Mobile Photography in Your Garden

A student reviews the apps on her smart phone during a session on mobile photography. She appears to be eager to learn as her friend clasps her phone with some apprehension.
We all have cameras in our pockets. Do we know how to use them?

This past Monday I had the chance to present on this topic on the Gardening Live Stage at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.  The full video is below for those of you who were not able to join us.  The goal of the session was to help more people find a meaningful way to connect with nature.

One way that I connect with nature is through photography.  I have been doing so since I got my first 110 camera when I was five years old.  Very quickly I learned I was better at taking pictures of nature than people, although I did have a lot to learn.

Old 110 photo that has been partially bleached away of a man sitting on an orange couch next to a dog. The man's head did not make it into the picture but the black dog looks great.
Luckily Ed got better as a photographer.

Fast forward to today and we all have portable cameras in our pockets.  What better way to stop and connect with nature than to take a picture.  And not just snap a quick photo, but to stop, enjoy what we are experiencing, and then take a picture.

During the session I broke it down into simple steps to help us take photos we can be proud of and want to share with others.  Some of the tips were:

  • Rule of thirds (don’t center the subject)
  • Use your camera’s grid
  • Keep camera in Auto mode, then switch to HDR

What’s Next? Instameet @ Keeler Gardens

Put your skills to use, meet with other photographers, and learn.  Whether you have your smart phone, a DSLR, or an old 35mm camera, all are welcome.  We will meet at Keeler Gardens at 1:30 PM on April 30th.  If you need some help, come early at 1:00 PM and we can get you ready for the day.  For more information and to RSVP head over to our Facebook Event Page.  (If you don’t have Facebook, you can always send me an email for more details).

In my wilderness work there was a common phrase, “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”  Show us your pictures by using the hashtag #KeelerGardens so we can see your awesome pics on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

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