We have partnered with Olympus® to bring you this post. All information and opinions are mine and I’m happy to share with you!
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
I also believe that beauty is in the eye of the photographer. So many more people are taking photos with the ease of technology. The digital age has made cameras easier to use because the camera does most of the work for us. Take for instance the Olympus® OM-D E-M5 Mark II. You can be an amateur yet continue to educate to become a novice and professional yourself keeping the same camera. We now have the power to share stories through our photos without spending thousands of dollars on equipment. Let me share tips for spontaneous photo walkabouts.
I am by no means a professional photographer and I am constantly learning new tips and tricks. My eye has become better at spotting the perfect photo which tells my story. One of my favorite things to do is to go for a walk with my camera and find treasures. These treasures can be people, nature, buildings, or settings.
- Always take your camera! I sometimes left my camera behind because I didn’t want to carry the bag and all the lenses. I would always find myself saying, “Damn, I wish I had my camera!” I now have a backpack that I can throw my camera in. I use a towel to keep it separate from my other things in my bag.
I was walking and spotted a Luna Moth! They only live 24 hours and this was the first one I’ve ever seen. It was an amazing discovery!
- Have your camera ready! If you’re out in the nature, you may see an animal that isn’t going to wait around for you to grab your camera. I learned from a photographer to keep the lens cap off. The little click can scare away an animal. Instead try taking a thick fuzzy sock. It slides off easily without making a sound.
We were walking through woods and found a mama deer and her baby. The baby was barely walking and we watched as the baby fed. Amazing!
- Take a bunch of shots! You can snap away and later go through and pick the best shot.
I must have taken 100 shots of this because I was in awe of the beauty. This is unedited and the mountains blend with the sky making them look fake.
- Use angles! Take the picture from different angles.
After taking every angle of this wooden bridge, I found my favorite was the one head on. I pictured cowboys riding over this on their journeys.
- Get low! Don’t be afraid to get on the ground to get your shot.
This little piggy went wee wee wee. Actually this little piggy was going for a walk on a leash. He was very curious when I laid on the ground to be eye level.
- Tell a story! Display your photos in frames in your house and tell people the story around them. You can also use your photos to decorate for the season.
This simple pinecone photo was my inspiration for fall decorating. It’s in a frame and has a story of its own.
- Make sure you have room! You have 1500 pictures on your SD card and you’re not worried because it has plenty of room. Clear your card before you go out to explore- this may be the day you fill it.
Riding on the back of my husband’s motorcycle we drove our usual route. Our everyday bridge looked beautiful under a cotton candy sky.
- Extra Extra! I always make sure I have an extra SD card. I never thought I would need an extra one until one day I somehow made the card in my camera “view only”. I still don’t know how I did this!
I disturbed 30 bunnies at dinner. When I walked around a corner, they all scattered, except this one. He wasn’t about to give up his dinner!
- Stay charged- Don’t assume your camera is charged. Make sure it’s 100% charged before going out.
I always wanted a wagon wheel for the front of my house….that is until I saw I whole wagon! I want this!
- Practice Practice Practice- Walk in your yard, take pictures of your kids, animals, family, flowers, house, or anything you see!
I was very proud of this picture- Not only is it my prince but I always had trouble with water. I love that you can see him and all the drops of water!
Are you looking for a camera or are you looking to upgrade? The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II has many great features but one of my favorites is the full HD 1080p video. That means you can switch from photo to video with one device! Need to start your own photo walkabout?
“Olympus Travel Light with a Free Flight Promotion” is giving you a free domestic U.S. flight offer with purchase of the E-M5 Mark II is giving you a free domestic U.S. flight offer with purchase of the E-M5 Mark II.
**rules and entry details: www.FlyWithEM5.com
Let us help you with your destination! Where would YOU go if you had a free ticket anywhere in the U.S.?
I’m heading to Florida. You’ll find me on a walkabout along the beach with my Olympus® OM-D E-M5 Mark II!!!
Jen Rattie says
Great shots and great tips. I think it’s important to creativity to just go out there and see what you see. And let’s face it, sometimes creativity is elusive for us bloggers.
Marcie W. says
I am a picture taking feign and always make sure to have my camera ready to go. These are all great tips to ensure I am always able to capture those special moments.
Meagan says
You snagged some great shots.
Dawn McAlexander says
You got some great snapshots! I keep telling my daughter and husband that I need to take several pictures just in case they are blurry. That way, maybe I will get at least one good picture.
Pam says
Taking a bunch of shots is so important. You want to make sure you have the best picture.
Reesa Lewandowski says
I really need to keep an extra SD card on hand though!!
Jennifer says
The photoes are very beautiful!! Pig bring hat – this is a very funny idea!!!
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
Thanks so much for these amazing tips! I love all your shots! Awesome!!
Ann Bacciaglia says
These are fantastic photos. I try to remember to always bring my camera with me. You never know when the perfect photo will happen.
DogVills says
Lovely photos. I love your tips too, so helpful especially for bloggers.
Rosey says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who takes a hundred shots to get to a few faves. It pays to do it too, I always am glad I did after the fact, even if it is time-consuming to sort through them.
Tonia @TheChattyMomma says
Wow! Great photos. I love doing photo walks. It’s a great way to practice my photography skills.
Amanda Love says
I love this! Photo walks are always so fun especially when you’re with the kids. It a chance to show them how lovely nature really is. I love your pictures!
Christina Aliperti says
If I could go anywhere it would be Italy. And of course my camera would be with me every step of the way.
Mellissa Williams says
These are great tips! I know that I am trying to be more creative with my photography.
Katy says
These are great tips. Thanks! I agree with the charging your camera and making sure you have enough space on your card. Being prepared can save a lot of heartache when you miss that shot.
I love your Luna Moth picture! I’ve never seen one in person! Very cool!