Exploring the great outdoors is a rewarding way to bear witness to the majesty of nature. Nature frequently presents awe-inspiring vistas that can take individuals’ breath away. Some nature lovers are content to bask in the moment and set the scene to memory. Others may want a more permanent way to commemorate the view.

Amateur photographers eager to capture the majesty of the great outdoors can practice their picture-taking skills. According to the photography tips and technique experts at Picture Correct, many factors are involved in taking nature photographs. These tips can help anyone take stunning nature photos.

Invest in quality gear. The right photography gear makes it much easier to take great photos. Lenses are very important for capturing shots. Macro lenses are designed for insects and flowers. Wide-angle lenses help snap landscapes. Telephoto lenses can focus on animals without having to get too close.

Take the foreground into consideration. When you find an inspiring landscape to photograph, skip the empty landscapes and think about zeroing in on something interesting in the foreground. This can be a particularly attractive flower in front of a vast field, or even a rusty watering can left out in a row of crops. Items in the foreground impart interest in the photo.

Consider depth of field. Sometimes you will have no control over the busy background an interesting subject is in front of in a planned photograph. A shallow depth of field achieved with a wide aperture can blur a background and separate the subject from that background, according to Shotkit, a photography and gear authority. Some post-production work also can be done to blur backgrounds in apps like Lightroom or through Photoshop.

Zoom in and crop subjects. Smaller pictures can be just as compelling as larger ones. Zoom in on the bark on a tree, the skin of a lizard or the wings of an insect. Closer looks at what is hiding in plain sight in nature can lead to compelling pictures. Zoom in and think about a macro lens, which will magnify even the tiniest details.

Study what you want to capture. The best photographers do their research. If you want to grab a great photo of an egret by the water’s edge, spend time watching these birds in their habitat and learning their behaviors. This might help you predict when to snap the best photo.

Use light wisely. The photography resource Expert Photography recommends taking photos primarily during the golden hours. These are right after sunrise and just before sunset. The light during these times of day has a softer, hazy quality that will illuminate subjects evenly and less harshly than midday, when shadows also may pose challenges. Taking photos during these times also means fewer people around and a better chance that wildlife will be out and about.