WildWillowWays
2 min
Spring is a special season for nature photography.
It may lack the amazing contrast in colour that is the distinctive feature of autumn photography, but spring has a magic restorative power for photographers.
WHAT DO I MEAN BY THIS?
If you have ever gone out with your camera on a bright spring morning to be met with beautiful birdsong, fragrant aromas or a burst of colourful blossom, you’ll know what I mean.
It’s not that you’ll always come home with fantastic images from a spring photography shoot - conditions are often less than ideal - but you will have an amazing photography experience if you allow yourself to be captivated by this emerging season.
In some ways I find that photography is simply a reason to get out into nature in spring.
To be part of the re-awakening of the natural world after the long winter is a truly restorative experience.
Simply by being part of all that is going on around us can leave us feeling re-energised and renewed.
HOW DO WE HARNESS THIS RESTORATIVE POWER?
We do this by being present, by engaging all our senses, by being aware of the sights, sounds, smells and sense of awakening that is all around us on our spring photography outings.
What’s important is not capturing wonderful images; it’s about having a wonderful experience.
It’s about being fully alive, fully present in each moment and allowing our camera to be part of that experience.
I like to go out to my local woodland in the early morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins or in the evening around sunset when nature is settling down at the end of another day.
This is usually when I get the best light - soft light that gives a golden glow to every subject.
It is when I am alone with nature, but not lonely.
It is when I can feel at one with the universe and grateful for each day.
It is when I enjoy photography best and I return content with whatever images I capture.
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Have you harnessed the restorative power of nature photography this spring?
It’s not too late to do so.