Tips for taking fabulous forestry photos with a digital camera
From the Autumn/Winter 2010 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Set your camera on its the highest quality setting. It means fewer pictures on the memory card but they will be better quality and blow up to poster size.
Take control of the pictures: the simple settings might be fine, but if the camera is capable of better manual controls, learn how to get better depth of field and sharper photos.
Learn how to use the white balance: nearly all digital cameras have white balance controls hidden away. They can make exposures better, especially if the proper shadow settings are used for the tricky light you can find in some forest settings.
Think about macro: pictures of small creatures or parts of a tree or plant can take on a whole new meaning when you take a close up.
Have a tripod – then use it: taking pictures in dark forest areas can mean long exposures, and any movement of the photographer or the subject can mean photos will be soft or out of focus. A tripod will help keep the camera still.
Take a number of photos from different angles and different exposures and pick the best one.
Carolyn Smith Community Programs, Sydney
