
Last but not least, you’ll want to add a circular polarizer to your kit.
Kenko’s Slim Circular Polarizer is available for just $43, which is the least amount of money you’re going to spend on a circular polarizer that will last you a lifetime.
Springtime is all about blue skies and storms rolling in, and with a circular polarizer, you can enhance the look of the sky.
Photo by Jingda Chen on Unsplash
A polarizer boosts contrast in the sky, making the blue of the atmosphere deeper and the white color of the clouds brighter.
Polarizers also minimize glare off of non-metallic surfaces, like water. This comes in handy when you come across a pond, lake or other body of water and want to be able to see down into the water, rather than be blinded by the sun’s reflection.
With a polarizer, rain protection for your camera, and an all-weather camera strap, you’ll be ready to rock this spring!
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