The great outdoors is full of year-round opportunities for photographers—and many challenges. While there’s no controlling the elements or other factors in a natural environment, having the right equipment makes all the difference in the quality and variety of images you can capture. One thing the photography experts at Art’s Cameras Plus recommend is a versatile lens and the Tamron 18-200mm Di II VC lens is a great option. It’s a durable lens that doesn't break the bank and has a vibration compensation (VC) feature that allows on-the-go pros to take handheld pictures that retain their sharpness.

The Tamron 18-200's durability is ideal for shooting landscapes because it stands up to extreme cold, snow, rain, humidity, high temperatures, and heavy dust. Clean the front as needed and shoot—there’s no friction or slowing down this photography powerhouse. As an added bonus, it’s impact resistance because anyone can drop a lens in the heat of the moment.

8 Tips for Shooting Images Outdoors With Your New Tamron Lens

When photographers—beginner or experienced—get a new lens, they immediately look for new ways to use it. Landscapes are popular because they are always changing and anything can happen when you’re outside. Make something great happen with these eight outdoor photography tips from Art’s Cameras:

1. Look for unique elements in otherwise ordinary scenes—most landmarks have been photographed so often that you’ll be tempted to compare your work with that of others.
2. Remember the basics—leading lines, the rule of thirds, etc.—but follow your instinct instead of the rules when your inner artist sees a better way.
3. Get an early start—dawn is a great time to photograph landscapes. We call it the “golden hour,” when the light is soft and there’s often a layer of mist or fog that enhances the image. An added bonus is that fewer people are out and likely to interrupt a serene scene.
4. Include people, selectively—landscape photography should be about the land, but when you want to show scale, a person can be a point of reference.
5. Work the angles, safely—instead of putting yourself “out there,” use a zoom lens to get closer to the action without the danger.
6. Shoot and reshoot—take the same photo 15 or 20 times, slightly varying the angles or exposures until you have the perfect look and feel.
7. Pack your tripod—while much of outdoor photography is “on the fly,” a tripod is ideal for capturing moving elements, like a waterfall. A tripod minimizes shake so you can slow down shutter speed for a fluid effect.
8. Put the brakes on post-production—great images showcase your skills as a photographer, not a Photoshopper. Keep editing to a minimum, correcting only strong shadows and saturation, because shots of nature should look natural.

Learn More About Shooting Outside (of Your Comfort Zone)

To help you take better pictures outside, nothing compares to the hands-on classes offered at Art’s Cameras. And the more you know, the more you’ll want to experiment with new equipment so you’ll also appreciate our rental department and the option to buy and sell pre-owned equipment.

At Art’s Cameras, we make it easier for you to try new things and are proud to have been changing the landscape of photography in the Milwaukee area for over 50 years. Visit us at our Greenfield or Waukesha/Pewaukee store, and experience our award-winning service for yourself.