Wildlife photography requires both creativity and technical know-how, and for amateur wildlife photographers – such as John Quarenghi, who has been shooting nature photography for over 25 years– there is plenty of advice available to improve your skills.
The Subject
First, it is important to understand your subject, particularly when it comes to photographing nature. Research and observation will enable the photographer to be in the right place at the right time, while having a basic understanding of the subject will inform and improve the final photograph. By observing an animal’s behavior, it is possible to anticipate their next move – making it more likely to get a great shot when it comes to capturing them in their natural habitat.
The Set Up
It is equally as important to understand your camera, as this will enable the photographer to get the best possible result. Lighting is an essential element and – in order to take beautiful pictures – the light needs to be just right.
Outdoor photography relies on great natural light, and the best natural light occurs about an hour after the sun rises in the morning. Therefore, wildlife photographers should consider shooting early in the morning, which also happens to be a good time to encounter many species.
Patience is essential in wildlife photography, as it can take a long time to find the subject, or for the subject to be in position at the same time as the lighting being right. Pushing through the frustration of waiting for a shot, or even missing a great shot, is part and parcel of being a wildlife photographer.
The Angle
Wildlife is often best captured from low to the ground, so wildlife photographers should try lying down to take their photographs. Finding the right angle to capture your subject will make a huge difference to the final result.
Planning is also important. Make sure to set up your camera exactly how you want it well ahead of time, so that when the unexpected happens you are ready to capture it.
The Ethics
There are a number of ethical considerations
for wildlife photographers, such as handling animals or potentially harming an
animal. For example, it is considered unethical to use playback, where bird
call is played to attract birds to the photographer. Photographers should know
ahead of time what they consider to be ethical and considerate to their
subjects, and should work within these guidelines.
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