Wildlife Photography – The things no one told you about

So, you want to be a wildlife photographer, here’s a few things you might want to know or consider

Most cameras these days are capable of taking great images. There are a number of different options to consider, and each comes with good and bad points.

Mobile Phone

Most mobile cameras these days are capable of some great video footage. Pictures tend not to be great due to the distance you will be from your subject. The sensor, where the image is formed, in a mobile phone is very small, so you won’t be able to “blow up” and print an image very well. As we nearly all own a mobile phone there is no additional expense.

Compact Camera

These are great to pop in your pocket, very small and light to carry. There are some great ones out there with zoom capacity and very capable of zooming into catch your subject from a distance. Again the sensor is very small, so not much room for them pixels to “breath”. On a compact camera, your lenses are not interchangeable, so you can’t put a different lens on. A relatively cheap option if you are on a budget.

Bridge Camera

A step up from a compact camera but a little bulkier to carry and you’ll probably need a small bag to carry it in. Bridge cameras fill the gap between a compact camera and a digital SLR. Some compact cameras have amazing zoom capability, up to 80 x magnification. If you have the option to choose between a camera with optical zoom or digital zoom, then optical zoom is your better option. On a bridge camera, your lenses are not interchangeable, so you can’t put a different lens on.

DSLR

Now we are moving into the realms of big money, although you can buy entry level DSLRs relatively cheaply. There are two main types of DSLRs, a cropped frame and a full frame. This relates to the size of the image sensor. Most professionals will use a full frame camera as they come with a bigger sensor, so more room for those pixels and less likely to lose quality of image when you crop the image when post processing. You can buy additional lenses which are interchangeable giving you more options. These cameras and lenses can be very heavy to carry and you’ll probably need a rucksack to carry yours. You are more likely to need a tripod, although not always, if you are going to use heavy lenses. Most established and accomplished professional wildlife photographers will most likely use a tripod and a DSLR with a prime lens.

Note of caution - you can get addicted with this option and it can get expensive !!

So, now that you have decided on your camera, you need to make your way out into the great British countryside

Don’t be surprised if you don’t see anything first time. It’s quite possible wildlife is out there, even in your own back garden, but it has caught sight of you long before you see it. It’s quite possible it will be running away from you before you spot it.

The best advice I can give to you if you see something but miss it, is to go back on another day and be prepared to sit and wait quietly. You may very well be surprised at what walks your way, but this time you’ll be ready and waiting.

Things you might need

Patience

Yes, be patient, very patient, you’ll need lots of this, but the rewards can be immense.

Clothing

Think about what you are wearing. You will have a better chance of spotting wildlife if you blend into the background, so don’t be tempted to wear your favourite red wellies and your bright pink coat. Make sure you have plenty warm clothes, use layers to keep you warm.

Walking boots

You may very well be travelling over some rough terrain so good sturdy footwear is advisable.

Torch & compass

You may well laugh, but better to be prepared. If you lose track of time out on the moors, it could very well be dark before you get back to your car / home.

Binoculars

A great pair of binocular will help you scan the area and spot any movement

Tripod

To get that best image, whilst it’s not an essential piece of kit, it will help create sharper images

Flask of coffee, and some butties

You could be out there for some time. Make sure you have some food and fluids to keep you warm, hydrated and stop you getting hungry.

Spare camera batteries

No need to say any more really - don't ask !

Camera

Don't forget your camera.



So, you’ll want to know where to go for your pictures

If you are lucky enough to have a garden, there is no where better to start, than to practice taking photos of your garden visitors.

If you are serious about getting some wildlife images, start off by visiting your local nature reserves, you’ll definitely find wildlife there and you can start to learn your field craft. Watch the behaviours of the animals, how close they will tolerate you before they move off. You’ll start to learn about, and identify different species.

I guess you’ll then start to pick and choose what you would like to see more of. All I can say is do your research, find out what type of habitat that animal likes. Go out into the great British countryside, sit, wait, watch and search, but least of all have fun and enjoy.
 
Protect the wildlife at all times, and don’t disturb them. Be courteous and respect the countryside, take your rubbish home with you and leave it how you found it, after all, this is where the animals live.
 
Here are just a few of my images taken over the years, some of which have won me awards. Please click on the image to see the full view.

So, next time you see a wonderful image on Facebook, just remember how much time, expense, travel, patience, effort and hard work may very well have gone into the one "lucky image" that you see

All my images are for sale as prints, and some made into greetings cards. You can find out more details here