Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro
EASY STEPS TO ENSURE THEY STAY STANDING IN BAD WEATHER Storm-Proof Your Trees
QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR PHOTOS
Spring storms in Bloomington can be unpredictable. One minute, it’s a drizzle, and the next thing you know, fierce winds and heavy rain are hitting your yard with force. One strong gust can turn a weak limb into a dangerous projectile, and soggy soil can
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. PLAN AHEAD Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes. MASTER YOUR EQUIPMENT Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus. CONSIDER COMPOSITION In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. BE RESPECTFUL Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography.
make even the healthiest trees unstable. With a bit of preparation and planning, you can protect your trees and property from the season’s rainstorms, ensuring your yard stays attractive and safe for your family. Get ready to wrap the metaphorical raincoat around your yard with these tips to keep storm damage at bay.
CHECK TREE HEALTH Give your yard a health check before the storms roll in, evaluating trees for any signs of damage like cracks, splits, or holes in the trunk or limbs. You should also look for peeling bark, a common red flag of insect damage, or unusual growths. Remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches so adverse weather doesn’t knock them down. Pay special attention to trees near your home, as falling branches could damage your roof or nearby powerlines. You can thin out the canopy of trees by removing some branches to allow more air to pass through, stabilizing the plant. PROVIDE EXTRA SUPPORT To give extra protection to your trees, add a ring of mulch around the base to act as a buffer between the sensitive roots and stormy weather. Keep some distance between the mulch and the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch can ensure soil erosion doesn’t damage the tree’s roots. If you have young trees, use metal or wooden stakes to support them against powerful gusts of wind. KEEP SOIL HEALTHY The healthier your soil is, the more likely your trees and other plants will have a fighting chance against storms. Regularly test and maintain the soil quality of your yard to ensure it has the proper nutrients and drainage. Healthy soil will protect the root systems of trees so they can withstand heavy winds or rains. You can aerate your lawn around plants to ensure the ground is not too compacted.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
If you want to keep your trees and lawns spring storm ready, contact Anthony’s Lawn Care and Landscaping today!
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AnthonysLawnCare.com • AnthonysTreeRemoval.com • 812-345-5694
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