21
Background impact
Water doesn’t necessarily need to be
obvious to enhance your photos!
Instead it can provide a vivid
background colour or create
atmospheric bokeh. For example,
when photographing close-ups of
birds, mammals or even insects
located adjacent to water, include it as
a vivid, contrasting backdrop. Use a
telephoto lens and large aperture to
render vibrant reflections as a diffused
wash of colour. Also look for sunlight
catching water droplets clinging to
foliage, or on the water’s surface, as
these sparkles can create beautiful
doughnut-shaped bokeh.Morning dew
Water droplets will add sparkle, scale and interest to
photographs of wildflowers, spiders’ webs and insects.
After clear, cool nights, dew will form and adorn roosting
insects, like dragonflies and damselflies. Set your alarm
early and arrive at suitable habitats for daybreak. Use a
macro lens, or close-up attachment to achieve frame-
filling shots. For added drama, consider backlighting
your subject. By doing so, you may also capture tiny
starbursts in individual water droplets.
Create a water feature
All animals rely on water. Wetland
habitats are typically teeming with
wildlife, while the coast is another
hotspot. However, you don’t need to
travel further than your own
backyard to capitalise on nature’s
reliance on water. Use water to lure
subjects closer to your camera – just
as you might wild bird seed, nuts and
bait. Build a small pond or reflection
pool in your garden, or buy a bird
bath, and wait for songbirds to visit.
Disguise your whereabouts by
working from a portable hide or
shoot from a window in your house
or nearby shed.Shoot in wet
weather
Bad weather can create
great photo opportunities
for nature photographers.
Rain and drizzle will add
interest and texture to fur
and feathers, while
raindrops clinging to
plumage or dripping from
beaks, antlers or bodies will
really add atmosphere and
a sense of environment to
shots. Slower shutter
speeds will render rain as
long streaks, while faster
speeds will suspend
droplets mid-air. Rain will
stand out more against a
dark background, so pay
attention to your
surroundings and adjust
your shooting position if
necessary. When shooting
in wet weather, work from
a hide or protect your kit
using a protective rain
sleeve or cover.