Backyard Photography ~ That is correct, you have photo opportunities in your own backyard!
The beauty of backyard photography is that you do not need to go far from your house to take nature shots. Everything you need is in your very own backyard. All you have to do is take the time to observe your surroundings or as the saying goes “Stop and Smell the Roses”. A few years ago, I realized I had this little treasure trove just outside my door when I spotted a spider just sitting on a leaf. This was a game changer for me. So now when I do not have time to drive to a local nature park or head to the beach to take photos due to other commitments in my life. I head outside to my backyard where I have the perfect environment to house a variety of insects and birds just waiting to be photographed.
Recommended time for taking photographs
Recommended time to head outside is in the morning before the sun gets too bright, in the late afternoon when the sun is going down or after a heavy rain and while it is still cloudy. It is an adventure and challenge each time I head outside to hike around my yard. My goal is to try to find different species of insect or a bird going about their business in the brush or even at the bird feeder. Catching birds in flight is always a fun little exercise. After a rain I like to look for water droplets hanging from the plants and take them from different angles.
My Backyard Photography Process
First, I will just walk around the yard for awhile just observing my surroundings. Secondly, If I don’t see anything immediately then I will stay in one area for awhile and look closely at the foliage for any movement or slight color variation. If the insects move to quickly for I will shoot on automatic setting. But if they stay still then I will usually take this opportunity to practice manual focus. It is amazing how time flies by, no pun intended. I end up spending a few hours walking around in my own little world looking for the perfect shot. The time spent enjoying the outdoors is a wonderful stress reliever.
Some of my backyard photographs
In Summary
Go outside and enjoy the wonders of your backyard. You will be amazed by what you will find if you just take the time to “Stop and Smell the Roses”. If you need some ideas besides what you see here check out “10 Ideas For Photographing Nature In Your Backyard“.
