Florida Nature Photography Shooting in Low Light

The Challenge of Shooting in Low Light

Florida Wildlife Photography Tips

Shooting in Low Light

Light conditions, however, are extremely varied in Florida. In a single morning, they can alternate from bright sunlight at the beach to the dark interiors of a cypress swamp.

In bright open areas, including fields, prairies and beaches, the best times to shoot are early and late in the day, the same periods when animals are most likely to be active and visible.

At both times, the sunlight slants from the side, highlighting the detail is visible on a subject. Animal hairs and plant filaments, which tend to get washed out at mid-day, are prominent in subdued light.

Shooting an animal during either the first three or last three hours of sunlight, especially with the sun positioned behind the subject, will also emphasize feather texture, animal fur or highlight the veins of a plant.

Take time to study the animal pictures in National Geographic Magazine and TV series. The detail is so remarkable because of the low angle of the sun.

Some creatures like to avoid sunlight and stay in the shade, or they are most active before sunrise and after sunset.

Digital cameras virtually eliminated the worry about the need for fast film. However, for professional results, a good tripod is still necessary when using truly long lenses.

Video cameras have an advantage in that they are often able to start recording animal movements when impatient still photographers may have to wait for brighter conditions. Providing a tripod for the still camera helps equalize the situation.

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