Professional and amateur photographers alike will find an array of strategies in this guide that demonstrates how to use classic visual design principles to create strong, compelling, nature photos. Veteran photographer and naturalist Brenda Tharp presents a full-colour guide that incorporates classic design principles with a deeper understanding of the natural world and its "moments". While many photographers may be experts with the technical aspects of photography, they must also know how to incorporate visual design, strong composition, mood, and bold use of colour in order to take their work to the next level. Learning to capture the moment in nature - which, as all photographers know, is an unpredictable subject at best - is the primary focus of this reference. Readers will find not only dozens of specific techniques for effective outdoor photography, but also practical advice for creating photographs that are emotionally compelling and, in turn, an artistic success. Individual chapters are devoted to such topics as "Light - The Raw Material", "The Elements of Visual Design", "Using Color Effectively", and "Putting It All Together". Plus, clear and to-the-point exercises along with 200 full-colour reproductions aim to inspire readers to achieve more creative, more expressive and more personal photographs.