I’m a busy mom. As much as I would like to devote more time to art, the whole set-up and take-down process of getting a project rolling, sometimes, exceeds the amount of time that I have to devote to getting artsy. That’s OK. I get creative throughout the day by all means possible especially with things that I’m able to do alongside my child. Photography has been one easy way to put visual form to the creativity continually unfolding in the natural world. It’s a great way to connect with the earth, zoom in on the details that are sometimes passed up, and ponder your place amidst this amazing web of life.

Think about how fast of a society we live in. The constant to-dos, the loud sounds from the streets, the constant bombardment of sensory information. If you look at a baby in the first month or so of life, they have no defenses built up to withstand the overloads of life. Over time, some of us become desensitized to the world, but at the same time, we also lose the ability to tune in to the details. It is AMAZING watching a 1-year-old explore the beauties in nature. The way they pick up a dandelion and explore it in awe soaking up information by all of their senses. The way a butterfly softly lands nearby only to become the magnet of undivided attention.

CONNECTION. Being part of the world around us. Soaking in these wonders with our eyes as wide open as it gets. We lose that. We forget. We forget that we are PART of this web and not APART. Nature Photography is one of the ways I slow down out in the woods, focus on the details, and tune into the music playing all around us. Sometimes, I’m left in the dust on the trail or off trail for that matter. I’m used to that. What is there to keep up with anyway? Today, at Nature Art Exploration, we’re going to explore courses to get started with nature photography. We’ll also discuss how nature photography can be a great way to reflect on your experiences in nature building self-awareness, deepening your insights, and strengthening your connections to the natural world.

Craftsy’s Courses Focused on Nature Photography

Craftsy is a great go-to for photography courses. There are some great online courses at great prices to get you started on your areas of interest. They have various skill levels to choose from, topics of focus, and courses to fit different camera types. Personally, I can’t wait to see some of my favorite flowers blooming and get out there to snap some pictures. I’ve been having a lot of fun with the Photographing Flowers course and practicing some of the skills I’m learning in it. Check out the below slide show on some of the courses at Craftsy helpful in getting started with nature photography whether you’ll be using a basic I phone camera or a DSLR. Find a course that fits you today!

*As a Craftsy affiliate, Nature Art Exploration receives a small percentage of the course sales made through the above links.*

Nature Photography for Reflection

Taking pictures outside can be a great way to empty yourself of thoughts and focus your attention on the aspects of nature you feel most drawn to. On different days, you may feel more pulled towards various aspects of the natural world. Let nature guide your photography. Through a period of reflection, it’s amazing what you’ll find nature has to speak to you. Nature has so much to teach us. When we tune in, the magic tends to flow in. Being like that baby, wide-eyed and full of wonder, we return to remembering the magic. Here’s a few thoughts to get you started in establishing a reflective photography practice.

• Establish a routine where you spend quiet time in nature each day taking a picture that really speaks to you.
• During this time, quiet your mind and experience nature in quiet contemplation.
• Ask yourself introspective questions after this time of quiet contemplation and photography.
• Reflect on your time outside in an art journal or other means of reflection. Check out my post on How to Start an Art Journal Routine!
• Establish a way to organize your photos and your reflections.
• Commit to a reflective photography practice over a set amount of time and see how your insights deepen over time.

Nature Photography Books and Journal

You’ll love these great nature photography books and photo journal to aid you on your explorations.

*This post contains affiliate links. A small percentage of all the purchases you make by following the above links will help support this site. Thank you for choosing to support Nature Art Exploration!*

Thank you for joining Nature Art Exploration! I’m getting excited about the blooming flowers in my neck of the woods in northern Minnesota. It's a great time to head out doors, tune in, and snap some photographs! As always, feel free to comment below. Nature Art Exploration would love to hear about your explorations.