Having recently completed his MBA at Western Governors’ University, Devon Berry hasover 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional. He last served as the executive associate dean at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing, following leadership roles at University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, and Cedarville University. Outside of academia, Devon Berry likes to work on his hobbies, including photography.
Photography offers many challenges by way of equipment and jargon, but subjects can pose their own set of obstacles--especially wildlife. While the art of capturing animals is ever-evolving, there are a few wildlife photography tips for all skill levels that hold true no matter what:
Plan and Have Patience
The hardest part of photographing wildlife is getting close to your subject. Depending on what animal you’d like to photograph—such as a bird, deer, or rabbit—their habits should dictate when and where you set up. What time of day do they like to go out? Where are they most likely to be found? Once you have that settled, have patience—unlike human and inanimate subjects, you can’t direct them or manipulate their environment in any way.
Get a Mix of Detailed and Pulled Back Shots
When capturing the character of the animal you are shooting, often what comes to mind is detailed shots to get their expressions and body language. Telephoto zoom lenses (though expensive) are great for this, as they allow you to get tight shots at a distance. However, it’s important not to overlook the importance of their habitat. To get a sense of place, take some pictures that are further away using a wide-angle lens. That way you get a well-rounded look at the animal and how it interacts with its environment.
Shoot at the Subject’s Level
While shooting from above can capture an interesting angle, by getting eye-level with your subject, you can get detailed shots with a better bokeh effect—where the background is softly out of focus. That may mean some uncomfortable situations such as climbing a tree or hiding in a bush, but if you’re up for it, it may have a nice payoff.
