When out in nature experiencing its true beauty, ensuring that you capture its stunning essence in your photography can sometimes be challenging. This guide is here to assist you in capturing those magical moments in nature that you will experience on one of our scenic walking trails.
We have many walks from Redhill for you to enjoy but it is definitely a good idea to pack a variety of footwear so you are prepared for whatever weather that mother nature sends at you.
Types of Nature:
Nature can be classified into three key areas; flora (flowers and plants), fauna (wildlife) and landscapes. When photographing each of these natural elements it is important to take care not to disturb the natural environment and to leave each area as you find it. During your stay with us here at Redhill you will be surrounded by the stunning Herefordshire countryside that is on our doorstep for you to experience on one of our many nature scenic walks.
We have an abundance of local wildlife including Muntjac deer which originally escaped from Woburn Abbey in the 1980’s and can be spotted and heard in the woods and fields. Herefordshire also has a large variety of trees including imperious oaks and towering fruit trees that each spring are covered in beautiful blossoms.
You can always tell the change in season from the stunning colours of leaves on our local towering trees from stunning bronze colours during autumn to vibrant green leaves during summer. Make sure to visit the area during May or June so you do not miss the stunning large wildflower meadows. With their beautiful colours and divine scent they truly are magnificent and why not explore our very own wildflower meadow here at Redhill too during your stay. The area captures the stunning essence of each season ensuring that you capture truly unique photographs during each of your visits.
Top tips for capturing different subjects:
Before taking any photographs just take a moment for yourself, take in a deep breath of the clean air and truly admire the scenery all around you. Look closely at your chosen plant or flower, capture its scent in your nostrils or feel its soft petals with your finger. Just truly admire how magnificent the surrounding nature is and the calming effect it will have on you. All done? Great, we can now get started.
Flora (flowers and plants):
Flora can be a good starting point when building up your confidence with photography as it is static – it will not move (unless there is wind). So no need to rush when getting yourself set-up as it is less likely to run away when you turn your back. No matter the time of day you are guaranteed to get a perfect photo of your chosen flower if you follow our easy advice.
Step 1 – find a flower or patch of flowers that you would like to photograph. I would recommend a patch of wildflowers in one of our many large wildflower meadows.
Step 2 – get yourself into a comfortable position to photograph. This may be kneeling down or even sitting on the ground (provided the grown conditions are dry unless you do not mind dirty trousers).
Step 3 – start with your normal camera settings, do not zoom in or out, and take a photograph of your chosen flower. Try to incorporate some of the scenery surrounding it.
Step 4 – take a more zoomed in photograph of the flower, try to take a few variations. Zoom in making sure it fills in the whole screen so all you can see is the flower.
Step 5 – review the photographs you have taken. The point of nature photography is to capture nature in a way that is pleasing to your eyes so review your photos carefully and see which you personally prefer. The reason that this is a key piece of advice is that each individual will have a preference when it comes to the type or style of photographs that they enjoy looking at, which is why it is good to decide which is best for you.
Fauna (Wildlife):
Fauna are known for being slightly more difficult to capture as they are able to move or change position or run off entirely. This type of photography takes four key things, patience, preparedness, skill and safety.
Animals are living creatures that have natural reactions just like humans, they can spook easily, leading them to naturally want to protect themselves and those around them. Which is why it is important to both protect the animal and yourself by keeping a safe distance away and utilising the zoom feature on your device instead of attempting a close up photograph. For the best chance of capturing a fauna photo follow these steps.
Step 1 – identify an animal or group of animals that you would like to photograph.
Step 2 – stop and think “am I too close”, always maintain a safe distance between yourself and an animal to minimise disruption and to give you enough space should that animal come towards you for a closer look.
Step 3 – take out your device and make sure that your shutter is turned off or your device is put on, do not disturb, this will help prevent the animal from spooking from noise. Equally to ensure success make sure that yourself and your companions keep noise to a minimum during your animal encounter.
Step 4 – using the zoom in feature of your device zoom until the animal(s) are filling your screen then capture the photo. Stop and look at the wildlife to check that they have not been disturbed, then try different photo styles, try incorporating some of the natural background or sky into your photos.
Step 5 – before reviewing your photos check your distance again, moving away from the animal(s) once you have finished. Then select the photos that you like the most.
Landscape and Environments
Similar to flora landscape photography can be relatively easy. For incredible landscapes photos we recommend trying to take your photos during the golden hour of the day. This occurs an hour after sunrise, and an hour before sunset, where the lighting is soft and natural. It allows the sun to come through the leaves of trees to highlight the details, as well as reflecting off water sources to create majestic photographs. To take stunning landscape photos follow our steps.
Step 1 – identify a landscape that you like to photograph.
Step 2 – for this photography style it is recommended that you do it from a standing position, so turn your body to face the environment that you would like to photograph.
Step 3 – play around with your zoom this time now that you have some practice. Try different zoom in and out variations to see what is best for you, just make sure that the scenery that you want to photograph fits within your screen.
What device should I use?
Now there are some rather obvious hacks when it comes to successful photography, such as making sure that you do not forget your camera or mobile phone when going on your adventure! There is nothing worse than finding the perfect place for a photograph with your special someone in a calming oasis, surrounded by peaceful towering trees without a device to capture the moment forever. Always pack a photograph capturing device!
When it comes to the time to select your chosen device because of the advancements in technology over the last decade you cannot go wrong with your choice. Experienced photographers may select a professional digital camera as their chosen device. Whereas novices and those who do not need to take professional daily photographs may opt to use their mobile phone camera instead. Although mobile phone cameras have come a long way, there are still some advantages to using a digital camera such as;
- Higher Resolution: Digital cameras typically offer higher resolutions, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
- Better Low-Light Performance: Dedicated cameras often have larger sensors that capture more light, leading to improved image quality in low-light conditions.
- Wider Dynamic Range: Digital cameras can capture a wider range of tones, from the brightest highlights to the darkest shadows, resulting in more realistic and detailed images.
- Manual Controls: Digital cameras provide more control over exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and other settings, allowing you to achieve specific creative effects.
- Interchangeable Lenses: The ability to switch lenses gives you greater flexibility to capture different types of photos, such as wide-angle landscapes or close-up portraits.
However there are advantages to choosing to use your mobile phone device with the most obvious being that your mobile phone is pocket sized and easy to transport. Others include;
- Multi-functional: mobile phones are so much more than just cameras, they can make phone calls and send text messages, store your bank cards, provide navigation, and they have tons of storage space so that you can download applications.
- Easy data transferring: share your photographs easily with any of your contacts via messaging services such as Whatsapp.
- Simply to use with easy to adjust settings with a simple touch of your touchscreen.
Are you ready to try glamping?
At Redhill Holidays we offer a luxury glamping experience unlike any other, with stays available from two nights to seven nights or longer if needed. Our glamping pods are situated in a tranquil and calm environment surrounded by nature walks in the heart of the scenic Hereford and Worcester countryside. Each of our pods includes a private outdoor space with a fitted kitchen, private toilet and a luxurious hot tub that overlooks the Malvern Hills. It feels like you are the only people for miles. Pour a nice cold glass of your favourite liquid refreshment and relax in the british sunshine listening to the calming sounds of tweeting birds and baa-ing sheep. Relax on either our sun loungers or the hot tub, just lie back and look up at the crystal clear stars which are unaffected by light pollution Then, after a restful nights sleep in the comfortable bed, enjoy a peaceful walk on one of our many walking trails just on our doorstep and experience the tranquillity of Whitbourne’s nature and local wildlife. As part of your experience visit our onsite pub The Hutch Inn where you can sample locally crafted beer and cider as well as enjoying a stone baked pizza or ploughmans board containing Herefordshire’s delicious local produce. Everything at Redhill is crafted and designed “Just for you”
So what are you waiting for? Book a stay with us today and start your relaxation journey now.
