Photographing Wildlife

by Larry Millican

 

Everyone enjoys viewing wildlife, whether in a zoo, park, sanctuary, refuge, or elsewhere. We find pleasure in watching television shows, and in looking at photographs of wildlife. If you’re like me, you’re often amazed that anyone could photograph some of the species we do see.

 

Photographing wildlife is difficult. For starters, wildlife is wild. The animals we want to take pictures of don’t pose, nor do they wait until we’re ready. In fact, most will try to run away from humans, camera or no. So – when we do succeed, it’s very fulfilling and satisfying.

 

Equipment

There are several compact digital cameras with high resolution, and long zooms – long enough to capture images of larger animals such as deer, especially if you’re in a state park or wildlife refuge where the animals are more tolerant of your approach.

 

If your goal is to photograph smaller animals or birds, or to really fill the frame with your subject, you will probably need a 35mm or digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera and a longer lens, such as 400mm or more. In addition, this kind of telephoto nearly always requires a tripod. And, the bigger the lens, the more you need a tripod.

 

Most digital SLR’s offer another advantage in their conversion factor, which effectively gives the photographer greater magnification than the same lens would provide on a 35mm SLR.

 

Another option worth consideration is a teleconverter. Also known as a tele-extender, this accessory multiplies the length of your lens. Teleconverters are commonly available in 1.4x, 1.7x, and 2x versions, and increase the magnification of your lens by the stated amount. At a cost much less than a comparable lens by itself, a teleconverter is very attractive for wildlife photography, but using one has some drawbacks. For starters, it reduces the amount of light transmitted through the lens. As a result, your shutter speed is reduced, and/or you’ll need to increase the ISO. Also, autofocus will not work as well, if at all. Thirdly, any lens with a teleconverter in use will not be as sharp as one without – it’s up to the photographer to decide if the results are worth using one.

 

Composition

One of the most important things to remember is to keep the eyes sharp. As with people pictures, the first place we look when viewing a photo is at the eyes. If the eyes are not sharp, the image usually doesn’t work.

 

If you cannot fill the frame with your animal, then remember to watch your background. Keep it simple, and try to avoid distracting elements like bright spots or trees that appear to grow out of the animal’s body. And, let the background complement your subject, so that your photo becomes an “environmental portrait”, meaning that you portray the animal in its natural surroundings.

 

Other tips

Location, location, location. Just as in real estate, location is key. If you don’t already live in the midst of wildlife, then you must go where they are. The internet is very helpful in this area, but National Wildlife Refuges, many State Parks, and some City Parks are some of my favorite places to visit with my camera.

 

In addition, time of day is important. Early morning, or late afternoon is when wildlife is generally most active. So you need to be there at those times.

 

Of course, if you want to photograph birds, you can set up your yard with photography in mind. Feeders, water features and cover will attract birds (and squirrels, too!) and you can, with planning, photograph these visitors.

 

Remember, also, to try to portray some action or activity. While static portraits have always been and always will be pleasing, to see a part of the animal’s lifestyle is informative and gratifying.

 

Finally, visit your local Bedford’s for advice, and to see some of the equipment we’ve talked about in this column.

 

Above all, remember that no photograph is worth endangering your subject or yourself, and to have fun with photography!

 

 

 

Larry Millican has been at Bedford Camera & Video for 7 years, and manager of the Fort Smith location for the past 5 years. He’s also been involved in photography for more than 20 years, as a photographer and as an instructor.