*** From the Archives ***

This article is from April 2, 2010, and is no longer current.

Learn Nature Photography from the BBC

The magazine BBC Wildlife is giving away the complete collection of its Photo Masterclasses.
Explore the titles and descriptions below, then head to the Web site to download your copy.
Wild Places:
Welcome to the first of our exclusive 12-part series on the art of wildlife and nature photography. This month, we show you how to take better photographs of landscapes.

Mammal Portraits:
In our second masterclass, we’re tackling mammal portraits – one of the trickier subjects for the amateur (and expert) wildlife photographer.
Plant Portraits:
You might think that plants make relatively easy photographic subjects, but there are many things you need to consider to bring out the best in
your floral pictures.
From Dusk to Dawn:
A sunrise or sunset can transform an ordinary setting or subject into something really magical, but how do you take advantage of this beautiful light?
Underwater Photography:
This issue, we plunge into a completely different element – water. The sea is one of the most challenging places to get great photos, but don’t be put off.
Invertebrate Portraits:
Many budding wildlife photographers make the simple error of ignoring 99.9 per cent of potential subjects – our invertebrates.
Birds in Flight:
Just as you’re mastering the art of taking well-composed images of wildlife, we’re presenting you with an even greater challenge: capturing moving targets.
Animals in their Environment:
Pulling back from your subject and revealing the world in which it lives enables you to imbue the image with tension and drama.
Bird Portraits:
A beautiful close-up photograph of a bird can offer a multitude of pleasures – character, composition and colour, to name but three.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
Don’t ignore reptiles and amphibians – they can be the most rewarding photographic subjects you’ll ever encounter.
Creative Visions of Nature:
It’s time to free your mind to take truly unforgettable photographs. The aim is to use your imagination to create an inspirational vision.
Wet Weather Wildlife:
It’s a mistake to assume that you need good weather to take good photos – sometimes the opposite is true.
Cold Weather Wildlife:
Frost, ice and snow not only change the appearance of the world around us, but also the way animals behave.
Black and White Photography:
Strip away the colour and a well-composed photograph will often increase in power. The very best black and white photos have a pure graphic quality that oozes emotion and energy.
Urban and Garden Wildlife:
Many photographers assume that you have to travel into the ‘wilds’ to take great pictures of wildlife. Not true!
Zoo Photography:
The best way to photograph exotic animals – without the expense or carbon emissions of a trip abroad – is to visit a zoo.
Bird Behaviour:
Watching the birdie is not as simple as it sounds. Solid fieldcraft, endless patience, lightning-fast reflexes and a deep understanding of your subjects’ lifestyles and habits are vital.
Mammal Behaviour:
Though there are plenty of subjects to choose from, actually photographing mammals in action is a very exacting skill.
Extreme Close-Up:
If you can get really close to your subject, you can enter a new world of wildlife photography. It’s a place of great beauty, seldom visited by most other people.
Innovative Wildlife Photography:
Trying out new methods and techniques allows you to step back from subject-led wildlife images and expand your photographic repertoire.
The World in our Hands:
Global warming, habitat destruction and exploitation of rare animals… Photography can highlight a crisis, document the damage it’s causing and inspire us all to do something about it.

James Fritz is a Principal Program Manager: Content Tools and Workflows at LinkedIn.
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