Your Camera, Smartphone & Social Distancing

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I had never used the phrase “social distancing.” Today, you can’t listen to or read media without hearing the need to be smart and be safe. And rightfully so. We want to be safe and keep all healthy.

Nature photography by default is mostly a solo or small group activity. Social distancing is almost automatic. Also, it’s enjoyable to have solo or small group time. You get to think, breathe, interact and reconnect with the outdoors.

For those that are not ‘official’ photographers, smartphones have turned many into creative hobbyists. And there are amazing photos and videos out there as a result. While many of these are people related, maybe more will take their phones or cameras to explore what’s around them.

Nature photography with your camera, smartphone in this time is a good thing. We can leverage the need for social distancing by connecting. Connecting with the outdoors and ourselves. Let’s 1) explore some ideas on how to capture what we see and 2) enjoy the views along the way.

Tips for Getting Started with Your Camera or Smartphone in the Era of Social Distancing

The following 5 Tips highlight a few nature photography tips for getting started.

1. Get colorful! Spring emerges with greens, yellows and a bevy of others. If you have a favorite color, look for hues that make you smile and create a ‘color collection.’
2. Move closer. In social distancing, we need to stand apart. With nature, we can move in. Breathe in the smell of the flower and the great outdoors. Take images up close so you can see the details. Flowers, bees, leaves, mushrooms
3. Blur is beautiful. Who says all images need to be tack sharp to resonate? If you’re photography birds and wildlife, sure. If you’re shooting colors, trees, water – sometimes a bit of blur enhances the feel, even romance of the moment.
4. Walkways and paths. Sidewalks with dappled light. Shadows and lines of trees. Let contrast, shadows and light guide your eye.
5. The unusual. The abstract. The walk by moment. This cute cat in Savannah, Georgia enjoyed watching the world move by. However, I do believe she wanted someone to play with her and her little red squeaky.

Editing your Images on your Smartphone

Most smartphones have a built-in photography editor. From automatic adjustments to contrast, tint, brilliance and others, you’ll be post processing your images to perfection within a few minutes.

Let’s take advantage of this moment. Soon, we’ll be back to our daily routines of hurry, rush and get stuff done. But today, let’s take care of our physical health. Our creative thinking. And, let’s nourish our mental health too.

For a related read: Travel Photography by Car, Let’s Do This!