Wildlife photography is an exciting blend of skill, understanding, and patience. For you beginners, stepping into this world of capturing animals can feel both exhilarating and challenging. This guide will provide you with ten essential tips from our photography pros here at Untamed Photo Safaris that will sharpen your photographic abilities, deepen your understanding of wildlife, and help you create stunning images.
What Type of Wildlife Photography Suits You
When you get into wildlife photography, you obviously have an interest in wildlife. There must be a specific interest that you may lean towards such as predator photography, bird photography, insect or macro photography, aquatic photography, or you may hold an interest to general wildlife photography. Some beginners actually do a bit of everything and then find themselves leaning towards one subject such as photographing big cats of Africa for example. Finding your style may also be decided by where you are located in the world and what wildlife is available for you to photograph. Other beginner wildlife photographers may have gotten into it through traveling the world and their wildlife photography interest has developed.
Hide Wildlife Photography
If you are very patient and spending time in the silence watching nature is your forte, then hide wildlife photography is something to consider. Here in Africa, there are many different photographic hides that can be great ways to learn wildlife photography while capturing epic wildlife shots. Hides all over the world however, can be used and designed in all different ways and come in many different styles. From cold woodland bird hides to boat hides and all the way to waterhole hides that can be slept in, hide wildlife photography can be some of the most rewarding.
Active Wildlife Photography
If you are an active hiker or action junky for example, you should consider getting active with your wildlife photography. There are many ways of getting active when out in the field with your camera. Hide photography may not be your ideal type. This category of active wildlife photography goes down to trekking through dry forest in the mountains, going on an African safari, traveling from pole to pole in search for rare wildlife such as Polar Bears or even finding tigers in the heart of India for example.
Rainforest Wildlife Photography
Rainforest photography is on the other end of the scale when it comes down to photographing wildlife. If you can deal with difficult and high temperatures and you can stand insect upon insect bites, you can dive into the world of Rainforest wildlife photography. This type of environment is hard when it comes to mammals due to the dens forest. When a beginner, this may force you into the ability to want to photograph the smaller subjects such as macro mentioned in the next paragraph.
Macro Wildlife Photography
This type of wildlife photography is probably the hardest when it comes down to skill. Having said this, macro equipment is the cheaper option and you will be able to obtain great results without breaking the bank. To see some great results, you can find some of Mark A Fernley's macro wildlife photography in issue 5 of Untamed Photo Magazine coming out 15th March 2025.
NOW LETS GET INTO IT!
Investing in the Right Equipment
You don't need the most expensive gear to get started, but having the right equipment can boost your results significantly. A DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a decent zoom lens is essential for mammal photography. A lens with at least 400mm focal length is particularly useful for capturing large mammals where as a 600mm lens is great for bird photography. If you are learning, don't go for the top of the range lenses straight away as its always a good feeling to finally get the best lens on the market after many years doing wildlife photography and buying your reward.
For a first camera, a body with at least 24 megapixels is ideal. As we have to evolve with technology, investing in a mid range mirrorless camera would be perfect for learning wildlife photography. Remember wildlife photography is an expensive hobby. You should also try and makes sure your camera body contains image stabilization and eye-tracking to help you obtain sharp and correctly focused images of your selected wildlife subjects.
For a good wildlife photography Canon lens based on mammal and bird photography, a mid range 100-500mm zoom lens would be ideal for beginners over a prime zoom lens. This offers many lenses in one that will help you beginners capture many images without the change of your lenses and will help with composition. This is much more affordable as you will not have to buy multiple lenses and will be easier for travel, reducing weight.
Understand Your Subject When Learning Wildlife Photography
Once you have selected where you are going and what you want to photograph as a beginner, you need to take the time to learn about the animals you want to photograph. Research their habitats, behaviour patterns, and typical movements. For example, knowing a pride of lions are most active at dawn and dusk can increase your chances of capturing vibrant images during those times.
Spend some time observing animals from a distance. For instance, visiting photographic hides help you witness different species without causing disruption. This practice allows you to anticipate their actions and be ready to photograph them when the moment is right. If you are in that location for a short amount of time, this is where your guide and photo host comes in handy as they hold the knowledge.
Each photographic subject that you try to photograph will all need their own camera setting when it comes down to capturing images of them. This is a huge topic and a wildlife photographer can talk for hours on what animal requires what shutter speed, what depth of field and what ISO to obtain the best result. Many species of animals will also require a specific lens due to their shy behaviour, their size and the habitat that they live in.
Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting is undeniably one of the most critical elements in photography, shaping not only the mood and tone of an image but also its overall aesthetic appeal. The quality, direction, and colour of light can dramatically influence how a subject is perceived and how the details are rendered. Early mornings and late afternoons, often referred to as the "golden hours," are particularly cherished by photographers for the unique qualities of light they offer. During these times, the sun is positioned lower in the sky, casting a soft, diffused glow that bathes everything in warm hues of gold and amber. This gentle illumination not only enhances the natural beauty of landscapes but also adds a flattering dimension to portraits, bringing out skin tones and textures in a way that is both captivating and inviting.
In stark contrast, the harsh midday sun can pose significant challenges for photographers. When the sun is directly overhead, it creates intense light that can lead to unflattering shadows, particularly on the faces of subjects. These shadows tend to be deep and stark, often obscuring details and creating a high-contrast environment that can distract from the overall composition. Moreover, the bright light can wash out colors and make it difficult to capture the subtleties of a scene. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in outdoor settings where the sun’s glare can overwhelm the camera’s sensor, resulting in images that lack depth and richness.
For instance, numerous studies have shown that photos taken during the golden hour can appear as much as 60% more appealing to viewers compared to those captured under the unforgiving glare of midday sun. This significant difference highlights the importance of timing in photography. Photographers are encouraged to plan their outings strategically, aiming to schedule their shoots during these magical golden hours whenever possible. By doing so, they can take full advantage of the soft, flattering light that enhances colors and textures, ultimately leading to more visually striking and emotionally resonant images.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of lighting and its impact on photography is essential for anyone looking to improve their skills. By recognizing the value of the golden hours and avoiding the pitfalls of harsh midday light, photographers can elevate their work and create stunning images that resonate deeply with viewers.
A Brief Look On Using The Right Camera Settings
Remember to dive into using manual from the start to get to grips with it. Focus on your shutter speed, Aperture and ISO. Remember all three have to be changed to compensate for each other depending on your photographic situation. Changing all three of these setting will allow your to produce perfectly exposed images.
Shutter Speed
When embarking on the journey of learning wildlife photography, one of the most critical aspects to focus on is mastering your camera settings. Understanding how to manipulate these settings is essential for capturing stunning and impactful wildlife photographs that resonate with viewers. A fast shutter speed, specifically one of at least 1/2000 of a second, is absolutely crucial for freezing action in your images. This is particularly important when photographing fast-moving animals, such as Cheetah darting through the grass or birds in flight. The ability to freeze these moments allows you to capture the intricate details of the animal's movement, showcasing their grace and speed, which might otherwise be lost in motion blur if a slower shutter speed were used. But slow motion blur images created by panning are actually effective as they portray motion in the final image.
Aperture AKA F-Stop
In addition to shutter speed, utilizing a wide aperture, typically in the range of f/2.8 to f/5.6, can significantly enhance your wildlife photography. A wide aperture is beneficial for isolating your subject from the background, thereby creating a more impactful and visually appealing image. For instance, imagine capturing a headshot of a Cheetah in the open plains surrounded by green grass and blue sky. With a maximum aperture of f-stop of f/2.8 or F/4f the head of the Cheetah will be in focus and the surroundings of the cheetah are so out of focus that the subject become isolated from the background and helps force your eyes to gaze towards the subject.
ISO
Lastly, use your ISO like a pro! Remember your ISO is your final lighting life saver for when your shutter speed and your Aperture can't be changed. Photographing in the early morning requires your ISO to be high to obtain the light needed for your image. The ISO can produce grain known as noise but this can be fixed in AI solving programs such as Topaz AI and on Lightroom.
Follow and read our up coming blogs on working the camera in detail. This will help you be more confident on working the camera, capturing the best images and will help you to evolve successfully as a wildlife photographer.
Be Patient and Observant
Wildlife photography demands a lot of patience. Animals do not always follow a script, and you may find yourself waiting for hours for the perfect opportunity. Remember wildlife photography is probably the most difficult type of photography out there.
While you wait, keep an eye on your surroundings. Unexpected moments, such as a squirrel chasing another or an eagle soaring above, can create stunning images. The more patient and observant you are, the more rewarding your photography will be. Working as a team or going on a tour led by a pro can really help you learn the necessary skills.
Master the Art of Composition
Composition is key in wildlife photography. Familiarize yourself with essential techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines. For instance, placing an animal off-center can create a more dynamic photo.
When photographing a landscape with wildlife, consider using natural frames, like tree branches, to guide the viewer's eye toward your subject. This small adjustment can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your photo.
Focus on Eye-Level Shots
Capturing images at eye level creates a more intimate connection with the subject. This perspective emphasizes the animal’s features and allows viewers to engage more deeply with the photograph.
For larger animals like elephants or moose, approach carefully and at a safe distance to obtain a lower angle. The results can be compelling and convey emotions that higher angles often miss.
Learn to Anticipate Behaviour
Understanding animal behaviour can help you predict promising moments. For example, knowing that puffins dive for fish right after making a call allows you to position yourself effectively for that perfect shot.
Spend time observing animals, and learn signs of impending action. Noticing a Cheetahs ears, tail and eyes as it could indicate it is about to bolt, giving you just enough time to take the shot.
Respect Wildlife and Their Habitats
As a wildlife photographer, it is crucial to respect both the animals and their environments. Always keep a safe distance from animals to avoid causing them distress.
Follow guidelines for wildlife encounters and ensure that your presence does not disrupt their natural behaviors. By maintaining ethical practices, you help ensure these incredible creatures remain part of our world for future generations to enjoy.
Edit with Care
Post-processing is an important aspect of wildlife photography. Using software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop can help enhance your images, but keep it subtle.
Start with basic adjustments such as cropping for better composition or refining exposure. Avoid over-processing; realistic representations of wildlife maintain authenticity and engage viewers more effectively.
Your Journey into Wildlife Photography
Embarking on wildlife photography is a rewarding adventure that requires time and practice. By following these tips, you will improve your skills and better capture the essence of wildlife in its natural habitat. Each photograph tells a story, and as you explore wildlife photography, you document the incredible lives of your subjects.
Continue to learn, experience, and enjoy the process. Whether you are just starting with your camera or seeking new ways to refine your technique, countless moments await discovery in nature.
Keep these tips in mind as you set out on your photography journey, and soon you will be creating breath-taking images that showcase the magic of the wild. Happy shooting!
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