When I plan a nature walk/photo session I sometimes have a specific subject in mind and sometimes I don’t. On those walks with a specific subject in mind, I have learned (frequently the hard way) to try to get to know my subject. No matter the subject, the most important thing one needs to know, of course, is where to find it. If you can’t find it, then the whole session is ruined (unless you find something else cool to shoot instead)! For example, you will never find lamb’s tongue, a pasture weed, growing deep in the woods.

It’s also important to know the behavior of your subject. This seems obvious when trying to photograph animals since their behavior can be very complex. They may be most active at certain times of the day, and even during certain times of the year. Where they feed, what they like best, where they drink, the temperature outside, and their reproductive behaviors can also be important. But people tend to forget that plants have behaviors, too. Certain flowers will last all year, or at least all season, while others may be around for only a few days. Some bloom in the spring, some in the fall. Some produce beautiful seeds or fruits that you may want to shoot later in the year. Knowing these things will help you plan your sessions and improve your results.

There is an incredible amount to learn to take really good nature photographs. I’m pretty sure that no matter how long you do this, there is more to learn. Compared to a lot of folks out there, I’m a total newbie. I’ve only been at this seriously for a couple years. During that short time, I’ve seen my photos improve, and I’ve learned a tremendous amount about so many things. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to get to know as much as I can about each one of my subjects.