Even the most experienced photographers can find taking shots of wildlife a challenge. To get the best pictures, tricks of the trade need to be learned and practised before venturing out into the field. Setting up your equipment and framing your shots has to be done quickly. One way in which to practice set-up and framing can be done by taking pictures in your own yard and/or local parks of your own animals(if you have them). With your own animals you have the opportunity to study their behaviour up close and personal so you can then anticipate what will happen next. Ultimately, the more knowledge you have about your subject, particularly in the case of animals, the better pictures you will get. Here are some tips on how to get the best shots of animals [and birds] in the wild:
Practice taking shots of moving targets. Learning how to pan moving targets will allow you to take dramatic photographs with a sense of speed.
Be prepared and ready for anything. Animals and birds can and will act unexpectedly. Before you begin shooting, make sure your camera is fully charged and has all the memory necessary. If your camera takes batteries, if and when it runs out of power, make sure to bring those along as well.
Knowledge is key when setting out to photograph wildlife. Wherever it is you decide to go to take pictures, make sure you research that particular area in advance of arrival so you know what to expect in terms of what kind of animals and birds you will see there. Knowing an animal's habitat can go a long way to figuring out where to find them and what type of behavior you might encounter.
Once you have reached your destination, make sure to walk and move quietly as you search for animals and birds to photograph. By learning to be immobile, you will ensure that your presence doesn't startle or threaten the wildlife around you.
All of your senses will become more important then ever when out photographing wildlife. You need to use your eyes to observe what's going on around you, your ears so as to detect movement and sounds, and even your nose to try and smell an animal that could be right there [beside you] but is in hiding. A heightened awareness of where you are and what your intentions are will enhance the wildlife photography shoot.
If you truly want to capture the very best photographs of wildlife, you can't go wrong with a telephoto lens. Given both animals and birds are easily spooked, a telephoto lens will give you the ability to be up close and personal without scaring off what you are trying to photograph. There are camera's on the market with built-in vibration reduced technology thereby eliminating the need for both a tripod and telephoto lens, but they are relatively expensive. For that matter, the use of a tripod will likely only get in your way as you race to capture moments that can take place very quickly.
When you photograph animals and birds, make sure the focus is sharpest on their eyes.
Shoot small animals from a lower angle.
The best times of the day for viewing and photographing wildlife are early in the mornings and just before dark. This is when wildlife is usually most active and the light is the most dramatic.
Try to keep the sun at your back so that the light falls directly on your subject.
If you follow all of the above tips for photographing wildlife, you are certain to enhance the experience that much more. If you take all of these tips one step further and practice as much as possible before heading out, you will have every opportunity of not only enjoying yourself, but also ending up with fantastic wildlife pictures.
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