SEASONAL TIPS - WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH IN........
February and March
Look
out for emerging bulbs. Remember that the best shots
are taken on the same level as the flower, so go prepared with
something waterproof! Cameras with tilting live-view screens
are easiest to use for this type of photograph. You'll need a tripod or
beanbag to
keep your camera very stable.
Compact cameras come into their own for this type of photography, as many have an excellent macro facility allowing you to move the camera right up to the flower.
If you don't have suitable flowers in your own garden, remember that many stately homes will be opening their gardens in March.
April
In view of potential April showers, why not take advantage of all that moisture by looking at the tiny world reflected in a raindrop?
Compact cameras are ideally suited to this type of photography, having a Macro mode. Your SLR lens may not be able to focus quite so close to a subject, so you may have to consider using a macro lens, magnifying filter or extension tube to get this type of shot.
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May
Activity among nesting birds is at its height it May and you don't have to go further than your garden to find many common species.
Secretive birds such as the Sedge Warbler shown left require a more planned approach and you may have to use a hide to get shots like this one.
Getting good shots is often about studying the bird's behaviour, which is often predictable. Find the bird's regular perch, focus your lens and wait patiently for your opportunity.
Other subjects to look out for are bluebell woods (but try to find some other strong elements to give your image some structure), and of course butterflies and, later in the day, moths.
June
Events
At this time of year there's some sort of event going on every weekend. It's a fantastic opportunity to practice photographing people and events before a holiday somewhere more exotic.
Do remember to be careful who you photograph though, it's fine to photograph people putting on displays or performers, but not members of the public, without their permission.
July
Photographing Landscapes
It's tempting to take your camera out at this time of year, but the air can become very polluted with pollen and dust at this time of year, and around mid-day it's simply too bright for landscape photography. The best time to get out to photograph landscapes is in the first two to three hours after sunrise or immediately after rain, when the air will be clearest. Better still wait until Autumn for the most pleasing light.
Reflections
The wind often drops just before sunset, making it a great time for photographs of reflections in water.
August
Photographing Dragonflies and Damselflies
If the weather is hot enough, look for dragonflies and damselflies around ponds and lakes. At first they may appear difficult to photograph, but if you study them for a while you'll see that they are creatures of habit and will often settle on the same reed or twig. Look out for a background that's as plain as possible so as to make your subject really stand out.
September
Local Shows
Look out for local shows - everything from Autumn horticultural and produce shows to classic cars. They're a great way of finding hundreds of subjects for your photographs all in one place.
Autumn
Trees in Autumn is an obvious subject, and if the weather is kind to us the colours will last for weeks. Try to get out with your camera in the first two hours after sunrise for the warmest colours. Remember that for all landscape photography you should use a tripod or other support for your camera and that's even more true when light levels are lower at this time of year.
Fungi are in abundance now too and can make great subjects for close-ups.
Winter
Opportunities
to take photographs of snow are few and far between, but frosty days
are plentiful, so wrap up very warmly and get out with your camera.
Look out for unexpected subjects like this amazing frozen puddle, a shot by Gary D Tonhouse, a photographer from Iowa.
Or look for flowing water when the weather has been very cold
for a few days, for shots like this showing the contrast between
the flowing water and the ice, taken using a long shutter speed
it really emphasises the difference in textures. Thanks to
our guest tutor Paul Hobson for
this
shot.
Other things to remember:
Remember to take spare batteries, or keep your batteries inside your jacket until you need them, as the won't last as long as usual in low temperatures. Keep in mind too that your camera will have to acclimatise if it has been stored somewhere warm. You may find that the lens mists up for the first 15 minutes.
