5 Top Park Photography Tips

Local parks are one of the best places to find a wide variety of photographic subjects. Plus, you’ll be enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise at the same time so what’s not to like?

1. Gear Choices

If you’re just going for a quick walk around the park pocketing a compact will be fine but for those who will be taking their camera and interchangeable lenses along, pack your telephoto lens for shots of dog walkers, animals and long shots of the park with your town in the background. For close up work with flowers and leaves pocket your macro lens.

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2. Gray Days Are Good Days

An overcast day, when the light is gently diffused, is the perfect time to capture flowers and foliage. They look even better after a light rain shower as the vibrant greens will jump right out of your frame. If you spot a squirrel while looking through the trees and bushes keep your distance and use a telephoto lens to fill the frame with the cute animal. For those of you who have streams, ponds or even lakes in the park you’re visiting why not have a go at duck/swan photography. In most locations, the ducks are used by people so getting close to them shouldn’t be a problem.

If it’s a fine day there should be plenty of people for you to snap a few candids as they pass by. Try shooting from the hip or if someone such as a park warden tidying up really catches your eye, remember to ask them if they mind you taking their photo before you snap away.

3. Guide The Eye

Paths and lines of flower beds can be used to guide the eye through the image while repetitive patterns such as lines of trees, street lighting and fencing can add symmetrical interest to your shots.

4. Go Down To The Woods

If your park has wooded areas you could have a go at capturing beams of light bursting through the trees but this usually means you’ll need an early start and shooting on a misty morning is a must.

5. Statues, Water Features & Architecture

Don’t forget that statues, monuments and water features make great photographic subjects and most parks will have one if not all of these on display somewhere. Try looking for glimpses of buildings in your town through the leaves on the trees or gaps in the hedges. The contrast of green or even the golden colors of Autumn later in the year against the glass and concrete of the town can work extremely well. Then, when you leave the park, find a hill to climb and photograph the patchwork of greens that break up the gray lines of the town.

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