This site is packed with nature and wildlife photography tips for all levels of photographer. As a "quick start" we've captured the ones that we think are essential for you to know.
Learning as much as possible about the animal you're photographing will give you a huge advantage. For example if you want to
photograph deer
then you could just go out any time and possibly find some that you can get close enough to photograph.
However, if you wait until the peak of their rutting season you’ll find them pre-occupied and much easier to get closer to. You'll also get plenty of behaviour shots as the males fight with each other for the right to mate with the females.
Shoot in the Best Light
Strive to be out photographing animals when the lighting is best during the golden hours immediately after sunrise and just before sunset. This carries the biggest punch when trying to make your images stand out. The light at this time is soft and warm and enhances the beauty of your image.
Avoid the hours before and after midday (11 -3) when the light is harsh.
A good rule of thumb is that if your shadow is shorter than your own height then the light is probably too harsh.
Be Aware of the Direction of Light
Front lighting can be great during the golden hours but can be harsh and have too much contrast at other times. Too shoo with front lighting make your approach by ensuring that the sun is directly behind you and your shadow is pointing at the animal.
Side lighting can create a combination of highlights and shadows that give your photograph a three dimensional look.
Back lighting can create some amazing silhouettes if the subject has a very distinctive shape. Extreme back lighting gives a rim lighting effect where the shape of the animal is lit up in a firey outline.
Getting the
composition of your wildlife photography
images right can make a tremendous difference to the impact of your shot. Simply moving the subject around in the frame or getting the background right can be all that is needed. Along with good natural light, this is one of the big hitters that is well worth applying during your wildlife photography sessions.
Get Low
Try to keep low. A shot can be much more effective if its from a similar eye level to the subject your shooting rather than at a downwards angle. The photo below is a combination of shooting from a low angle and waiting for the behavior - in this case yawning.
Conceal Yourself
Some animals are too hard to stalk and probably need a blind (hide). Birds can be photographed by
attracting them close to you
with a blind / perch setup. The best place to start practising this is with
backyard bird photography.
The Animals Welfare Is Your Top Priority
The welfare of the animals is far more important than any photograph. This must be your top priority and is one reason why you need to know your subject well.
For example many people visit a
gray seal colony
just after their pups have been born. They get far too close to the pups without realizing that this can cause the mother to abandon the pup and it will then die. A little knowledge will prevent this.
Further Reading
I hope the wildlife photography tips on this page have helped you to improve. The rest of the site is packed full with other wildlife photography tips so don't forget to bookmark it and keep reading.
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Track Before You Shoot
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Get to know the routes your targets take if you are shooting in the same location for multiple days. It may take a week or two to familiarize yourself ...
