Top 10 bucket list of must-capture moments in spring

Spring is here and with it comes a host of amazing photo opportunities that are not to be missed.

As we wave goodbye to winter, now’s the ideal time to grab your camera and get out into the fresh air as nature blooms all around. From buds and blossoms in the trees and new life in the fields to rainy days and longer evenings, we’ve picked out our top 10 spring photoshoot ideas. We hope you enjoy reading through our seasonal bucket list and it inspires you to take some superb shots that celebrate all spring has to offer.

10. Wildlife coming to life

Spring is a time of birth and renewal. Nowhere can this be better seen than in our fields, woodlands, local parks and nature reserves. Simply go for a long walk through the countryside, keeping your eyes open and camera at the ready. From lambs in the fields to ducklings in the rivers, there are plenty of newly born animals to shoot. Many of these are tame enough to get close to, so a telephoto lens isn’t essential. Then, there is all the other wildlife coming out to enjoy the weather such as butterflies, bees, squirrels and more. Patience is key. Photographing animals is not a point and click exercise. Keep your lens trained on your subject until they strike the perfect pose.

9. Nature at its blooming best

Springtime is when plants and flowers grow, bloom and blossom. Their vibrant colours and variations make for stunning shots and let you capture the essence of the season. You can shoot Mother Nature, at arguably her most beautiful, in a variety of different ways. One is a close-up, highlighting leaves, buds or newly opened petals in all their glory. Alternatively, you can take panoramic shots filled with bold colours and breathtaking landscapes that are vibrant and alive.

8. Spring showers falling

Don’t sit inside and look out of the window when spring showers start. Embrace them as an opportunity to get some great shots. Rainy days create enchanting scenes from gritty rain-soaked streets to playful lambs hiding under foliage. Just remember to keep your camera dry, especially when you’re in a real downpour.

7. A spectacular sunrise

A crisp spring morning can be spectacular. So, set your alarm clock so you don’t miss the sunrise. Be ready and waiting for that special moment when all around is waking and the birds are beginning their morning chorus. The early morning light on a clear day filtering through the trees will make for an amazing photograph. As you’ll probably already know, this morning light is called the ‘Golden Hour’ as there is a warm, flattering light that helps create a dramatic and visually appealing image.

6. Sparkling drops of dew

Taking photos of the sunrise first thing on a spring morning is also the perfect opportunity to do some macro shots of dew drops that have appeared on spiderwebs, flowers and blades of grass. Sparkling in the early light, these tiny droplets act like little crystal balls, refracting and inverting the light to show an image upside down. It can take a bit of practise to do them justice.

5. Blankets of fog

Another morning must-have photo is a blanket of fog transforming the landscape. This magical moment is created when the temperature has dropped below the dew point at night and there is humidity in the air. Following this, you’ll be greeted by fog rolling into valleys and low-lying areas. You’re also likely to see fog near bodies of water such as lakes. It’s worth noting that fog isn’t stationary, it’s always on the move, albeit slowly. Autofocus might prove problematic, which is why manual focus is a better option, allowing you to improve the composition by focusing on one part of the scenery that is sharp or creates contrast.

4. Spring festivals

Spend the day at one of the many spring events that happen across the length and breadth of the UK. They’re usually bright, colourful affairs that are ideal for taking candid photos of people enjoying themselves and interacting. Try to tell a story that embodies what your subjects are doing. You can also shoot from a distance to show the event in all its glory for, quite literally, a snapshot of what’s going on.

3. The colours and textures of spring

Every season has its own unique textures, patterns and colours associated with it. Try finding springtime ones that portray the feeling of renewal and hope. Get up close to nature as it’s reborn. Think bright and vibrant colours with clear greens and golden yellows. Or, go the complete opposite way and shoot soil. Bringing different natural textures to life can create memorable images. There’s no right or wrong, so be creative and see what you end up with.

2. Stunning silhouettes

The onset of spring means earlier mornings and longer evenings. Take advantage of these by getting set up to capture someone or something against the natural skyline. Highlighting the dark silhouettes of your subject against a bright, contrasting background created by golden sunlight can create an image with impact.

1. A picture-perfect picnic

Spring is a time when we get to go and enjoy the great outdoors after a long, cold winter. A picnic sums this up perfectly with a checkered blanket set in a blooming field of wildflowers. When planning a picnic photoshoot, simplicity and authenticity are key. Choose a location that’s right for you. This could be a peaceful park, sunlit meadow or hidden lakeside spot. Just keep it natural and relaxed for an unforgettable shot.

We hope our top 10 list of spring shots has inspired you to make the most of the season and all it has to offer.