Capture the Moment!
Since 2013, I’ve published hundreds of blog posts on all aspects of photography. Some are aimed at helping photographers with their technique, settings, and equipment, but others describe my exhibitions, workshops, and adventures in Africa, Antarctica, and beyond.
If you click on any article, you can subscribe for just £4.99 a year, which also gives you access to my monthly newsletter! Feel free to browse chronologically or click on any category heading for specific content, such as Trips or Hints and Tips.
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please drop me a line at nick@nickdalephotography.com or on +44 7942 800921.
![Addicted to AUTO...?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/46693d8a-45a6-422e-a1f6-eb16a6e0b10b/Main+dial.png)
Addicted to AUTO...?
Are you addicted to AUTO? Do you leave your camera in AUTO mode without ever trying aperture or shutter priority, let alone manual? If so, let me be your sponsor! I can help you improve your photography by encouraging you to use different cameras, lenses, settings and rules of composition—and you won’t even need to go cold turkey!
![How to Photograph in the Rain](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/0e0e79e1-b34e-43dd-beb2-49c57e566539/Female+cheetah+sits+on+grass+watching+camera.jpg)
How to Photograph in the Rain
Not many people like being out in the rain, and I’ve even been on a game drive with a guide who immediately turned round and went back to camp as soon as it started raining—even though we were only 20 yards down the road!
![When to Abandon Default Settings](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/5e15e956-ff4c-42b5-91ef-9404a349238e/Rockhopper+penguin+looking+at+camera+from+nest.jpg)
When to Abandon Default Settings
When you become a wildlife photographer, people give you lots of instructions about how to take pictures. They’re all good starting points, but the rules don’t always apply!
![14 Reasons why Your Photos Might not be Sharp](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/1659783409841-TRVO4BYOIH1S3N7B7QPY/Jurassic+Bark.jpg)
14 Reasons why Your Photos Might not be Sharp
Do you get frustrated when your shots turn out to be too soft? I certainly do, so I thought I’d put together this guide to help you improve sharpness.
![Extreme photography](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/1629891352948-RDY2RH44B31NNH9VUKV3/He-Lion.jpg)
Extreme photography
In the quest to help people improve their photography, I’ve written various blog posts, including one on the rules of composition and another on how to stand out from the herd.
Today, I’m going to try a different approach - what I call ‘extreme photography’.
![Shutter Speeds for Action Shots](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/1625063353644-W8YYL6I9BLDANSDCTEKB/On+a+Wing+and+a+Prayer.jpg)
Shutter Speeds for Action Shots
Choosing the right shutter speed for action shots is very important: too fast, and the animal will appear frozen; too slow, and you’ll end up with a blurry mess!
Here’s a quick guide to recommended shutter speed settings for different subjects and types of shot together with a few illustrative examples.
![The exposure triangle](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/1622472363422-QJTUCMVNOAIVR5MXJU2V/The+exposure+triangle.jpeg)
The exposure triangle
Let’s go back to basics! What is the Exposure Triangle? Why do you need to know about it? How can it help you?
In this article, I’ll answer all those questions - and more!
![How to sharpen an image](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55408447e4b0543265612fa6/1618845345330-OBKK9AFN6UAYIV991KW3/Elephant+slow+pan+-+after.jpg)
How to sharpen an image
I use Adobe Lightroom for editing all my images, and it’s a very good program, so generally I have no complaints.
However, there’s one thing I never do in Lightroom, and that’s sharpening.
The problem is that ‘sharpening’ in Lightroom is not really sharpening at all. It’s contrast. And there’s a big difference.