Lifestyle, Photography

how do you photograph wildlife like a pro?

Wildlife photography is a very challenging hobby, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. After getting that perfect shot of a bird in flight or a picture of a rare animal in its natural habitat, you should experience a sense of accomplishment as you look back on what you have achieved. 

There are all kinds of places to visit if you’re interested in this form of photography. From African safari destinations to the jungles of Peru, you could venture abroad to capture the rarest species within the animal kingdom. Or you could simply stay closer to home as there could be all kinds of local wildlife in your area that are worthy of your photo collection.

Here are our pro tips for photographing wildlife.

#1: Choose a good camera

There are many kinds of cameras out there, but they aren’t all ideally suited for wildlife photography. Look for various capabilities when shopping and choose wisely.

You will need something with low light capabilities, for example, if you’re taking pictures of animals that only appear at dawn or at dusk. To capture animals on the move, you will need something capable of faster shutter speeds. It goes without saying that you will need a weather-sealed camera too, especially when you’re outdoors in treacherous weather conditions. Shop around online for the best wildlife cameras and purchase according to your budget. 

#2: Choose the right lens

The right lens is important as what you will depend on the type of wildlife you are trying to capture. 

For those animals and birds that are likely to flee if they catch sight of you, your best option is a telephoto lens. This way, you can take your photo from a long distance without the need to get up close. Some of the best telephoto lenses are those that feature optical stabilization, as these can minimize shaking while magnifying up close. These can be quite expensive, though, so opt for a cheaper lens if you’re on a budget and use a sturdy tripod to steady your aim.

If you’re hoping to get up close and personal with insects and smaller animals, you will need a macro lens. For most people, a 100mm lens is enough, provided it has a max aperture of f/2.8 at the very least. 

Check out these best lenses for wildlife photography and consider your needs before purchasing. 

#3: Tips for taking the perfect shot

Is there such a thing as a ‘perfect shot?’ It’s very subjective so it depends entirely on what you consider to be ‘perfect.’ But there are a couple of tips that you might consider useful for your photography.

Firstly, be aware of any distracting elements that will detract from the image you are trying to capture. A tree branch that partially obscures a bird or a piece of litter that sits in the background are two distracting elements you can probably do without. Remove what you can if you’re able to get up close or wait until the animal or bird moves to a better position before taking your picture. Of course, you could always crop your picture when you’re editing, but it’s still advisable to eliminate any distractions when possible in case your picture can’t be remedied. 

Secondly, don’t always go for close-up shots. Consider wide-angle shots too, either by zooming out or by switching to a wide-angle lens. This way, you will be able to capture the animal’s local habitat as well as the creature itself, and this could result in a very beautiful image. 

Lastly, do not forget to edit the final draft. You can always upscale image by using the right tools and software.

Much more could be said about wildlife photography, so continue browsing this site for more information that could aid you when you’re out and about in the wild.