Frog Photography, A Guide to Beginner Outdoor Shooting

Spring is here and the season for photographs is in full swing. Our local parks, ponds, and prairies are teeming with new life. Flowers, bees, frogs, herons, and geese dominate the landscape.

Read on to see how to use advanced techniques for great photos.

Camera Settings

Daylight conditions with good light are easy to set up a camera body. Fast shutters come and go with sunlight. And fast shutter speeds are essential to crisp photos, especially wildlife. But even in bright light, shadowed areas can be problematic. Increase ISO to get faster shutters or deeper apertures.

The cameras today are very intelligent. Use the Auto White Balance until you are an expert at the camera body and the conditions it needs to reproduce an image.

Shoot in Aperture Priority in bright sunshine. Switch to Shutter Priority on cloudy days or when indoors.

I like to meter with Center-Weighted Metering, but I also use Partial Metering to bring out the subject. Reframe images when center-focusing.

Use Continuous Drive Mode and the Servo Auto-focus to shoot wildlife.

Location

In our own neighborhoods is where we cut our teeth. We can find ducks and geese along waters, cats and dogs at parks, and nature everywhere. But finding locations that are special should be our prerogative. Make finding these neat spots a priority by checking municipal park lists and internet forums.

Tactics and Good Habits

There is an old fishing saying: "If the fish see you, it is game over." - Jack King

This rings true for most wildlife and photography rarely gets second chances to capture shots. There are a number of techniques we can use to minimize our profile while in the field.

The first is to be quiet. Talking is fine, but in low tones. Walking should be done gently. Make as little noise as possible.

Slow, methodical movements are also best. Most wildlife will do one of two things when seen: Run or freeze. Take advantage of any hesitation and get your photo. If your subject remains, move closer if prudent, but move slowly as to cause no alarm

Preparation is also a habit that will get the photographer better photos. Have plenty of battery and memory power. Be sure to have the lenses you need. And prepare your mind to be alert and ready.

Anticipation is a great tool. If we can anticipate a critter's next move, we can focus on what we need to get that shot. Being ready to shoot a flighty duck or nervous deer will help us catch that flight as it happens.

Vantage points can make or break a photo. Use backgrounds to isolate your subject. Shoot through clear paths, without any obstructions.

Weather

Outdoors in Spring can be as brutal Winter. Dress accordingly. Treat your gear with the same survival attention. Use rain-covers, lens sleeves, and umbrellas. Cellophane is a great protector of camera bodies.

Telephoto Lenses

I don't have a few thousand dollars to spend on a long lens. I shoot a Canon EF 70-300mm, and these lenses run $700 on the Canon website and are around $400 used. Many online sites such as CNET, have very good technical information and reviews. Research diligently.

Composition

Framing a photo may make the photo. Know where you want your subject and know where the edges are. Use correct aperture to get desired backgrounds. Use depth of field to isolate your subject. Use low ISOs when possible and maintain fast shutter speeds. Composition is more than just framing a photograph, use apertures to overexpose hazy light. Be creative but be precise.

Editing and Patience

Failure is common and the success rate for photography is less than ten percent. Be patient, time will deliver spectacular photos.

Edit your digital photos. Use a respected program such as PhotoShop, Lightroom, or Aperture. It is worth the time and cost.

Things To Consider

I preach about fast shutters and the real question is, "What is a fast ENOUGH shutter?" The answer to this question lies in the lens. As a rule, if you are shooting a 100mm lens, then your minimum shutter speed should be 1/100 seconds. I tend to go even further, saying that the optimum speed would be at least 1/150 and even 1/200. What this really means is that as your length increases, so does the math. A 300mm lens is best shot at 1/600 seconds or faster.

Locations are sometimes out of reach. Ask permission and offer to trade photos for access to private property.

Circular polarizers are great for shooting water scenes. The filters reduce glare and bring out gorgeous colors. Invest in a quality polarizer.

Use lens hoods as rain protectors. The added shelter will keep the face of the lens dry.

A tripod may be the most important tool in the bag, invest in a sturdy tripod and learn how to use it.

Photos and text COPYRIGHT Ronald Borst, all rights reserved.