Capturing Hidden Natural Beauty

by Colleen O’Neill

Many people traveling on well-worn forested trails view the scenery with tunnel vision; perceiving it as bland and similar. However, those that look closer will be rewarded with natural beauty at almost every turn. Some lies hidden and may require some creativity to discover, but most remains in view and simply not noticed or appreciated by most people. In either case, uncovering the most beautiful displays of nature in the most unexpected places makes witnessing them even more special. Capturing natural beauty appeals to an exciting and creative style of photography which incorporates a passion for discovery and adventure.

Stop and Explore

Scan for potential subjects while in your environment. This takes minimal effort and eventually becomes an automatic behavior and results in objects constantly capturing your gaze. Almost magnetically, you’ll find yourself drawn to discovering the hidden beauty surrounding you.

Contemplate a tree trunk, which from feet away might not look special, yet some of the most exquisite braided wood and stunning details are just waiting to be noticed. And what may appear as a decaying log a few feet away is, upon closer inspection, an exciting prospect for the lens. The transformations which occur in various phases of decaying wood are fascinating. They are ever-changing and offer the most diverse textures, varied colors, interesting shapes and each one is truly unique.

Expect to receive odd looks from passerby as they wonder why you are taking photographs of a dead log, while unbeknownst to them, you are capturing the most stunning artistic designs in the delicate patterns and extensive intersecting tunnels carved by bark beetles. Unless you take the time to stop and explore, you are missing limitless natural beauty.

BARK BEETLE ART

Get Physical

Getting up close with a natural object and shooting at its level is the key to capturing an amazing photograph. Interesting and dramatic angles are only achieved with some effort. Try different positions; reach inside a hollow log, place your camera at water level, lie on the ground, physically touch the object with your camera. Look at the world from the object’s point of view, since this viewpoint is not seen by many it provides a stunning perspective.

Set your camera at sharp angles, lean on branches, step into water or crouch into tight spaces. Natural objects are not symmetrical or predictable photography subjects, therefore creativity abounds as you try to capture them. Even completely letting go of the technical approach to photography will produce amazing results. Try shooting blind; place your camera into small crevices of a rock, under a cracked layer of ice, or lower your camera into a hollowed tree trunk and shoot in all directions. See what develops on this expedition into the unknown; you’ll be surprised at the beauty which exists in these unseen cavernous underworlds.

TUNNEL VISION

Capturing the Essence

Capture the true identity of the subject by focusing on what makes it special and delve into this aspect with your lens. Achieving the perfect technical photograph is not a priority when capturing natural beauty, rather displaying the object’s true essence. Use your creativity in deciding how to best represent the object and what it has to offer its audience. If you find yourself absolutely mesmerized by the beauty of an object, your efforts to capture this feeling will reflect that and translate into a very powerful image. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder; so the options are limitless. Whatever captivates your interest and compels you to preserve this enchanting image forever with your camera lens is what forges your personal connection to the subject.

WINTER FUNGUS

Natural beauty can be easily found everywhere; vibrant green moss bringing life to a decaying log, glistening foliage delicately laced with ice or dramatic twisted vines climbing up towards a clear blue sky. Objects that seem simple and unremarkable are actually some of the most amazing subjects awaiting your lens if you take the time to share their space and truly capture them. Recognize and appreciate the natural beauty that effortlessly unfolds around you. To those which embrace this style of photography, rewards will be plentiful and images unforgettable.

VINE CONNECTION

Colleen O’Neill is a writer, photographer and painter. She has a passion for backpacking, rafting and exploring National Parks. Colleen spends all of her free time outdoors and possesses a deep respect and appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Website: www.colleenoneill.wordpress.com

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3 Comments

Markus said:

You know, it is just nice and good to sometimes read about the very basics. What you write is so simple, so true yet so often forgotten by photographers on the hunt for the most spectacular photo art. So, thank you. After reading your post I take my camera more often to the nature trail around the corner. :)

Markus
Farabi said:

cool pics u got here. really like them. the selection is just awesome. thanks for sharing.
Dallas Product Photographer said:

Great post. It is always good to find an inspiring post to get you out there and do something creative.