RCC Environmental Photography Workshop – How to Improve Your Photos?

The Rachel Carson Center’s Environmental Photography Workshop, led by Dr. Anna-Maria Walter and featuring guest instructor Dr. Alison Pouliot, invited environmental and PhD students, Landhaus fellows, and other participants to the Studienhaus Schönwag from November 22 to 24, 2024. The workshop’s theme was “How to Visualize the Environment.”

Dr. Alison Pouliot, an ecologist, author, and professional environmental photographer and filmmaker, specializes in mycology, ecology, visual representation of environmental change, and human interactions with nature. During the workshop, participants had the chance to learn essential techniques and insights for taking compelling photographs.

A Lesson in Perspective

In one anecdote, Dr. Pouliot shared a conversation with a friend who admired her extraordinary photographs and commented that she must own an excellent camera. Interestingly, this friend was a skilled chef who later treated Alison to an exquisite home-cooked meal. Alison joked that she resisted the urge to say, “You must have a great oven!” The story underscored her point: it’s not the tools but the person using them that makes the difference.

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Why Do You Take a Picture?

While every photograph has its merit, Dr. Pouliot explained that in photography contests, 90% of submissions are often easy to eliminate—not because of technical flaws, but because it’s clear the photographers didn’t understand why they took the photos in the first place. In today’s smartphone era, pictures are often snapped casually, intended merely as memory aids, and then left to languish in digital archives.

A good photograph, however, requires intention and should tell a story. Dr. Pouliot advised photographers to focus on capturing actions, events, or transformations rather than static nouns. In environmental photography, this often means looking for processes of change. She suggested starting with a mindful observation walk, taking time to notice unique elements before reaching for the camera.

Simplicity

“Photography is the art of reduction. Aim for simplicity and eliminate the superfluous!” Dr. Pouliot remarked, comparing photography to poetry, where too many adjectives can dilute the message. The most striking images often feature simplicity, highlighting subjects without distractions. Techniques for achieving this include:

• Emphasizing the brightest or most contrasting area to direct the viewer’s focus.
• Using depth of field, natural lighting, and deliberate framing to isolate the subject.
• Experimenting with perspectives, foregrounds, and backgrounds.
• Alternating between the viewfinder and the camera monitor to uncover unnoticed details.

Repetition

A keen eye for repeating patterns, shapes, and structures is a valuable tool in environmental photography. Repetition can take material or metaphorical forms, such as parallels, reflections, or symmetry. Composition plays a critical role here, with natural lines, silhouettes, or edges guiding the viewer’s eye toward the subject. The rule of thirds offers a reliable framework for aligning elements harmoniously.

Know Your and Your Camera’s Limits

Once you’ve identified a compelling subject or motif, consider whether the perspective, position, or technical constraints align with your intent. For instance, poor lighting or an inaccessible angle might prevent a satisfying outcome. In such cases, don’t despair—another opportunity will arise. The art of capturing the perfect photo requires time, patience, and a bit of luck.