How To Photograph Wildlife – Simple Tips For Awesome Shots

Even the most experienced photographers can find taking shots of wildlife a challenge. To get the best pictures, tricks of the trade need to be learned and practised before venturing out into the field. Setting up your equipment and framing your shots has to be done quickly. One way in which to practice set-up and framing can be done by taking pictures in your own yard and/or local parks of your own animals (if you have them). With your own animals you have the opportunity to study their behaviour up close and personal so you can then anticipate what will happen next. Ultimately, the more knowledge you have about your subject, particularly in the case of animals, the better pictures you will get. Here are some tips on how to get the best shots of animals [and birds] in the wild:

Practice taking shots of moving targets. Learning how to pan moving targets will allow you to take dramatic photographs with a sense of speed.

Always keep your camera at the ready – unexpected things can happen when out in the wild. If using a digital camera, make sure it has enough memory and is fully charged. Ensuring you have batteries on hand is also a must.

Knowledge is key when setting out to photograph wildlife. Wherever it is you decide to go to take pictures, make sure you research that particular area in advance of arrival so you know what to expect in terms of what kind of animals and birds you will see there. Knowing an animal’s habitat can go a long way to figuring out where to find them and what type of behavior you might encounter.

Once you have reached your destination, make sure to walk and move quietly as you search for animals and birds to photograph. By learning to be immobile, you will ensure that your presence doesn’t startle or threaten the wildlife around you.

All of your senses will become more important then ever when out photographing wildlife. You need to use your eyes to observe what’s going on around you, your ears so as to detect movement and sounds, and even your nose to try and smell an animal that could be right there [beside you] but is in hiding. A heightened awareness of where you are and what your intentions are will enhance the wildlife photography shoot.

In the wild, telephoto lenses are basically a must. This brings you in a little closer without scaring the animals. The use of a tripod is not always mandatory, if you have enough light you will be able to shoot at a fast shutter speed to eliminate shake. Some telephoto lens have vibration reduction technology but are considerably more expensive.

For the best shots, it is imperative to put the sharpest focus on the eyes of animals or birds.

Make a habit of photographing small animals from a lower angle.

The best times of the day for viewing and photographing wildlife are early in the mornings and just before dark. This is when wildlife is usually most active and the light is the most dramatic.

Try to keep the sun at your back so that the light falls directly on your subject.

Using all these digital photography tips will help you improve your nature photography. The very most important thing is practice, practice, practice and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!