A presentation to accompany a talk given by Mike Sleigh on photographing 'Natural' subjects.

1. Photographing
Natural Subjects
With Photographer Mike Sleigh
from Polypodphoto

3. Photographing natural subjects can be
especially challenging as you can be
working under difficult conditions, the
weather! – wind, rain, changeable light
The subject may be moving, is too far
away or is not looking at its best.

4. Actually seeing what you are shooting
is as important as knowing how to take
the photograph - it’s all down to the
eye of the photographer
Having expensive equipment may not
always help!

5. Are you happy with the quality of your photos?
Quality can be dependent on the camera, how
it’s been set up by the photographer and then
how the camera is actually used
What can the photographer do to get better
photographs? It’s down to the ability of the
photographer and also the capability of the
camera equipment used

7. Picture Composition
Good subject composition and framing
can turn an ordinary picture into a
great photograph

8. Points to consider before taking the photo
Look at the subject and see what’s in the shot –
can the shot be better composed or framed?
Is the light right? Does the photo/subject
require good lighting?
With natural subjects shooting in the RIGHT
LIGHT is important to get a good result

9. Can the camera be focused on the part of the
photo that needs to be in focus?
If a ‘creative’ photo is required can it be taken
with a compact camera?
Camera shake leading to a blurred photo
can be a problem - more likely when using the
telephoto end of a zoom lens

10. The Camera
Has it got manual settings controlling
Aperture and Shutter Speed (and ISO)?
or has it got ‘creative zone’ settings?
To get better images it’s usually necessary to
have some control over the shutter speed and
aperture settings
Plants can move in the wind, light can change

12. ISO - change the ISO to suit the situation
Automatic Shooting - select pictograms/symbols
for the type of target subject
Advanced Shooting - selection of ‘modes’ to
suit the situation or setting the aperture and
shutter speed independently
Shutter Speed & Aperture

13. Focusing
Depth of Field
Focal Length of Lenses
Types of Lenses

14. Camera Settings
ISO
Image Recording Quality
RAW
White Balance
Flash on/flash off

15. Image Processing
Output
Resolution, image size and quality
Printing

17. Photographic Equipment
& Accessories
Lenses – wide angle, telephoto/zoom & macro
Extension tubes and supplementary lenses
Filters – correction & polarizing
Tripods, Monopods, Camera bags
Flash guns, Reflectors

18. Some extra kit useful for
Nature Photography:
Background paper. Grey Card.
Misc. Pegs, clamps, wire and tape.
Waterproof bag/plastic sack.
Small stepladder.
Notebook & pen. Tablet computer. Mobile phone.
And don’t forget your waterproofs & boots!

20. Insects

29. Birds

35. People

38. Plants

60. Fungi

64. Trees

67. Views

72. Rocks

75. Skyscapes

77. It’s all about being in the right place, at the
right time with the right light!

78. Mike Sleigh
polypod@gmail.com
www.polypodphoto.co.uk