The Balance Wheel: Summer 2003
 Camera
Clues
Good photos are no accident. They take patience
and planning.
By Adele Hodde, Illinois
The difference between a good photograph and a great one
can simply be the composition of the image. We all want photos correctly
exposed and sharp, but we should also want the picture to spark the
interest of the viewers. Pictures should tell a story, educate readers
and allow for the enjoyment of the natural beauty of nature.
We are very fortunate in Illinois to have wonderfully
managed state parks and natural areas where you can find an abundance
of wildlife to photograph. The first time you capture a deer on film
is a thrilling experience even when the image is not extremely sharp.
As you progress in your photography, you will start to look at the rays
of light shining through the trees and realize the golden glow they
put on the deer is an image worth capturing.
In order to get the best shots, I strongly recommend
a lightweight but sturdy tripod–one that can lower to ground level for
close-ups. After a day of hiking and carrying camera gear, you will
appreciate this advice. I have heard of photographers who have missed
great shots because they were worn out from carrying tons of gear in
the field. Take only the gear you need, and leave the extras behind.
You’re probably thinking that wildflowers are a breeze
to shoot-right? I mean you basically find them everywhere—a beautiful
field of purple coneflowers and brown-eyed susans, or maybe a single
columbine blossom. They are just standing in the field waiting for you
to click the shutter. But you need to realize that in order to have
the image sharp from the flowers in the foreground to those 100 yards
away, you will need the maximum depth of field. The same will be needed
to shoot a single flower with a macro lens. If you want that flower
to be sharp from the tip of the petal, to the stamens and pistil, it
will require a slow shutter speed, a tripod and patience.
A wonderful breeze also can be a problem. When I set
up my tripod, I sometimes find myself pleading with the wind to die
down, but it ignores me. Then I start counting the ants crawling around,
waiting patiently for a second of stillness. It comes and I quickly
shoot. But since I’m not positive I got an outstanding shot, I wait
for another moment of stillness. Taking multiple pictures increases
the odds of capturing the perfect image.
You probably have seen photographs of billowing water
in a creek bed or a cascading waterfall. Those, too, require a tripod
and a slow shutter speed with a maximum of a l5th of a second exposure.
I recommend shooting with the slowest ASA film you feel
comfortable using. Most nature and wildlife photographers use ASA 50
or 100 slide film. It is a finer grain and overall better-quality film.
I shoot Fuji’s 50 ASA film for fishing and hunting stories, too.
We all enjoy toys and gadgets, but I contend you really
don’t need to spend money on fancy cameras. Zoom lenses and long lenses
are a plus, but not essential to great shots.
I rarely set my camera on automatic as I prefer using
a handheld meter and a manual setting. I have seen photographers shoot
a pheasant in snow, with their cameras on automatic. Later, they wondered
why their images of the bird looked black, with no detail, on dingy
looking snow. It’s because all camera meters are set to read l8-percent
gray. For example, if you take a picture of a black horse and another
picture of a white horse, they will both appear gray if you rely on
the camera’s meter. Most cameras will let you override the meter or
set it manually. Your camera’s instruction book should address this,
and libraries or bookstores can provide a wealth of information.
Now, let’s go over a few basics. Look at your background
when shooting. Make sure there is not a distraction that will take away
from your focal point. You don’t want a marina parking lot full of cars
behind your grandson with that huge bass. Turn him around and have the
lake in the background. If you plan on taking pictures of birds feeding
in your backyard, check out what will be in the background. A power
pole or garage wouldn’t be as pretty as a tree or shrub.
The early morning and late afternoon light will add warmth
to your photographs. For wildflowers, I prefer shooting on overcast
days, as bright, sunny days wash out their color.
Don’t just take a shot—work it. Check out all the angles,
and find the one that makes the object you are photographing stand out.
Usually a dark background does best, such as a log or leaves in the
shadows.
Anyway, it’s summer and time to put on your walking shoes,
grab some film, a camera and a tripod and enjoy the great outdoors.
Start capturing images that reflect your love of nature.
Adele Hodde was one winner in the 2001 ACI Awards
given for photography.
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