There's something spectacular about nature photography -- capturing for all time a fleeting moment in the open. Maybe that's why it makes such a natural subject for amateur and professional photographers alike.

But nature photography can also give rise to a lot of mistakes, mistakes that seem simple but can ruin the perfect shot. If you want to make the most of your nature shots, it's just as important to know what NOT to do as what TO do!

Mistake #1: Not choosing a great subject.

Nature is full of fantastic subjects -- but unfortunately, nature photography isn't. Some nature photographers don't realize how important it is that they pick a beautiful and central subject for their shots. No matter how great a job you've done, if you just pick a random corner of nature or something that looks “kinda cool” and start snapping, you won't get the best results.

If you find a stretch of nature that appeals to you, ask yourself why it appeals. Is it a flower field? The light in the sky? The way the mountains reflect in the water? Pick the most appealing aspect of the scene and make that your subject.

Mistake #2: Not taking the light into account.

No matter how perfect a scene may appear, it'll fall flat if you take it at the wrong time of day, or without paying enough attention to the light. If you don't get the right lighting, even the most spectacular subject comes out looking dull. And with nature photography, getting the right light is doubly important -- and difficult.

Mistake #3: Overlooking what's right in front of you.

Sure, that Italian landscape is an ideal shot. But have you ever considered what might be lurking in your own backyard? Taking a less spectacular landscape and searching for its unique, special details can yield fantastic results for nature photography subjects. Close up shots of something ordinary can become extraoridinary with the right lighting and photographer.

Mistake #4: Undershooting a scene.

If you're not shooting close to home, take as many shots as you can. Sure you might get the perfect picture with your first click, but it never hurts to have some back ups to work with. Remember, you can't go back for more, and now that most people use digital cameras, you don't have to worry about the cost of film or development. Always overshoot.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you get the most out of your nature photography!

To read more tips on how to improve your photographs and add impact, listen to the free audio podcast with master photographer Rob Sheppard at 7Photographyquestions.com. And sign up for the free mini course at SecretsofMasterPhotographers.com!