Boost Your Mental Health And Shoot Some Pictures

Photography is wonderful, isn’t it? You get stories with the images you capture. If you’re lucky, you even get paid for it. With the advancement in technology, it’s pretty easy to learn the trade and capture shots like pros. But did you know that photography has amazing psychological benefits as well? It can relieve you of stress and provide a host of other mental advantages.

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There have been some scientific studies suggesting that the simple act of photographing a subject makes the photographer happy. This feeling of elation is often associated with how information arrives in the brain. Another finding is that people who take pictures more often than not find themselves immersed in the moment. They take it all in, which leads to increased brain activity. This makes their minds more active. Photography also pushes people to be more focused and vigilant, both qualities being very important whether or not you’re shooting an image.

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However, one of the best mental benefits in our opinion to come out of photography is a more creative mind. If you approach photography with a passion, becoming more creative will be an inevitability. You will be training your mind to look for new ways to tell a story with each shot, to look for new angles for subjects, and to come up with different and unique methods to emphasize your backgrounds.

Hello there! My name is Jack Elway, and I’m a retired photographer. I’m currently exploring the wilderness here in Denver. For more photography discussion, follow this page.

Best Places In Denver To Shoot Photos Of Wildlife

Denver, CO is home to countless species of animals that are perfect subjects for wildlife watching or photography.  Some of the best places to do those are the following:

Belmar Park

A 15-minute drive from downtown, there are various bird species in Belmar Park in Lakewood, such as blue herons, cormorants, and avocets.  The gazebo on the east side of the lake offers a terrific view of the islet where the birds nest.

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Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

The previous location of a chemical weapons manufacturing center had been cleaned up well, so much so that various animals can be seen in the national wildlife refuge.There is a bison enclosure, but their presence is unpredictable.During the fall, there are plenty of sightings of mule deer and sand hill crane in the area.

Waterton Canyon

Those in search of bighorn sheep will not be disappointed when they visit Waterton Canyon.Late fall is an ideal time to visit the place to watch or take photos of bighorns as the males start their annual head-ramming ritual during that time of the year.

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Brainard Lake

Brainard Lake is a great place to spot moose.Be aware, though, that moose are very dangerous animals, especially during the fall because it is the mating season.Winter or spring are then the best seasons to visit the lake to catch a sight of the majestic animal.Keep in mind, however, that you should still maintain a safe distance from them as they are very protective of their calves and they dislike having their territory encroached.

Jack Elway here, a retired photographer who loves to shoot different wilderness scenes in Denver. Read more about it by clicking here .

The Best DSLRs For Wildlife Photography

DSLRs remain the best cameras for wildlife photography. But there are a lot of models out there that it can get confusing what to use for a specific genre. Sure, you can use just about any camera in the wild, but if you want to catch every detail in animal interaction, find these features in the camera you want to buy:

• Quick autofocus mode
• Fast burst speed
• High ISO
• Large buffer
• Telephoto lens ready
• Weather-proof

Here is a list of the best DSLRs for wildlife photography:

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Nikon D750 DSLR Camera

This Nikon is an excellent camera for its price and performance. This is perfect for still photographers and videographers alike. It packs a fast EXPEED 4 image processor that can create high-resolution images. Videographers can record in stunning full HD 1080p/60 fps format and store them externally.

Nikon D810 FX

If you want a notch higher than the D750, then get the D810. It is the best camera on the market for underwater photography. It has all the D750’s features plus you get a higher ISO from 64 to 12800.

Canon 7D Mark II

Currently one of the most popular DSLRs among professional photographers. It is affordable and very easy to handle. It has a very powerful autofocus ability that lets photographers capture fast-moving animals.

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Hi there. I’m Jack Elway, a retired photographer. I often travel to wildlife parks to take photographs. Visit my blog to know more about wildlife photography.

Street Photography: How To Take The Perfect Shot

Street photography is a bit different from the more common portrait photography. This genre of photography focuses on documenting life, culture and society. This is usually done candidly, without permission and knowledge of the subject.

Because of its nature, this kind of photography may be harder to master. Here are some things that can help you take your street photography skill a notch higher.

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1. Choosing the right lens for the job

Choose lens that are appropriate for the place. Choosing a bigger lens will make people uncomfortable. It’s not a good feeling when a stranger is aiming a giant lens at you. It's creepy. Most photographer settle for a more compact camera. Even flagship smartphones nowadays are good enough to be your go-to camera.

2. Get close

In relation to no. 1, you will only successfully do this if your shooting discreetly. Use a wide-angle lens so you can get great close up shots. Blend with the environment so your image will have a sense of being in the moment.

3. Always be ready to shoot

In street photography, the perfect moment won’t wait for you. It happens spontaneously. You may only have a few seconds to capture it, so be ready to whip out your camera when it happens. This skill takes patience and practice. Have your camera with you at all times.

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Jack Elway here. I am a retired photographer, but I still love taking photos. I like giving helpful tips so be sure to follow me on Twitter for more.

How to take nature photos like a pro

In my years working as a photographer, I have learned that for some, it’s not really about the technicalities. Even with a simple camera, an eye for detail will take you far. If you want to make your nature photos look like it was shot by a pro, here’s what to do:

Don’t put your subject in the center.

When you take nature photos, you’re not just focusing on just one detail. Show what’s happening in the environment and capture how your subject is blending with it. For example, when taking pictures of insects, the scene would look more incredible if you show the flowers and plants they’re crawling on.

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Play with natural lighting.

Natural light can do a lot for you. Aside from being a natural filter, it also adds a mood to the photo. Learn to play with lighting brought by the gray skies and the misty filter caused by drizzles. Once you learn how to roll with different weather conditions, you’ll have a new appreciation for what it does to nature.

Convey your own insights about the place or the subject.

If you’re a photographer who just wants to snap away without thinking of the photo you are taking, then I suggest you take a minute or two to contemplate the shot you’re capturing. If the goal is to let others marvel at what you’re witnessing, then work toward conveying that in the shot.

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Of course, practice will greatly improve your skills. Looking at the works of other photographers will also give you an idea of what details to capture and which aspects to focus on your shots. Have fun!

Thanks for visiting. I’m Jack Elway, a retired photographer exploring the wilderness in Denver. For updates, drop by this page.