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Outdoor photography

Digital photography techniques and tips for outdoor photography will help you capture breathtaking landscapes, close-ups, and more.
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Content starts here
» The best time of the day
» Get close-ups of nature
» Capture landscapes and panoramas
» Practice abstract shots
» Get creative with your photos
» Learn more
A young woman standing with her bike in front of a field of flowers


The best time of the day



HP adaptive lighting helps bring out the detail in the scene.
Using light to your advantage is what separates good photos from great ones. The best times to take outdoor pictures are usually early morning and early evening; the worst time is generally midday, when light is most harsh and will cast deep shadows (especially unflattering for portraits).

Learn more about lighting basics for better photos.

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Get close-ups of nature



Macro shooting mode reveals hidden details in close-ups.
Close-up photography reveals details the naked eye can't see. It's perfect for shooting flowers, butterflies, and other subjects in the great outdoors. Close-ups can also bring out details in people, such as flecks of color in a loved-one's eyes.

Set your camera to close-up or "macro" mode. Check your user manual for exactly how to do this, or look for the shooting mode with an icon depicting a flower. In this mode, your camera will take sharp pictures within inches of your subject. Learn more about close-up photography.

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Capture landscapes and panoramas



Landscape mode captures crisp detail in objects near and far.
Photograph stunning landscapes with these techniques:

  • Landscape mode: This pre-set adjusts aperture so that objects near and at great distances are sharp and clear.

  • Manual settings: To achieve the same effect manually, set your aperture to a high f-number, like f6.3. This will provide a wide range of focus and ensure that everything near and far is in focus.

  • Panorama: Some cameras let you create breathtaking vertical or horizontal panoramic shots by stitching together up to five images in a sequence-all right in the camera. Learn more about panoramic photography.

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Practice abstract shots


Abstract photography is about capturing color, shape, and pattern to create an intense visual experience for the viewer. Some subjects to try:

  • Leaves
  • Water reflections
  • Groupings of trees

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Get creative with your photos


Let your outdoor photos be an inspiration, or a refreshing pause in your busy day. Here are some ideas for enjoying and sharing your photos:

  • Frame two or three images together as a series. Get more tips on displaying and framing photos.

  • Create a photo journal: Collect your best shots, and use your journal for practical purposes, like recording plantings so you don't forget what will bloom where. Get started with a Garden photo journal.

  • Create a photo calendar: Use your photos for every month of the year. Showcase them all with this customizable photo project.

Explore more unique ways to use your photos at the HP Activity Center.

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Learn more


» See more articles on taking better photos
» See more articles on printing better photos

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Free online classes


Take a free online class in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.

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»  FREE creative photo projects
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