Photographing Nature: Tips for RV Travelers

Photographing Nature: Tips for RV Travelers

Posted on September 20, 2023

Hmm, the great outdoors! There's nothing quite like the serenity of nature, and when you're traveling in an RV, you have the luxury of taking your time to capture its beauty in photographs.

Whether you're an experienced photographer or just looking to dabble, we've got some tips that will make your nature photography journey a memorable one.

Choosing the Right Camera Equipment

First things first: let's talk gear. In an age where smartphone cameras are incredibly advanced, you may wonder if you even need a DSLR or mirrorless camera. While smartphones are convenient and offer impressive results, a dedicated camera provides the manual controls and higher-quality lenses you'll need for those breathtaking shots.

Don't forget about tripods; they're crucial for stability, especially when shooting landscapes or capturing that glorious sunrise.

Since you're in an RV, you have the added benefit of storage space, so feel free to bring along different types of lenses and maybe even a drone for aerial views.

Best Locations for Nature Photography

Canada is a land filled with astonishing natural beauty, so it's tough to go wrong when choosing a location. From the coastal scenery of British Columbia to the stunning vistas of the Canadian Rockies, opportunities abound. The Gatineau region in Quebec is particularly noteworthy for its lush landscapes and charming wildlife.

If you're travelling in an RV from Roulottes Desjardins' fantastic collection, you have the advantage of being able to stay in multiple locations to get varied shots, all from the comfort of your home-on-wheels.

Photography Techniques for Landscapes

Landscape photography is more than just pointing your camera at a pretty view; it's about capturing the soul of a place. There are several techniques you can employ to elevate your shots:

Understanding Light: The magic hour, right after dawn and just before sunset, offers the best natural light. The soft, golden light during these times will make your landscape photographs look dreamy and dramatic.

Shutter Speed: Experimenting with shutter speeds can offer interesting effects. A slower shutter speed will blur motion, giving waterfalls or rivers a misty, ethereal appearance. On the other hand, a fast shutter speed can freeze action, capturing each droplet of a waterfall or every leaf rustling in the wind.

Rule of Thirds: This principle involves breaking your image down into nine equal squares. The theory is that if you place points of interest along these lines or their intersections, your photo becomes balanced and will enable viewers to interact with it more naturally.

Depth of Field: A shallower depth of field can make your subject stand out against a blurred background, whereas a deeper one will keep everything from the foreground to the background in focus.

RAW Format: Always shoot in RAW if your camera allows it. This provides greater flexibility when editing and allows you to extract the most information from your shots.

Post-Processing: After capturing the shot, use editing software like Adobe Lightroom to adjust exposure, contrast, and saturation. You can also straighten horizons or even remove unwanted elements.

Wildlife Photography Etiquette

We all want that National Geographic-worthy shot, but not at the expense of the creatures we're capturing. Here's how to be responsible when photographing wildlife:

Safe Distance: Always maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. How far depends on the species, but as a rule of thumb, if the animal starts changing its behaviour, you're too close.

Telephoto Lenses: These are excellent tools that allow you to capture detailed shots from a distance, thereby minimizing your impact on the animal's natural behaviour.

Minimize Impact:

- Stick to marked paths and trails to lessen your impact on natural habitats.
- Avoid using flash as it can startle animals and disrupt their normal activities.
- Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing wildlife.

No Feeding: Never feed animals; it's harmful and alters their natural behaviours.

Awareness: Be constantly aware of your surroundings. This is not just to get the best shot, but also to ensure you're not unwittingly causing distress or harm to any animals.

Capturing Stunning Sunrise and Sunset Shots

The allure of the perfect sunrise or sunset shot is powerful. These are some of the most rewarding yet challenging subjects to capture. Here are some tips to help you get those jaw-dropping images:

- Do your homework. Use apps or maps to find the perfect location and angle. Knowing where the sun will rise or set will give you a significant advantage.

- Arrive at your chosen location well in advance. This will give you ample time to set up your equipment and get your settings just right.

- A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera, especially in the low light conditions of dawn or dusk. Graduated neutral density filters can help balance the brighter sky with the darker ground, providing a more even exposure.

Camera Settings:

• Use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) for a deeper depth of field.
• Experiment with shutter speed. A longer exposure can produce lovely 'streaks' as clouds move across the sky.
• Play around with your camera's white balance settings. While ‘Daylight’ is generally a good setting, switching to ‘Cloudy’ can sometimes warm up your shots and add that golden glow.
• The Starburst Effect: Want those sun rays to pop? A smaller aperture can create a stunning starburst effect, turning the sun into a radiant star.

Remember, while techniques and gear can enhance your shots, the most crucial elements in any photograph are your perspective and creativity. So get out there, explore, and let nature be your muse.

Photography Workshops and Classes

There's always something new to learn in photography. If you find you've got a true passion for it, why not take a workshop or class? Many photographers offer in-person and online courses, ranging from beginner levels to advanced skills.

You might even find specialized nature photography classes that can guide you on field trips, providing hands-on experience and professional guidance.

Organizing and Editing Your Photos

Once you've amassed a collection of stunning photos, you'll need to organize and edit them. Make use of photo management software to sort, tag, and backup your work.

When it comes to editing, software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One provides powerful tools for fine-tuning your shots. Remember, the goal of editing is to enhance, not alter, the natural beauty you've captured.

So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to nature photography for RV travelers. Whether you're looking to capture stunning landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife, or those magical moments at dawn and dusk, a little knowledge goes a long way. Happy shooting!