Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners

Introduction

Brief Introduction to Wildlife Photography

If you are reading this, then you are like me and many other people out there. We love nature and we want to spend every second in it while capturing its beauty in photographs. Wildlife photography is a thrilling and rewarding hobby that allows you to capture the beauty and behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Whether you’re photographing a majestic lion on the African savannah or a colorful bird in your backyard, wildlife photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and connection with nature. It requires patience, perseverance, and a keen eye to capture those perfect moments that tell a story about the animals and their environment.

Importance of Learning the Basics

For beginners, learning the basics of wildlife photography is essential to get the best results. Understanding your camera settings, knowing how to approach and photograph animals without disturbing them, and mastering composition are key skills that will help you take stunning photos. By starting with the fundamentals, you’ll build a strong foundation that will make your wildlife photography more enjoyable and successful. Plus, knowing the basics helps you to be prepared for any situation, ensuring you can capture amazing images no matter where your adventures take you.

Getting the Right Equipment

Choosing Your Gear

This is probably the most important part and should be considered carefully before you buy any equipment. I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up with a lens that is unusable for wildlife photography.

The most important things to consider when choosing your camera body and lens are:

1. Focusing Speed: With wildlife photography, your subject is almost always moving and often in unpredictable directions. You want a camera body and lens that can quickly and easily focus on your subject, whether it’s moving closer or farther away. Consider a camera body with the most autofocus (AF) points within your budget and a high frame-per-second (FPS) count. The more AF points, the easier it is to focus, and a higher FPS allows you to take multiple photos in quick succession.
   • A very decent, yet dated, option is the Canon EOS 7D, which has 65-point all cross-type AF and 10 frames per second.
   • A newer option is the Canon EOS R7, which offers 15 frames per second and 651 AF points.
   • Both these bodies have crop sensors, which means they crop the image compared to a full-frame sensor. For example, a 50mm lens on a crop sensor camera provides a field of view similar to a 75mm lens on a full-frame camera. I prefer this because it gives a bit of extra zoom, especially when trying to photograph distant animals or birds.
     
2. Choosing the Right Lens: I prefer zoom lenses over prime lenses (a prime lens has a fixed focal length). Zoom lenses allow you to adjust your focal length while looking through the viewfinder, which is useful if, for example, a cheetah comes running past. When choosing a lens, opt for one with a low F-stop number. The F-stop determines the depth of field—the lower the number, the more light the lens lets in, and the more the background is blurred. My ideal lenses are:
   • Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports
   • Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
   • A budget option is the Canon EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS II USM.
     
3. Tripod: A sturdy tripod is a valuable tool for wildlife photography, especially when using long lenses. It helps stabilize your camera, reducing blur from camera shake and allowing you to use slower shutter speeds in low light. A tripod also makes it easier to frame your shot and wait for the perfect moment without tiring your arms. Go for tripods with swivel heads and a control arm, which makes it easier to position your camera for the perfect shot. An example is the National Geographic Photo Tripod.
   
4. Additional Accessories:
   • Memory Cards: Always carry extra memory cards. Wildlife photography often involves taking many shots to capture the perfect moment, so you’ll need plenty of storage space. I recommend nothing smaller than a 64GB memory card.
   • Batteries: Bring spare batteries, as shooting in the wild can drain your camera’s battery quickly, especially in cold weather or when using features like image stabilization and continuous shooting mode.
   • Camera Bag: A durable, weather-resistant camera bag will protect your gear from the elements and make it easier to carry everything you need. Look for a bag with plenty of padding. Mine has been dropped and fallen over, but none of my equipment has broken yet. I use Think Tank backpacks.
   • Lens Filters: Consider using UV or polarizing filters to protect your lens and enhance your photos. Polarizing filters can reduce glare and improve color saturation, making your images more vibrant. They also help greatly reduce glare.

By considering these factors carefully before purchasing any equipment, you’ll be better prepared to capture stunning wildlife photos.

Understanding Your Camera Settings

Mastering Camera Settings

To capture stunning wildlife photos, it’s essential to understand and master your camera settings. The three key settings you need to know are ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Together, these settings control the exposure and sharpness of your photos, and knowing how to adjust them can make a big difference in your wildlife photography.

1. ISO: ISO measures your camera’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO (e.g., 100 or 200) is ideal for bright conditions, producing clearer images with less noise. Higher ISO values (e.g., 1600 or above) are useful in low-light situations but can introduce more noise. For wildlife photography, try to keep the ISO as low as possible while still getting a properly exposed image. Most cameras come with an auto function for selecting ISO and automatically adjust this value based on your Shutter Speed and Aperture.
   
2. Aperture: Aperture controls the size of the lens opening, which affects the depth of field (how much of the photo is in focus). A lower f-number (e.g., f/2.8) means a wider aperture, creating a shallow depth of field that blurs the background and makes the subject stand out. A higher f-number (e.g., f/11) means a narrower aperture, keeping more of the scene in focus. For wildlife photography, a wider aperture is often preferred to isolate the animal from its background. You might want to set this higher when you want to photograph a herd of buffalo. The higher the Aperture is though the less light comes into the lens and you will need to compensate for this by either increasing your ISO or decreasing your Shutter Speed.
   
3. Shutter Speed: Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. Faster shutter speeds (e.g., 1/1000 sec) are great for freezing fast-moving subjects, like birds in flight or running animals. Slower shutter speeds (e.g., 1/60 sec) can create motion blur, which can be artistic but might not be ideal for capturing sharp wildlife images. In general, use a fast shutter speed to ensure sharp, clear photos of moving wildlife.

How to Use These Settings for Wildlife Photography

When photographing wildlife, you’ll often need to balance these settings to get the best results. Here are some tips:

1. Start with Aperture Priority Mode: This mode lets you set the aperture, and the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed. It’s a good way to control the depth of field while ensuring proper exposure.
   
2. Increase ISO in Low Light: When shooting in low light conditions, increase the ISO to maintain a fast shutter speed and avoid blurry images.
   
3. Use Fast Shutter Speeds for Action Shots: To freeze action, set your camera to Shutter Priority Mode and choose a fast shutter speed. The camera will adjust the aperture for correct exposure. This is where I prefer 1/1600 as it still adds a bit of motion blur. If you go higher, it looks like a stationary object moving through the space.
   
4. Practice and Experiment: Spend time practising with different settings to understand how they affect your photos. Experimenting in various lighting conditions and with different subjects will help you become more comfortable and confident in adjusting your camera settings. I prefer to shoot using Manual mode as it allows you much more control over exposure and motion blur. I primarily set my camera to 1/1600, F5.6 & ISO between 100 & 800 depending on the lighting conditions. In my experience, you can go as low as 1/200, but then your subject needs to be relatively stationary.

By mastering these key settings, you’ll be well on your way to capturing amazing wildlife photos that showcase the beauty and behaviour of your subjects.

Here are a few photos with their Shutter Speed, Aperture & ISO settings:

Research and Preparation

Do Your Homework

Successful wildlife photography requires more than just good gear and technical skills. Thorough research and careful planning are key to capturing amazing images. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your wildlife photography adventures:

1. Researching the Wildlife:
   • Identify Your Subjects: Start by deciding which animals you want to photograph. This could be anything from local birds in your backyard to exotic animals on a safari.
     
   • Learn About Their Behavior: Understanding the behavior of your subjects will help you anticipate their actions and be ready to capture interesting moments. For example, knowing when certain birds are most active or how a particular animal behaves during feeding time can make a big difference in your photos.
     
2. Understanding Their Habitats:
   • Habitat Knowledge: Research the natural habitats of the animals you plan to photograph. This includes knowing where they live, what time of day they are most active, and what weather conditions they prefer. A cheat you can use here especially when photographing African wildlife is to go on either a photo safari or to visit nature reserves that offer game drives. The latter may be a bit cramped and amazing photo opportunities less likely, but the guides know where the animals are, so you’ll have a much higher sighting success rate and you will learn interesting facts about the animals. The guides usually ask if people want to take photos, especially at special sightings and then ask if you are ready to move on.
     
   • Seasonal Changes: Be aware of how different seasons affect wildlife behaviour and habitat. Some animals may migrate, hibernate, or change their behaviour depending on the time of year.
     
3. Planning Your Trips:
   • Location Scouting: Choose your photography locations carefully. Visit the area beforehand if possible, or use online resources like maps and wildlife guides to understand the terrain and the best spots for sightings. I prefer taking a more gung-ho approach and just heading into the wild with my camera to see what I can find. This sometimes backfires though I’ll spend hours without finding anything.
     
   • Timing Is Everything: Plan your trips around the times when animals are most active, which is often early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times also offer the best natural lighting for photography (Referred to as golden hour). I use an app called Golden Hour on my phone to check when it is. The time is usually out by half an hour. So when I go out early in the morning, I leave 30 minutes after the time, in the afternoon you are out from 4 pm anyway, so I don’t really use it then.
     
   • Pack Essentials: Prepare a checklist of essential items to bring, such as your camera gear, extra batteries, memory cards, weather-appropriate clothing, and any necessary permits or entry fees for wildlife reserves or parks.

By doing your homework and preparing thoroughly, you’ll increase your chances of encountering wildlife and capturing incredible photos. Proper research and planning not only help you find and photograph your subjects but also ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in nature.

Techniques for Capturing Great Shots

Essential Photography Techniques

Mastering a few key techniques can greatly improve your wildlife photography. Here are some essential tips to help you capture great shots:

1. Tips for Composition:
   • Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots. Imagine a grid over your image, dividing it into nine equal parts. Place your subject along these lines or at their intersections to create a balanced and visually appealing photo.
     
   • Leading Lines: Look for natural lines in the environment, such as paths, branches, or water streams, that lead the viewer’s eye toward your subject. This technique adds depth and interest to your photos.
     
   • Background Matters: Pay attention to the background and ensure it doesn’t distract from your subject. A clean, uncluttered background helps make your subject stand out.
     
2. Focusing on Eyes:
   • Sharp Eyes: In wildlife photography, the eyes of your subject should be in sharp focus. This creates a strong connection with the viewer and brings your photo to life.
     
   • Autofocus Modes: Use your camera’s autofocus modes, such as continuous or tracking autofocus, to keep moving subjects in focus. Practice using these modes to improve your accuracy.
     
3. Using Natural Light:
   • Golden Hours: The best time for wildlife photography is during the golden hours—early morning and late afternoon. The soft, warm light during these times enhances colors and adds a beautiful glow to your photos.
     
   • Avoid Harsh Midday Sun: The bright overhead sun can create harsh shadows and overexposed highlights. If you must shoot during midday, look for shaded areas or use fill flash to balance the light.
     
4. Staying Patient and Ready:
   • Patience is Key: Wildlife photography often requires a lot of waiting. Be patient and stay still to avoid startling the animals. The best shots often come when you least expect them.
     
   • Always Be Ready: Keep your camera settings prepared for action. Use continuous shooting mode to capture multiple frames per second, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot.
     
   • Quick Adjustments: Familiarize yourself with your camera so you can quickly adjust settings on the fly. Wildlife can be unpredictable, and being able to react swiftly will help you capture fleeting moments.

By applying these essential photography techniques, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning wildlife photos. Remember, practice makes perfect, so spend as much time as you can out in the field, observing and photographing animals in their natural habitats.

Staying Safe and Respectful

Ethical Considerations

When photographing wildlife, it’s important to consider the impact of your actions on the animals and their environment. Here are some key ethical considerations to keep in mind:

1. Respect the Wildlife: Always prioritize the well-being of the animals over getting the perfect shot. Avoid disturbing their natural behaviors, such as feeding, mating, or caring for their young.
   
2. Keep a Safe Distance: Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without intruding on the animal’s space. Approaching too closely can stress animals and potentially lead to dangerous situations for both you and the wildlife.
   
3. Avoid Nesting and Den Sites: Refrain from photographing near nests, dens, or burrows. Disturbing these sensitive areas can cause parents to abandon their young or expose them to predators.
   
4. Follow Local Guidelines and Regulations: Many parks and reserves have specific rules to protect wildlife. Always adhere to these guidelines to ensure your photography does not harm the environment or its inhabitants.
   
5. Minimize Your Impact: Stay on designated paths and trails to avoid trampling vegetation and disrupting habitats. Leave no trace by packing out all trash and minimizing noise.

By keeping these ethical considerations in mind, you can enjoy wildlife photography while ensuring the animals and their environments remain protected for future generations.

Post-Processing Your Photos

Editing Your Wildlife Photos

After capturing your wildlife photos, post-processing is an important step to enhance and perfect your images. Here are some basic editing tips, recommended software, and the importance of maintaining a natural look:

1. Basic Editing Tips:
   • Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Start by correcting the exposure if your photo is too dark or too bright. Increase the contrast to make your subject stand out and give your photo more depth.
     
   • Enhance Colors: Slightly boost the saturation and vibrance to make the colors pop, but be careful not to overdo it. You want the colors to look natural and true to life.
     
   • Sharpen Details: Use sharpening tools to enhance the details of your subject, especially the eyes and fur or feathers. Be subtle to avoid creating an unnatural look.
     
   • Crop and Straighten: Crop your photo to improve the composition and remove any distracting elements. Straighten the horizon if necessary to ensure your image looks balanced.
     
   • Reduce Noise: If you shot at a high ISO, use noise reduction tools to minimize graininess, especially in darker areas of your photo.
     
2. Recommended Software:
   • Adobe Lightroom: A popular choice for photographers, Lightroom offers powerful editing tools and easy-to-use interface. It’s great for organizing, editing, and exporting your photos.
     
   • Adobe Photoshop: For more advanced editing, Photoshop provides a wide range of tools for retouching and manipulating images. It’s ideal for detailed adjustments and creative edits.
     
   • Luminar Neo: Luminar Neo is a user-friendly software known for its powerful AI-based editing tools. It’s excellent for enhancing colors, adding creative effects, and simplifying complex editing tasks.
     
   • Free Alternatives: If you’re looking for free options, consider software like GIMP or Darktable. They offer many of the same basic editing tools as the paid programs.
     
3. Importance of Maintaining a Natural Look:
   • Keep It Real: While it’s tempting to enhance your photos dramatically, it’s important to maintain a natural look. Over-editing can make your photos look unrealistic and detract from the beauty of the wildlife.
     
   • Subtle Adjustments: Aim for subtle adjustments that enhance your photo without altering the reality of the scene. Your goal should be to showcase the wildlife as it appears in nature.
     
   • Ethical Editing: Avoid adding or removing elements that change the context of the photo. Ethical editing respects the integrity of your subject and the environment it was photographed in.

By following these editing tips and using the recommended software, you can enhance your wildlife photos while maintaining a natural and authentic look. Remember, the goal of post-processing is to bring out the best in your images while staying true to the beauty of the wildlife you capture.

Recap of Key Tips

Wildlife photography is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it requires the right knowledge and preparation. Here are the key tips we’ve covered:

1. Choosing Your Gear: Invest in a good camera and lens, preferably with a fast autofocus system and high frame-per-second count. Use a sturdy tripod and carry essential accessories like extra memory cards and batteries.
   
2. Mastering Camera Settings: Understand the basics of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Use the right settings to ensure your photos are well-exposed and sharp.
   
3. Do Your Homework: Research the wildlife you want to photograph, understand their behavior and habitats, and plan your trips accordingly.
   
4. Essential Photography Techniques: Focus on composition, keep your subject’s eyes sharp, use natural light to your advantage, and be patient and ready for action.
   
5. Staying Safe and Respectful: Always prioritize the well-being of wildlife, keep a safe distance, and follow local guidelines and ethical considerations.
   
6. Editing Your Wildlife Photos: Use basic editing techniques to enhance your photos while maintaining a natural look. Choose the right software for your editing needs.

Remember, becoming skilled at wildlife photography takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. Spend as much time as you can in the field, observing and photographing animals, also try to understand what you like about the photos of other photographers that inspire you. Each outing is a learning experience that brings you closer to capturing those perfect shots. Enjoy the process and the connection with nature that comes with it.

Now it’s your turn to put these tips into practice. Follow our blog for more tips and tutorials, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your own experiences. Let’s inspire each other and continue to learn and grow in this incredible journey of wildlife photography.