Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photographers live an interesting lifestyle and benefit a great deal from all the exercise, as they are constantly moving from place to place. They shoot many different subjects that are challenging, but when done well are very rewarding.

Good outdoor photographers should always keep a particular eye on the weather and be prepared to accept all the harsh elements that occur. Wildlife photographers should love hiking through the wild and be camera ready at all times. When shooting animals you will have a split second to capture the shot.

You don’t need to go to great expense to become a wildlife photographer; standard lenses should do to begin with. If you can afford it a macro lens is very handy for close-up photographs, and a telephoto lens is great for far away shots. If you tend to shoot landscape images a wide-angle lens will work best.

When you go trekking a great distance be prepared. Don’t overfill your camera bag with cameras and other equipment that will only wear you down. If animals are your outdoor interest always have your camera ready with the telephoto lens attached. For the quickest and best results set your camera to automatic mode. If you try to set your camera or focus it manually on the spot the opportunity will be gone.

To capture great wildlife images of animals you need to get up early in the morning and start shooting when the sun is low in the sky. This will add mood to your images by making them feel warm. Most professional wildlife photographers build hides, which they stay in all day waiting for creatures to come along. They completely hide themselves and place their camera on a tripod to capture razor sharp images.

With most types of photography you need to isolate your subject to get a great image. This can be done with a small f/number - f/4 or less. Another way to isolate your subject is to pick a contrasting background that will bring out the rich colours of your subject.

While you are out and about, always be on the lookout for different signs and patterns. You may come across these anywhere, but especially in water or in woodland areas. If done correctly shots like these will make excellent abstract images that can attract a fine price.

Shooting wildlife also includes flowers and insects.

Photographing insects in many ways is similar to taking pictures of flowers. You need to get in close; your focusing has to be perfect and you must also minimize motion. Don’t be afraid to use your flash - even on a bright day. This will get rid of any unwanted blur and help make your flower picture sharp.

This type of photography needs a good quality macro lens. You can also use a telephoto lens but remember to shoot at least three feet away from the subject and zoom in. Always place your camera on a tripod for close-up wildlife photography.

So do you think you have what it takes. Remember, and this is the most important rule, be prepared. Do not take risks that jeopardise your own safety.