Field Notes: Tips for wildlife photography.

Wildlife photography can be challenging and extremely rewarding at the same time. Gear is important in this genre but there are a few other things to be mindful of too.

The Art of Patience and Observation:

Nature is unpredictable, and wildlife photography requires patience. Dedicate time to observe your subject. This will help you anticipate engaging moments, giving you the best opportunity to capture and create more compelling images. Immerse yourself in nature, and be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in a particular location. Shoot locally and revisit a location at different times of the day and year. Note the ever-changing light and colours. Blend all this with your muse, then watch all the elements of your images come together.

Understand Animal Behaviour:

Understanding the behaviour of the wildlife you are photographing can greatly improve your chances of creating some captivating and behavioural-style images. Learning about an animals habits and movements will help you anticipate their actions and capture some compelling shots. Focusing on a species can produce some fascinating photo stories. A little bit of research goes along way. Invest in some local field guide books and do some internet research. Study the wildlife around your home. Bird life, insects, nature, it's everywhere!

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Focus on the Eyes:

In wildlife photography, whether your subject is facing you or you are shooting a profile shot, the eyes typically play a crucial role. They convey emotion and serve as a focal point in your image. It's important to focus on the animal's eyes and ensure they are sharp and in focus in your photos, although there are obviously exceptions to this, such as silhouettes. Getting down to eye level with your subject can help establish a connection and create a more compelling composition. This often means getting on the ground and getting a bit dirty, but the results are worth it!

Use a Telephoto Lens:

Unless you are planning on camera trapping or triggering your camera remotely, a telephoto lens is essential for wildlife photography. It allows you to get close-up shots of your subject without disturbing them. Be mindful of your behaviour and ethics, we don't want to disturb animals in pursuit of images. I would recommend a lens with a focal length of at least 300mm, but longer lenses up to 600mm or 800mm are even better for capturing distant subjects or smaller birds. There are lots of telephoto lenses on the market to suit every budgets. Buy the best you can afford.

Embrace the locals:

When we're starting out as wildlife photographers, our local wildlife often proves to be the best subjects, even though we all desire to capture rare species. One major advantage of photographing the birds or other wildlife around our homes and local parks is their habituation to humans, making it easier to get close to them. This increases the chances of witnessing and capturing natural behaviour. Additionally, observing how some species have adapted to human-engineered landscapes provides a fantastic opportunity to understand our local ecology. What's more, we get to practice our camera skills and develop our own unique style. Modern cameras offer a plethora of customisable function buttons. By setting up your camera to suit your needs and becoming familiar with its nuances, you can enhance your photography and success in the field.