Wildlife Photography Tips

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No picture is worth endangering yourself, others or your subject. Wild animals get stressed when people get too close, give them appropriate space.

Be careful not to inadvertently step on, surprise or otherwise disturb animals that may be lurking nearby.

If you are focusing on a specific animal, study its habits and know what behaviors are likely to be encountered. You will also increase the chance of getting "the shot" if you mind an animals schedule. Also, recognize signs of annoyance and aggression, give way should any be displayed.  For example, Lions sleep and lounge between 16-20 hours a day. They tend to most active at night (hard to photograph), early in the morning and at dusk, when temperatures are cooler.  You know a lion is distressed when they vocalize (hiss, snarl, grunt and growl), bare their large canine teeth, retract their ears and start twitching their tail.

Think about when an animal will be most active. Then consider where to set up your gear based on terrain, anticipated distance and angle from the animal, what will be in the background, and where the sun will be. The first few hours after sunrise and the afternoon golden hour often provides more dramatic and appealing light.

The best wildlife photos are not likely to come by sneaking up and surprising an animal since they are almost always aware of your approach. Therefore, recognize how an animal is behaving and where it is going. Depending on subject, try setting up in one place and waiting for the animal to come to you. If on the move, get well out in front, be very still and similarly, let the animal approach you. When an animal is comfortable, does not feel infringed or threatened, they typically will ignore a photographer.

Pack a sensible assortment of camera bodies, lenses and accessories given your target subject matter. Make sure to include healthy batteries, enough film or digital media, filters, cleaning gear chargers and power adaptors. Also, since you do not want to get frostbite in Antarctica or heat stroke in the Sahara make sure to bring appropriate personal gear. Go lightweight but remember redundancy.