Recent Nature Articles

Fall Photography Essentials: Techniques for Capturing the Season's Splendor

Cool mornings and beautiful afternoons mean one thing: fall is knocking on our doorstep. Fall is my favorite season for photography as the possibilities are endless, from colorful trees creating reflections in the water to cool, foggy mornings. Capturing the beauty of fall doesn’t have to be hard with a few simple tips and reminders.

SanDisk's New Serious SD Cards for Extreme Outdoor Photographers

My favorite part about writing for Fstoppers is the chance to try out new and interesting camera gear. Recently, I got the opportunity to try the latest SD cards from SanDisk, the Outdoors series cards. Available in both SD and Micro SD, these are some of the latest tech for strong, durable memory cards. Let’s see how they performed in the field.

7 Telephoto Lens Mistakes to Avoid for Better Landscape Photography

Using a telephoto lens is one of the most powerful tools for capturing landscape photography. It enables you to explore perspectives far beyond what classic wide-angle shots can achieve, allowing for creative and compelling compositions. However, using a telephoto lens can be tricky, especially if you’re just getting started. In this article, I share my top seven mistakes to avoid when using a telephoto lens, along with some technical advice and creative tips to enhance your photography.

Conservation Photography in the Rainforest: A Must-See Documentary

In the heart of Ecuador's Chocó rainforest, a mission to save the critically endangered brown-headed spider monkey unfolds. Led by conservation photographer Jonas Paurell, this gripping documentary captures the raw beauty and challenges of rainforest conservation.

How to Get Your Photos Noticed and Appreciated

Like reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to music, when people look at your photos, you probably want them to spend time and appreciate them. In a world where people constantly scroll and instantly forget your photos, are there ways you can have your photos noticed? Let's find out.

Fstoppers Interviews Paige Vincent, Extreme Weather Photographer

The Great Plains offer some of the most extreme and jaw-dropping weather on Earth, and those who venture there with their camera are rewarded with some of the most unique and stunning images possible. We interviewed Paige Vincent, a photographer capturing those phenomena.

Why Your Gear Matters Most for the Ultimate Photography Genre

Bird photography is arguably the most demanding genre. The equipment quality, the photographer's camera skills, and their ability to create a narrative are pushed far beyond any other genre. Here’s what I discovered about cameras, lenses, and bird photography.

Pick Up Your Cameras: Photography Is Good for Your Health

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding avenues for relaxation, exercise, and enjoyment is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being. Photography is a practice that can be more than just a hobby or a profession but also a therapeutic tool. This article discusses how photography can add value, peace, and well-being into your life.

Here Comes Another Low-Priced, High-Quality Astrophotography Telescope

It hasn't been long since I reviewed that Dwarf II portable telescope/camera combo. I found it reasonably priced, ($595 with filters, tripod, extra battery and carry bag), easy to use, and something that was going to excite people of all ages who have longed to take good astrophotographs without spending a fortune or having to learn a lot of complicated science and processing skills.

Five Tips for Better Mountain Photos

I've always been fascinated by the mountains and the sweeping views they provide to the ones putting in the work and climbing to the top. For landscape photographers like me, they provide endless photo opportunities and inspiration. In this article, I share five tips to help you make your next mountain trip a success.

Embracing the Magic of Fall: Your Guide to Nailing Fall Landscape Photography

Hey, fellow landscape photography enthusiast! Can you feel that slight chill in the air yet? Yep, fall is right around the corner, and you most likely already know what that means: it's prime time for capturing those breathtaking autumnal landscapes. The vibrant colors and the cozy vibes are a landscape photographer's dream come true. But, before you dash out with your camera, let's chat about how to get prepped for some epic fall photography.

Why You Shouldn’t Always Default to ISO 100

One of the first lessons we learn in photography is to always try to shoot at the lowest ISO possible. In theory, this produces the cleanest images with the least amount of noise and gives us the most room to work with in post-processing, provided you expose the shot correctly. However, shooting at lower ISOs can cause more harm than good, especially when lighting starts to get tricky.

The Sony 70-200mm f/4 G II Takes a Huge Leap in Evolution: We Review

In a time when older cameras and lenses are getting new updated versions left and right, one of the best things to see is when the piece of gear gets an entirely new purpose. This is definitely something that no one expected from the new Sony f/4 telephoto lens.

Are You Ready To Photograph an Active Volcano?

Since July 4th, over 7,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest coast of Iceland, leading to sustained speculation that a volcanic eruption is imminent. Over the last couple of years, we have already seen this behavior twice in Iceland, and now, it looks set to happen again for a third time.

The Truth About Wildlife Photography

I'm a landscape photographer who knows that to take great photos you must put in the work. And even then, you might still go home empty-handed a lot of the time. As this video by Gareth Leonard shows, wildlife photographers might have an even more difficult job.

5 Secrets of Waterfall Photography

Prepare to dive headfirst into the world of waterfall photography! In this article, we'll uncover the five secrets that will make your waterfall shots as majestic as possible. So, grab your camera, put on your raincoat, and let's embark on this adventure.

Cracking the Code: How a Polarizer Unveils the Secrets of Rock Pools

Rock pools are captivating microcosms of marine life nestled along the coastline, holding a world of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. But have you ever wondered how you can capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of these submerged wonders? Let’s delve into the enigmatic power of a polarizer and explore how it reveals the secrets of rock pools along the water's edge, where the code to capturing the beauty of these miniature aquatic ecosystems is cracked.

33 Days Among the Bears

I'm sure some of you have seen the magnificent photos and videos of a polar bear sleeping in a bed of fireweed by Martin Gregus Jr. When I first saw it, I thought it wasn't real - it was just too perfect. But as this video documentary shows, it is, and taking those photos involved a significant amount of time, preparation, and effort.

Small Scenes: The Natural Progression of a Landscape Photographer?

Small scenes landscape photography: the practice of photographing the little details within the grander scene. Is it simply a genre that some landscape photographers gravitate towards? Or is it the natural evolution of a seasoned landscape photographer?

5 Ways to Improve Your Astrophotography

If you are looking for great tips on how to improve your astrophotography and workflow, Alyn Wallace has released a great video with 5 easy to follow tips on how to improve your astrophotography and take it to the next level.

Photographing Orca And Puffins in Shetland

In this video, join Scottish photographer Adam Russell from The Nonsense Adventures as he visits the Shetland Islands off Scotland in search of some of the UK's amazing wildlife, which includes Orca, Puffins, and a Basking Shark.

Why You Should Use Commercial Photography Hides

The use of commercial photography hides can be a controversial subject amongst wildlife photographers. In this article, I discuss the pros of such hides and how they can help you photograph those more elusive animals.

A Photography Tip With Proven Results

When it comes to photography advice, there are nearly as many pieces of wisdom as there are photos. In this video, Mark Denney offers one tip that always gets him results.
Editing Tips That Can Transform Your Photos

Sometimes even the most beautiful moment captured doesn't quite translate into the final image. In these circumstances, it might be a mistake you made while shooting, but it could also be something that can be fixed in post-production.
5 Great Tips for Flying Drones in Winter Weather

For the first time in 15 years, it recently snowed where I live. I desperately wanted to take my drone out but was petrified it might get swept away in a blustery blizzard or die of hypothermia. I wish I'd known these five tips for flying drones in wintry weather beforehand.

5 Purchases You Can Make to Immediately Improve Your Landscape Photography

Don't let anyone tell you gear doesn't matter. It does. It might not be the only thing that goes into getting good images, but it's certainly a big factor. But not all the gear you need has to be bodies and lenses. Here, learn about five purchases you can make to transform your landscape photography overnight.

How to Find and Photograph Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF: Your Once in a 50,000 Year Chance

Astrophotographers and even regular photographers have a chance at a comet that is now appearing in our early morning, pre-dawn skies. I'm talking about Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF, rapidly approaching its closest encounter with our sun. It hasn't been to our part of the solar system for about 50,000 years. It's a striking green in color, and not all comets are, so it's created a stir among astrophotographers.

How Do You Find the Perfect Foreground?

You've got your subject, you've got your elements, you've got your rule of thirds composition, but you're missing something in the foreground. How do you find the perfect foreground to complement your image and give it that real wow factor?

The Most Annoying Thing About Landscape Photographers

As much as we might hate to admit it, we all have things that really get under our skin when it comes to other people or groups of people. Landscape photographers are not immune to our petty grumbles, but what's the most annoying thing about them?

How Good Is the New $6,000 Point and Shoot Camera From Leica?

Many people believe that size matters, especially when it comes to photography. But what if you could get a high-quality camera worth $6,000 and almost do away with all your bulky gear? Check out the new Leica Q2 Ghost camera.

The Biggest Reason Photographers Fail

My quest to become the best photographer I can be has encountered many failures, but if I truthfully examined the reasons why I failed each time, some common elements always seemed to appear. Take a look to see if they might apply to you, too.

The Truth About Landscape Photography

Landscape photography can become frustrating if you get too focused on results and constantly compare yourself to other photographers. While browsing the web and visiting social media sites, you see countless photos of spectacular sunrises and sunsets. But getting truly awesome conditions is rare, even for those who are pros at planning. Let me share what the reality looks like.

2022 Natural Landscape Photography Awards: The Winners

The winners have been announced for the second annual Natural Landscape Photography Awards. This new and refreshing competition exhibits landscape and nature photographers who are committed to maintaining authenticity and realism in their images

All Photography Educators Should Have as Much Fun as These Guys

Geraint and Rob are old friends out to have fun with their photography. They are both accomplished photographers and, most importantly, have a lot of fun taking pictures. The genuine joy they find in the creative process is evident and makes this video is worth watching.

Amazing Desert Photography in Morocco

Photographing sand dunes can be a very productive photographic endeavor if you find a stretch of desert remote enough that not every inch of it is covered in footprints. In this article, I show you my favorite place to photograph dunes, and I give tips on how to get the most out of this sandy subject matter.

The Journey to Finding Your Style as a Photographer

Are you struggling to find your style as a photographer? In teaching photography, I am often asked how you even know what your style should be. This is both the easiest and hardest question. Let me explain why.