How to Photograph Wildlife

One year ago I saw a coyote in a park in the middle of the city. Nobody believed me because I didn't have any proof. I began carrying my camera around wherever I went and ended up taking this picture of a woodpecker while drinking coffee on my front porch. I still go back to that park with my camera but I haven't seen that coyote since. In this article I will tell you how to be ready whenever nature comes calling.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera
• Time
• Notebook
• Pen or Pencil

1. Have your notebook ready. The notebook is even more important than the camera in many ways because you can record the time and date that you spot a particular animal. Once you have recorded two or three sitings you are ready for the next step.

2. Arrive early. If the animal you would like to photograph always appears at sunset, then you should be there at least a half hour before that.

3. Be prepared. Have your camera on and out of the case. You should have your exposure and focal depth set. You may only have a few seconds before the animal gets scared and bolts. Note where the shadows are at the time of the animal's regular appearance. Even with a flash an animal in shadow will end up being underexposed.

4. Be patient. Animals are very savvy when it comes to changes in their environment. The woodpecker in the photo might have visited the tree next to my porch many times before it decided I wasn't a threat and showed itself.

5. Once the animal appears slowly bring the camera to bear on it. Avoid eye contact with the animal.

6. Take a lot of pictures. You might waste valuable time trying to line up the perfect shot. Take as many as you can and worry about which ones were successful later. I once got five feet from a harrier eating a vole on a tree branch before it flew away without me ever taking a picture.

[imagery]

on 1/28/2009 Good article. Using burst mode on your camera really helps. Also, no smoking,talking or colognes. Smell and noise will spook your target long before you ever see them.

[gpcs]

on 1/5/2008 Jeff- I made the same mistake. Took a sunset bike ride when I saw a skunk come nose-to-nose with a cat! But AAARGH! no camera. (Now I always carry it with me!) If you enjoyed this article, also check out How to be a Wildlife Photographer by George Sommers
-George