Wear good shoes
It might seem redundant, but fortune favours the prepared, and you’re ready for anything if you’re wearing good shoes. You never know when you may need to creep up on a buzzing bumble bee at Biddulph, or chase after a beautiful butterfly at Berrington.
While you’re preparing, remember that charging your camera battery is just as important as charging up yourself for a day out. Don’t forget a map if you’re going for a rigorous hike, and any weather appropriate clothing. Fingers too freezing to operate camera controls can make a fun outing miserable. Spring is volatile- you may need a wooly hat, conversely you may need sunscreen. The point is, the more comfortable you are, the more you can focus on your photography. If you’re visiting a National Trust garden specifically, you should take care to prepare by making sure you’re visiting during open hours as these can change seasonally.
Be aware of purpose
There are many good reasons to make photographs, whether that’s personal enjoyment, a research project, or donating your pictures to your local Trust property; but every image serves some function even if it wasn’t intentional.
Being aware of purpose when photographing, can help you grow as a photographer. That’s not to say you must photograph with a rigid agenda in mind, but be aware of the different functions your images could serve. For example, a close-up photo of a bluebell might be aesthetically beautiful and perfect for a postcard, but the image may also be detailed enough to reveal if the flower is a native species and serve as a scientific record for a local wildlife survey.
Going out to photograph with a specific function in mind, such as the above examples, can help you focus and achieve the look you want. Conversely, going out and being open to inspiration can pleasantly surprise you. The key is to always be aware, but ultimately let your instincts lead the way.