Right shots of great outdoors
Utah invented the outdoors, informed a guidebook, as I prepared for my trip to this rugged state in western USA. The images captured my imagination. In a singular picture of Zion National Park, you can see time. Let me explain: today, the park is made up of colourful Navajo sandstone — pink, brown, salmon and hints of gold tones. But in the early years, the sandstone was a light-coloured sand, similar to those on beaches. The incredible palette grew as a result of centuries of erosion and sedimentation. Therefore, the different hues you see, framed in a picture, serve as a clock of Zion’s ancient natural history.
While selfies largely speak about us, images of the great outdoors tell a different story. For instance, pictures of the Milky Way captured from a Dark Sky certified location in Utah bring out the vastness of the universe; dinosaur footprints clicked in the Vermilion Cliffs bring to mind a forgotten era. These outdoor pictures tell a range of stories, from the geological to the botanical, to the celestial and beyond. Yet, at the heart of most of these images is a sense of wonder at the sheer beauty of nature. But while nature is gorgeous, she can be a difficult muse.
Himanshu Pandya, a tourism, automotive and lifestyle photographer based in the USA, says, “Lighting defines the mood and details of an image. Natural light can transform a photo, but knowing how to work with it is essential.”
Pandya advises budding mobile photographers to experiment with different exposures by taking multiple shots. Getting into the minute details, Pandya says, “On most mobile cameras, you need to tap to focus. When you tap the screen, a symbol (usually that of a light-bulb) pops up which allows you to adjust the exposure. Play with these settings. This technique allows you to add depth, especially in scenes with high contrasts, such as forestscapes with lush canopies where sunlight filters through the trees.”
Kunal Bhatia, a travel photographer and mentor based in Mumbai, says, “Playing with light is an integral part of photography and timing is everything for this aspect.” When it comes to vast open spaces, he says, “The golden hours — around sunset or sunrise — are a great time to shoot the outdoors. The sun casts a warm hue along with lengthy shadows and some gorgeous contrast.” Does it matter if it’s clicked on a phone or an expensive camera? Pandya, who has won several professional awards for images that he clicked on a mobile camera, says, “Today, phone cameras have incredible capabilities, proving that the best camera is simply the one you have with you.”
Bhatia agrees. “I don’t think gear matters much for a beginner,” he says. Since most modern mobiles come with superior cameras, Bhatia insists that “it’s mostly a matter of knowing how to use one’s device”.
Yet another trick that both photographers share is to shoot at high definition. Bhatia says, “Always shoot at the highest possible quality that your phone allows. Keep grid lines turned on, to aid in composition of your shots.” Pandya states, “HDR (high dynamic range) is perfect for landscapes, sunrise or sunset shots where the sky might otherwise wash out or the ground might become too dark. Even when the golden hour isn’t possible, HDR adds richness to colours and detail to skies.”
Among the most common mistakes that amateurs make is that of using zoom. Pandya explains, “Digital zoom often reduces image quality, making photos appear grainy or pixelated. Instead, if you need to get closer, then move physically toward your subject, or shoot a wider scene and crop later. This helps preserve sharpness and detail, especially in nature shots where fine textures matter.”
Lastly, the only way to get better is to click more. Bhatia says, “Shoot a lot and spend time critiquing and analysing your work.” Pandya adds, “Know your camera’s capabilities by clicking more and exploring camera settings. Reflecting upon your work is essential. It will make you a much better photographer.”
— The writer is a freelance contributor
