“Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the street” – at least according to the 60s group, Martha and the Vandellas. The notion was subsequently reinforced when Van Halen, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger put their spins on the tune.
While it’s arguably too hot to do so here in Texas during the dog days of summer, it’s a great time to get outside and explore with a camera in hand. Of course, it’s even better in areas absent of extreme summer temps.
Yes, summer is a terrific time to digiscope. Connect your smartphone camera to your optics of choice and get images of the faraway sights you encounter in outdoor spaces.
A lot more affordable than most camera and lens setups, this awesome form of photography is great for the guy or gal on the go, particularly those that love being outdoors.
The longer days of this popular season mean more digiscoping opportunities and lighting features. While digiscoping lends well to impromptu photo treks, why not plan out the subjects and conditions you’re most interested in? When summer arrives, it’s a great time for photography enthusiasts to get out and get exciting new images – ones that are too distant for the smartphone camera alone.
Here are a few places, subjects, and conditions to plan for during the dog days of summer.
Vacation
Whether hitting the mountains, beach, or backcountry, pack your digiscoping gear and be ready to capture faraway images of nature, people, and other subjects. I’ve got a friend who loves to digiscope boats and ships that are way beyond a smartphone’s zooming capabilities. My favorite is to digiscope a variety of outdoor photos while on photo tours and hikes. The list of photo ops is almost endless during this time when we typically leave home for both leisure and adventure.
Summer vacations are great times to plan for digiscoping sessions.
Silhouettes
Silhouetting is one of the most interesting photography techniques around. This trick adds creativity and even mystery to your images. With longer days comes extended chances to capture the unique lighting that takes place over the summer. Therefore, finding silhouette photo opportunities is very attainable.
This sunrise image captures a distant hunting blind and an array of colors.
General tips include shooting against the source of light, manually adjusting exposure, shooting from a low angle, and, if possible, masking the sun behind your target subject.
This trick is best accomplished in the morning or evening when the sun is not overhead.
Wildlife
Some of my best vacation images are wild animals, especially those unique to the area. Digiscoping has long since become a staple for many birdwatchers. However, it’s well suited for any animal. Digiscoping means less impact on wildlife, hence it’s easier to get pictures and video without spooking your target. The best part is that less pressure lets you view more natural and interesting behaviors.
Birding is an activity perfect for digiscoping. This Texas quail was captured in South Texas.
Game Animals
Why single out game animals? Some of the most beautiful creatures are those that many seek with a bow or rifle. The list is long; deer, elk, wild sheep, and a whole slew of exotic species are ripe for photography. However, since they are wily animals, digiscoping allows you to capture them at a distance.
While digiscoping can aid the scouting and hunting process, you don’t have to be a hunter to enjoy capturing those legal game animals that roam the landscapes you visit. Educate yourself on some of the area species and get after it. If you do, you’ll enjoy some of the most interesting, challenging, and majestic animals around.
Landscape Features and Water
In outdoor spaces, good digiscoping targets abound, especially stationary ones. Any vacation that occurs outdoors is ripe for this photography method. Stationary targets include mountains, interesting trees, and distant lakes. Whatever the case, take time to survey the area for different angles that highlight the star of the show.
This digiscoped image captures both wildlife (whitetail deer), as well as a framed distant water feature.
Golden Hours
The first hour of light just after dawn and the last hour of light just before sunset is considered by many to be the “Golden Hour”. These magical times feature the sun at lower angles. The result is unique and forgiving lighting conditions.
This golden window means that the low sunlight produces soft shadows and diffused lighting conditions – a far cry from harsher lighting conditions such as midday. The low angle of the sun also means that its light travels through more of the atmosphere, visually yielding more even lighting and less contrast. Translation? The added warmth is pleasing to the eye and plays out in the images you capture.
This awesome photo was captured during the golden hour (afternoon). This time of day yields both vivid color and softer tones pleasing to the eye.
High Contrast Sunrise
Do you want an extra incentive to rise early and catch a great sunrise? Summer digiscoping during this time slot means cooler temperatures. If you want to boost your digiscoping results in a unique way, get up early and position yourself to capture one of God’s greatest creations; the sunrise.
If you arrive on time, you’ll be treated to a plethora of colors that appear along the horizon. Click away!
Final Thoughts
Whether on vacation or a simple trip to a nearby state park, summer is a great time to hone your digiscoping skills.
A couple of final thoughts;
Planning pays dividends. With a little upfront thought, you can increase your success by educating yourself on the landscape you’ll be visiting, as well as the habits of native wildlife.
Against the local landscape, summer skies can be a great digiscoping target.
Second, you will have chances to improve your images after the fact. Today’s editing technology can successfully put a bow on your summer digiscoping exploits. Rest assured that you can usually improve the images you’ve taken.
At a minimum, use the photo editing capabilities of your smartphone. However, kick it up a notch by using editing apps such as Snapseed and Phonto to adjust variables such as contrast and exposure.
The time is now to strategize around your next summer smartphone digiscoping trip. Add some structure around your planning and reap the benefits. And don’t forget your sunscreen.