How to take breathtaking photos of nature in California – or anywhere in the world

Sophie Leclerc is a French-Canadian photographer, hiker and outdoor content creator based in California. Over on her Instagram (@sophie.explores_) she shares dreamy hikes, travel guides and visual love letters to the Golden State.

What I’ve learned after years of hiking and taking photos across California is that you don’t need fancy gear to capture nature at its best. A good eye, a little patience and a few simple tricks are all you really need.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets on the coast or wandering through the redwoods, these beginner-friendly tips will help you take beautiful, scroll-stopping photos, just using your phone.

Use the rule of thirds (then break it)

One of the simplest ways to improve your composition is by using the rule of thirds. Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid and try placing key elements off-centre – a person, a tree, the horizon. This approach naturally balances the image and creates visual interest. Most phone cameras have a grid option in settings, so switch it on and experiment with framing. Once you’re comfortable, try breaking the rule – placing your subject dead centre for bold symmetry or letting negative space dominate the shot. Rules are made to be bent once you know how they work.

Light is everything – golden hour is your best friend

The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset – known as golden hour – offers some of the most flattering light for photography. The sun is low, soft and diffused, casting a warm glow that enhances skin tones, adds depth to landscapes, and avoids the harsh shadows of midday. If you can, plan your outdoor shoots around these times. On a morning hike or winding down at sunset, you’ll find the light does half the work for you.

Add a human element to show scale

Nature in places like California can be vast – cliffs, redwoods and sand dunes stretch beyond the frame. To give your viewer a sense of that scale, place a person in the landscape. A small figure in the distance provides immediate context and impact. Wear something bright or light in colour to stand out, then have someone capture the shot from a distance, or use a timer and run into frame. The result? A scene that feels both epic and personal.

Use leading lines to guide the eye 

Leading lines – such as trails, fences, rivers or boardwalks – are great tools for drawing the viewer’s eye through a photo. They create visual movement and help your image tell a story. Try crouching low on a trail so that the path stretches out from the foreground to the background. This subtle shift in perspective can turn a simple scene into something far more dynamic.

Frame your subject with nature

Natural frames add depth and focus to your photos. Whether it’s an archway of trees, an opening in a cave or a gap between boulders, placing your subject within a “frame” helps them stand out. Move yourself rather than the subject – shift your angle or reposition slightly until the elements around you form the perfect border.

Capture movement and texture

Stillness has its place, but movement can bring a photo to life. Whether it’s wind through the trees, waves crashing on the shore or the flow of a waterfall, showing motion adds energy and texture. Use Burst mode to freeze fleeting action, or, if your phone allows, try a slow shutter app to create a silky effect on water. A rock or backpack can act as a makeshift tripod if needed – just stay as still as possible while the shot exposes.

Clean, simple backgrounds are underrated

It’s easy to overlook the background, but it can make or break your photo. A cluttered trailhead or messy treetops can distract from your subject. Aim for simplicity – a stretch of sky, a sandy beach or a dense forest. These areas of “negative space” help highlight what really matters. If needed, shift your position, crouch lower or move closer until the background works with you, not against you.

Use dust, fog or mist to your advantage

Atmospheric elements like fog or dust aren’t obstacles – they’re opportunities. They soften harsh light, create mood and add layers to your scene. Fog in particular acts like a natural filter, perfect for capturing ethereal forest shots or dramatic coastal views. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and webcams – morning fog is common along the coast in summer, and autumn mist in the redwoods can be magical.

Compose a story, not just a pretty scene

A great photo doesn’t just show where you are – it shows what’s happening. Think beyond the landscape and look for small, meaningful moments: boiling coffee at sunrise, reading a book by the river, lacing up your boots. These in-between scenes tell a fuller story. They say something about you, your adventure, and your connection to the place.

Explore beyond the obvious viewpoint

At popular spots, it’s easy to follow the crowd and take the same shot as everyone else. But taking a few steps off the path – literally – can reveal something better. Move around, crouch down, climb a rock or just shift your angle. A change in perspective, even a small one, often makes a big difference. It’s how you make a familiar view your own.

Clean your lens (yes, really)

Blurry photos aren’t always about focus – sometimes it’s just a smudge on the lens. Sunscreen, fingerprints and lint from your pocket can all cloud the image. Make it a habit to wipe your lens every time you pull out your phone. It sounds basic, but it’s the quickest way to instantly improve your photo quality. A clean lens equals a sharp shot. Simple as that.

And finally…

Whether you’re wandering through redwood groves, chasing light across the desert or watching fog roll in from the cliffs, California offers all the ingredients for unforgettable images. You don’t need to be a professional. What matters is noticing – really noticing – what’s around you. Try a few of these tips on your next hike and see what changes when you slow down and frame the world like it matters. Because out there, it really does.