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The Single Easiest Trick to Improve Your Photography Right Away

Taking high quality photos in natural light can be difficult. But many people focus on all the wrong things when trying to improve their photography.

By: Calvin Weibel + Save to a List

When people want to improve their photography, often their first step is to look at a camera upgrade. People assume that using a better camera means taking better photos. But this couldn't be further from the truth. When taking photos it's true that having the right equipment is important, but it's only a small part of the equation. What's the point of buying an expensive camera with all the newest features if you're going to have it set on auto all the time? It's more important to understand how to use the camera you already have. 

Photography isn't about the camera. It's about the light in front of the camera and the person behind it. When you shoot photos outside, you need to pay attention to the light. What direction is it coming from? How is it interacting with the landscape? These are the things you need to think about. There's a reason so many outdoor photographers shoot primarily around sunrise and sunset. The light is softest in the evening and in the morning each day, and that's a lot easier to work with than the harsh, top-down light from the sun in the middle of the day.

Just getting up for sunrise and staying out for sunset will make a huge impact on the quality of your images. As an added benefit, wildlife tend to be more active at these times anyway, so your chances of seeing them are increased.

It can be difficult to get up for sunrise for the right shot, but your willingness to get out there will make all the difference. You don't need to have the money for expensive cameras or lenses, you just have to be willing to make that extra effort for your photos.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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