How to Be a Wildlife Photographer

For outdoor enthusiasts, there's nothing like being up close and personal with wildlife. For most people, the safest way to get there is through the lens of a camera. Photographing animals in their natural environment is an activity people of all ages can enjoy. It's also a great hobby for families to enjoy together. If you want to be a wildlife photographer, all you need is the right equipment and a lot of patience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fast framing camera
• Short Zoom Lens
• Intermediate telephoto lens

1. Invest in some quality photo equipment. A camera that can take pictures rapidly along with a short zoom lens and a mid-sized telephoto lens are definite basics.

2. Practice taking pictures of moving targets and panning shots before you go out on location. Use a family pet or backyard birds as subjects. You need to get comfortable with these techniques in order to quickly set up shots. Wild animals don't pose and they don't wait for you to get ready.

3. Practice walking softly and freezing your position. You need to master the art of moving silently when taking photographs of wildlife.

4. Choose what type of wildlife you want to take pictures of and study up on their habits. Knowing when they're most active and what type of habitat they prefer will allow you to determine the best location and time of day for a successful session.

5. Pick an area where those particular animals are known to reside and set up for your shoot. The more remote the location, the more likely the animals will bolt as soon as they sense your presence. So choose a site where the wildlife are already used to seeing humans and you'll have much more chance of success.

6. Sit back and wait. You may have to wait for the wildlife you're looking for to show up or at least move to a place you can see them. It may only take a minute or it may take hours depending on what you're looking for and how plentiful they are.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to travel to test your photography skills, take a trip to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. Most of the islands are uninhabited and the wildlife is heavily protected. Because humans have never harmed them, the animals have no reason to fear visitors so they're very accommodating to photographers.
• Make sure you have plenty of fully charged batteries and memory cards. Though it seems simple, many a photographer has been disappointed by not being prepared.