What is the best way to become a better outdoor photographer?

I agree with Vince's thoughts there, whenever possible have a camera with you. Whatever camera you use, it is being there at the right time with the camera, any camera, for the shot. The lighting (angle and the quality of the light) can transform an outdoor scene from something drab to something quite interesting in the space of a few minutes. Here in the UK, the weather and light can change very quickly, and on quite a few occasions I have regretted not having a camera with me to capture the scene. Conditions may be less variable in Australia perhaps, although the same principle applies.

Everyone has given excellent advice. The classic rules of composition work well with landscapes, and are a safe option, but sometimes a good shot comes from breaking the rules, so don't be afraid to experiment with exposure and angle of view.  

Good Evening! Best way of photographery is study the desination (example clearance woods) to see the sightful birds and flowers! To walk and just study the point of desination! (While) Enjoy the day / night!

Julia

Outdoor photography is a fine way to improve skills. Buying the most expensive camera you can afford lays a little too much emphasis on the tool. I doubt if artists and sculptors gather in earnest groups debating which brushes, chisels and mallets will turn them into better artists. That is a bit simplistic, but amateur photographers tend to get bogged down with equipment issues. I would suggest settling on a budget that will allow you to include a couple of lenses if the camera is capable of taking them, and then buy some software to help provide you with improved images. Photoshop Elements is incredible value. Many professionals use tripods. They don’t do that for fun.

To the photography next, which is what the original question revolved around and the crux of the matter. We should look at newspapers and magazines, and cast a critical eye over the work of those who earn their living behind a lens. Then, choose the ones which shout out to you in terms of appeal. Subconsciously, a trend will emerge reflecting your taste and this may become the basis of your own unique style. We all attempt, once past “first base” to produce images with impact and individuality. I would urge people not to show all their pictures to others, as this shows a lack of basic manners and boredom will soon cause droopy eyelids. This is well illustrated sometimes in POE when “Henry Grunge of Much Binding on the Marsh” submits 30 odd pictures, probably having only given them a cursory glance himself. Don’t do that! In 30 pictures taken of a subject, show only one or two of the very best, post editing and viewed a few times. If you can’t be bothered to do this, when why should others?

Photography workshops are great fun as they get everyone to take photographs and then hopefully review the results. Taking lots of photographs helps develop the style and hones the skills. Be your own most severe critic. Learn from the work of others, and enjoy it all and try not to take yourself too seriously.

A professional photographer friend of mine said once that Photography / Camera clubs are places where amateurs teach each other their bad habits. A bit severe but my own experiences have lead me to the conclusion that the “club life” is not really for me. However, I do go to the club exhibitions and see some great work. For me, photography is a bit like ploughing a lone furrow, and yes I suppose I’ve well and truly learnt some really bad habits all by myself. I love going to professional photographic exhibitions here in Liverpool, Manchester and Salford. I have admired the work of the master photographers and just hope that these images have been a practical inspiration.

To summarize my views on improving.

1. Take many photographs and be a ruthless critic, deleting all but the best.

2. Go to photographic courses on technique and post editing.

3. Go to photographic workshops.

3. Go to exhibitions.

4. Look at photographs in the press and other media.

5. Don’t get too hung up on equipment, but do buy a camera that has manual settings.

6. Remember that the quality of the image is due to correct exposure and the lens.

7. Enjoy the pleasure of outdoor photography and take your time. Go back to locations again if the light is in the wrong direction.

8. Your own style will emerge. Do your own thing, taking subjects that you find interesting as your image will be unique.

9. Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s not worth it, but do work hard and the results will come.  

Some really excellent advice there Rod. Completely agree with taking plenty shots, afterall once you have bought your memory cards thats it, not like when we had to buy roll after roll of film.....and being ruthless with your editing. As far as equipment goes I would always advocate buying the best lens you can afford as it is the lens that produces what you actually see......your camera settings get the expoure and such correct but the lesn produces the quality. And I am very much with Rod regarding 'camera clubs and photographic societies' in my experience they are usually inhabited by people who are more interested in the equipment then the end result......definitely not for me...... but each to their own. Get out and take pictures, look at the work of others and try to work out what it is that make a particular image successful. And most certainly agree with point 9 ....... Don't take yourself too seriously......be enthusiatic, yes. but enjoy taking the pictures and if they don't work don't worry, try to identify what you could have done differnently and try again.....

If I could add a point 10 it would be.... Make sure you have spare memory cards with you, they are relatively cheap now, thus enabling you to shoot many images of the subject from varying angles. You will be amazed how a slightly different angle can change an image.

But above all ENJOY IT

Patience certainly Vince, and having the opportunity to return as you did. Letting wildlife get used to you if possible althoigh not always possible. The squirrels in my garden are getting much more tolerant now, let me with 12 feet before scurrying off. The Woodpecker is still very nervous and clears off almost as soon as she hears me open the door.....and the Jay.....well that is a totally differnet kettle of horses. Flys off as soon it sees me at the window.....

As to you aching arms Vince you need to get yourself a monopod and a ball & socket head. You'll pick up a cheapish one for around £30-40 if you shop around. Will make the world of difference to your sharpness and will hardly take up any room when out on the bike or just generally out and about.