Photographing Brown Things | Northern California Fine Art Photography
When it comes to photographing nature, brown might not be the flashiest color, but it plays a vital role in capturing the earthy tones and textures of the natural world. From the bark of trees to the fur of animals, brown adds depth and warmth to your photos, grounding them in the beauty of the outdoors. And, what better time than now (November) to honor a bit of brown!

Capturing the Warmth and Richness of Brown Tones
To make brown tones truly shine in your nature photography, focus on capturing the richness and warmth they bring to your images. Play with different lighting angles to enhance textures, and experiment with compositions that highlight the natural beauty of browns in nature. Embrace the earthy warmth of brown tones to bring a sense of coziness and depth to your photos.
When shooting nature scenes, natural light is your best friend. Take advantage of the soft, warm glow of golden hour or the dramatic shadows of sunrise and sunset to add depth and mood to your photos. Pay attention to how light interacts with brown tones, bringing out textures and creating captivating contrasts in your images.
Composition is key in nature photography. Experiment with different perspectives, leading lines, and framing techniques to create visually compelling images. When photographing brown tones in nature, consider how elements like patterns, textures, and negative space can enhance the overall composition of your photos. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new angles to make your nature shots stand out.
While editing can help enhance your nature photos, it's essential to preserve the authenticity of the scenes you capture. Avoid heavy-handed editing that alters the natural colors and textures of your photos, and aim to maintain the integrity of the landscapes and wildlife you photograph. Use editing techniques thoughtfully to enhance, not overpower, the beauty of nature in your images.









There you have it; BROWN in its many shades and tones. I hope you’re inspired to get out there and photograph some brown things - landscape, wildlife, still life, or any other genre.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the Search option below.
The diverse landscape of California cannot be matched! When there is such surreal beauty in the Eastern Sierra landscape, the cameras have to come out!
As I sift through the images captured in May, I can appreciate all that the month held for me including trips to Utah and (just-for-fun-non-photography) Tennessee, a bit of macro, mentoring sessions, and a commercial shoot.
While I don't recommend photographing landscapes during the middle of the day, sometimes that's what you've got. So, take advantage of being in a gorgeous area like the California coast and click away!
Arches National Park is renowned for its stunning red rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by wind and erosion. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves dramatic landscapes.
Starry, starry nights and oftentimes mornings, my Utah trip included plenty of astrophotography. What better place than the very dark skies in the area of Moab, Utah.
I love walking out into my garden and taking a deep breath. Despite the warmer temperatures, my sweet peas are still hanging in there.
Back to Utah! Nestled in the heart of Utah, Dead Horse Point State Park is a breathtaking destination that offers stunning vistas, exhilarating outdoor activities, and a rich history.
Nestled along the American River Parkway in Carmichael, California, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center offers a sanctuary for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. With its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, it's a prime location for capturing nature's beauty through the lens.
On my recent trip to Canyonlands, we experienced an incredible sunrise and serenity in unexpected corners of the park. Here's what I learned: Canyonlands is full of magic beyond the Instagram-famous spots.
After leaving Capitol Reef NP, I headed to Moab for a photography workshop presented by Nate Leubbe and Autumn Schrock. After our Meet & Greet, we headed out to the La Sal Mountains Overlook.
Every year, as May draws to a close and summer unofficially begins, Americans across the country take pause on Memorial Day.
A few years ago, I set a goal for myself to visit as many of our National Parks as possible. A pretty loose goal, I know. But, the practical side of me knows that I will probably never visit some of the more remote of our National Parks.
April came and went in a blink, but not without leaving behind quiet stories, unexpected beauty, and fleeting moments that deserved to be paused. As I sift through the images captured in April, I can appreciate all that it held for me including…
It’s taken awhile to edit a few photos from the Waterfalls & More Photography Workshop held in April. Fortunately, the waterfalls were bursting!
Vintage spoons and mustard seed come together to create visually captivating still life compositions that evoke a sense of nostalgia and artistic charm. If you’ve followed my photography work for awhile, you are probably familiar with my ‘spoons’ project.
In spring the wild mustard blossoms and seems to flourish here in Northern California. The agricultural landscape and the country roadsides are decorated with this beautiful, cheery plant.
Tulips, with their vibrant hues and delicate petals, have long been cherished as a symbol of beauty and elegance in gardens around the world.
When I first started learning photography, in addition to photographing ALL THE THINGS, I was incredibly interested in macro photography. It intrigued me. The details and the blurry backgrounds seemed beyond reach. Because of this allure, a macro lens was the first lens I purchased (after the kit lens).
During March it was definitely more difficult to keep up my daily shooting/editing practice, but I’m very close! Spring continues to make her entrance and the days are beginning to get warm in comparison to just a month or two ago.
These words are running through my head right now: To everything there is a season. Spring 2025 begins as winter officially ends. Time marches on.
Foxes are fascinating and elusive creatures. So when a friend said she knew the location of some foxes and suggested we go photograph them, I was all in!
When I learned that the grebes were ‘rushing’, it wasn’t long before some friends and I had a plan to photograph them. Just a couple of hours away from where I live, there were foxes in the area to photograph as well.
After reviewing my 2024, I realized that I really only picked up my camera when I was traveling. So, I decided to commit loosely to a daily shooting practice.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature as we explore cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and serene landscapes. This waterfalls and more photography workshop/retreat is perfect for photographers of all levels.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature as we explore cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and serene landscapes. This waterfalls and more photography workshop/retreat is perfect for photographers of all levels.
If you’ve followed my work/blog for any time at all, you know that the National Parks are near and dear to me. National parks hold a special place in our collective consciousness, serving as sanctuaries of natural beauty and biodiversity.
Friends have been posting photos from a very snowy Maine. Beautiful! It prompted me to take a look back at my trip there a few years ago. Several friends and I were lured there for a still life photography workshop.
* * * * * * *
As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
Join other advanced photographers who are recognized for their technical and creative work. Learn more HERE.
Someone asked me recently how I got started in wildlife photography. I think this old blog post from June 2020 sums it up quite well.