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Thorung La Pass, Nepal
Photograph by Helmut Zhang, My Shot
Adventure photography has its own set of special challenges. In this gallery, get tips for capturing the best action shots.
Pictured here: A climber on Thorung La pass in the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is dwarfed by a snowy peak.
(This photo was submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: It's always wise to have a good chamois lens cleaner with you. Who knows when you might want to clean your filter or front element that has become moist from going in and out of cold temperatures?
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Surfer, Hawaii
Photograph by Ron Dahlquist, My Shot
Garrett McNamara in a huge barrel at Peahi or "Jaws," north shore of Maui, Hawaii
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: Try POV (point of view) shots, shooting from unusual angles or from the viewpoint of the participant you are photographing. POV angles are effective in bringing the viewer into the action of the scene.
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Sedona, Arizona
Photograph by Chris Brundige, My Shot
German climber Timo Scheu near Sedona, Arizona
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: Look for natural frames, such as an arch or the shaded walls of a canyon. A frame can be a dramatic device to enhance your subject.
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Hikers on Mount Fitz Roy, Argentina/Chile
Photograph by Pete McBride, National Geographic
Braving gusts, hikers press on toward 11,072-foot (3,375-meter) Mount Fitz Roy. The Patagonian mountain sits on the border of Argentina and Chile.
Photo Tip: Capturing people engaged with the landscape is far more interesting than generic pretty mountain scenery.
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Cyclist, California
Photograph by Catherine Karnow, National Geographic
A man bikes past California oak trees on a grassy hillside.
Photo Tip: Photographer Catherine Karnow used tree branches to block direct sunlight as she shot this side-lit cyclist. The branches became a strong foreground element.
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Sand Dune, Namibia
Photograph by Nick Summers, My Shot
Two hikers climb Dune 45 at Sossusvlei, Namibia.
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: A pattern can become the subject of the photograph, or it can reinforce the point of interest by leading our eyes to it or by framing it.
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Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Photograph by Steve Davis, My Shot
While on a recent vacation to Costa Rica my wife and I took an evening stroll along a quiet stretch of Playa Grande beach. After sunset the sky became beautifully multihued and reflected off the wet sand. I took this shot as a lone surfer, seemingly oblivious to the fantastic views, heads home.
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: Light is dynamic. Plan your photography around the light if possible. If you see a picture but the light is too harsh, wait an hour to see if conditions improve.
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Hampi, India
Photograph by Claire Youdale, My Shot
Taken in Hampi, India. I was on a climbing trip on all the granite boulders scattered in this area, when Johan jumped between the boulder he had just climbed and the one you get down from. I took the shot at just the right time.
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: When you see a unique event unfold, don’t waste time; make the most of the equipment you have in your hands, find the best position to compose the shot, and start shooting.
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Dente del Gigante, Italy
Photograph by Davide Necchi, My Shot
This is a picture of the "dente del Gigante" a famous peak in the Monte Bianco group; this is taken from Colle del Gigante at 3,400 meters [11,155 feet]. This photo is a single shot with only a correction of curve and contrast. The light came from a half moon at 4 a.m.
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: Mentally divide your frame into thirds—down and across. Avoid positioning your subject dead center.
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Ski Lift, Taos, New Mexico
Photograph by Sherri Lunte, My Shot
An amazing sunrise on the beautiful slopes in Taos, New Mexico. I hardly had enough time to pull out my camera for the shot ... then it was gone.
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
Photo Tip: When shooting in cold weather, or extreme conditions such as snow and sleet, it's important not to change your lenses outdoors. You never want to get moisture or condensation inside the camera body.
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