Photography hacks for your hikes

How to improve your hiking photos

You probably know already that travelling and exploring rejuvenate your spirits and fill you with inspiration. Outdoor photography requires a unique blend of art and science that together helps you capture the most amazing moments.

Photography is not something you can learn overnight. However, the more you practice, the better your photos will become. Dive into your devices and get to know them better.

According to a recent study by Pixel Phant, the market size of the photography industry measured by revenue was around $9.8 billion by 2020. The Global Digital Photography market is projected to reach $149.98 billion by 2026, which is a compound annual growth rate of 7.4% during the period 2020-2026.

Aany type of content is 40% more likely to be shared on social media if good visuals are utilised. 65% of engagement is increased for brands when high-quality photos are used.

With this in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the best ways you can make your outdoor photography all the more exciting and memorable for your audience.

1.     The Human Element

Add the Human Element

Photography is one of the gateways through which viewers can live vicariously through other people captured in a frame or a shot. The human element elevates the landscape shots and adds emotions, feelings, and vibes to a photo that wouldn’t have been possible with any other subject. The more infused your shots are with the human element, the more intriguing they become for your audiences.

Let your creativity guide you to make use of innumerable ways through which you can add the human element to everything that you capture. This also makes people experience closely what the subject was experiencing while the photo was being taken, with an end result that is simply priceless.

2.     Composition Matters

Composition Matters

Composition in photography denotes how the different elements of the photo are arranged. They can be in straight lines or even in curves. The important here is to understand how each different element in your captured frame interacts with one another. This is where the artist inside you outshines all others, and you are able to offer your own unique look and angel to a shot.

3.     Leading Lines

Leading Lines

Leading lines are those that appear in a photograph to draw a viewer’s attention towards a specific point of interest. These lines are often able to attract the viewer’s sight in a specific direction and converge towards a particular portion within the photograph. This makes your shot look more curtailed and aesthetically pleasing.

4.     Keep the Weather & Time in Mind

Keep the Weather & Time in Mind

The lighting and the environment around you can elevate sensations brought about by your clicks. It is like they say that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. However, as a photographer, it is your duty to bring about the maximum amount of colors and creativity into your shot. This is where weather and time of the day can aid you to capture stunning images.

5.     Rule of Thirds in Photography

Rule of Thirds in Photography

The rule of thirds is quite simply put the division of a photograph into nine equal segments with the help of three horizontal and three vertical lines. The rule of the thirds also denotes that you must make sure that the key elements of your scenario within a photograph should take at least one or more of these areas in the entire photo. Following this practice would greatly augment your photography.

6.     Scouting the Area

Scouting the Area

As a photographer, you know that every passing or fleeting moment can be an opportunity to capture your most cherished work yet. However, as a travelling photographer, I recommend that you take your time in scouting your local environment and surroundings first.

This will offer you some unique views and angles that you would have forgone or not known about before. So, it is best that if you choose a spot, make sure you explore the area from all possible angles.

7.     Sunsets and Sunrises

Sunsets and Sunrises

I know this might sound clichéd, but if you have photographed sunsets and sunrises before, you would be surprised to know that no sunset or sunrise is ever the same. This is why if you are travelling to a new location, then these two majestic timings in the day are your prime spots to capture all the glory in a single click.

8.     Take Leverage of the Terrain

Take Leverage of the Terrain

Every new place that you visit on your travels will offer you a different landscape and terrain to play with. This is why you should consider capturing the maximum potential a particular landscape or terrain offers to create the WOW effect. Some have the natural instinct where they can communicate with their surroundings and know exactly what to do next.

Conclusion

Photography is not something you can learn overnight. However, the more you practice, the better your photos will become. Dive into your devices and get to know them better. Knowing what they can do for you will unlock new doors and possibilities.

Likewise, online forums, tutorials, and even a mentorship can greatly attune your skills and capabilities to capture different shots. I hope this post was able to offer you meaningful insights as to how you can make your travelling photography stunning for your viewers. Cheers, and all the best for your future endeavors!

Image credit: Claudia Jeffrey

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