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Whether you are into hunting, fishing, camping or any other outdoor sport, memories are going to be made. There is no better way to preserve a memory than a picture. This article will focus on a few easy steps to help you take better pictures. In my mind one must keep atmosphere, composition and lighting in mind when taking a quality outdoor photo.

Atmosphere: When I speak of atmosphere I am for the most part talking about two factors: temperature and precipitation. Temperature is by far the more important of the two factors. If you are in your warm icehouse and want to take a photo it is a good idea to have the camera the same temp as the inside of the icehouse. This will help to prevent fogging of the lens, which can really ruin a good photo (I do however; like to keep a couple Q-tips in my camera case to quickly clean the lens should it fog). One can also keep their camera cold and take their pictures in the cold. This method can leave one with dead batteries though. With today’s increased usage of digital cameras, I would suggest that keeping your camera warm is your best option unless it is not possible. That reminds me, always have an extra set of batteries along. Precipitation speaks for itself. If it is raining or snowing or even if you are in a boat, it is a good idea to keep your camera in a zip lock bag.

Lighting: Another important thing to take into consideration is lighting. Try to have the light at your back when snapping a photo to provide the best illumination of the subject. If it is a silhouette that you are after you will need to have the light behind the subject. When it is really dark headlights and/or lanterns combined with the flash can provide just enough light for a good photo. “Red eyes” can also be avoided by not looking directly into the camera. Many cameras also have a redeye reduction flash option, which one can recognize by a couple quick flashes before the actual picture. Always think of the type and quality of lighting when taking any photos.

Composition: One final thing to take into consideration when taking an outdoor photo is composition. When I speak of composition, I am referring to what is in the picture. Try not to cut off peoples heads, rod tips etc. Scenery pictures are nice, but many times they are hard to remember without having a person in the picture. When taking pictures of fish don’t hold the fish with your arms extended too far or it will just make the fish look out of proportion (e.g. with a head as big as yours). Another good thing to do is include something to the picture that will give a scale such as a fillet knife or a tackle box. One last thing about composition is keep it clean. If you want to show the picture to family or possibly even have them published don’t have anything in the photo you don’t want others to see or is just plain tasteless. This would include garbage, nicotine products, alcohol, bad hair day, stringers full of fish etc. (use your imagination).

By keeping atmosphere, lighting and composition in mind when taking photos, I guarantee that you will start to take better photos and make memories that you would be proud to share with anyone.

Good Luck!
Nathan Kestner,
Bemidji Area Outdoor Enthusiast