Wildlife photography is one of the most interesting and challenging areas of photography due to the unpredictable nature of animals. Here’s a must-read wildlife photography guide containing everything you need to know to become an excellent wildlife photographer.
Introduction
Wildlife photography is one of the toughest areas of photography. Capturing animals in their wild or natural habitat can be extremely risky, especially when dealing with creatures like lions and bears. As a professional photographer and someone who has taken both free and paid field trips and courses in areas like ornithology and animal ecology, I will share with you the best tips and ideas for wildlife photography.
From camera settings and composition techniques to the best cameras and lenses for wildlife photography, I will provide professional guides and tips to help you understand how to capture the very spirit of the wild. To start…
What is wildlife photography?
Wildlife photography is the aspect of photography that deals with capturing inspiring images of animals and their natural habitats (including plants) in the wild.
It involves capturing documentary-style (candid and unposed) photographs of various animal species in their natural environment, showcasing their behavior, interactions, and the beauty of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Capturing pictures of plants or untrained animals in the wild is a dangerous endeavor. Hence, not only do you need to have the right equipment or technical skills, but you must also be brave enough to watch and capture the animals as they interact or devour themselves.
What are the types of wildlife photography?
Most people think of wild animals whenever they hear or see the word “wildlife.” But the natural environment comprises both animals and plants.
Therefore, wildlife photography can be divided into two categories based on the subjects, which are:
- Animal photography; and
- Plant photography
The animal category can be further divided into four broad subdivisions:
- Bird photography
- Underwater photography
- Mammal photography
- Insect or macro photography
On the other hand, plant photography can be further divided into:
- Algae photography
- Non-flowering plants photography
- Wildflower Photography
- Flowering plants photography, et cetera.
You can learn more about the types of wildlife photography, including the subdivisions of plants and animal photography, in our article below:
What are The Types of Wildlife Photography?
Why is wildlife photography important?
Although wildlife photography can be challenging, it offers an excellent corridor to capture and understand what happens in the wild and what some animals really look like.
This genre of photography has made it possible for people to understand what certain creatures, like elephants or tigers, look like without having to travel down to Africa or Asia (specifically, India). It is also important because it reveals the wild nature and beauty of the natural world.
According to Theodore Roosevelt, “wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.” So photographing the wildlife and its habitat can help us understand the animals and plants better and how we can prevent them from extinction.
Generally, wildlife photographers serve as interpreters, translating the language of the wild into visual stories that inspire, inform, and evoke emotion.
Aside from these, wildlife photography is also important because it facilitates scientific research, education and awareness, tourism and ecotourism, and ecological conversations.
Capturing images in the wild is the best adventure you can ever have.
Equipment needed for wildlife photography
Here are some of the essential tools for wildlife photography:
1. Two cameras
Two high-quality DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
2. Two lenses
A telephoto lens with a long focal length for distant subjects and a macro lens for insects and flowers.
3. A tripod
A sturdy tripod to provide support for your camera, especially when using a heavy telephoto lens or shooting in low-light conditions.
4. A camera bag
To protect your equipment when you are not using them.
5. Extra batteries and memory cards
For prolonged shooting experience.
6. First aid kit
In case of an accident.
7. A camouflage tent
To help you get closer to the animals without alarming them.
8. A flash or strobe
You might be wondering: Do wildlife photographers use Flash? I would say yes, for capturing intricate details of plants, small insects, or macro-organisms in poorly lit habitats, like underwater.
9. Filters
You might be wondering: Do wildlife photographers use filters? It is not an essential tool, but it can help beautify your shots.
10. A binocular or scope
To preview and identify the subjects you’d like to photograph from a distance.
Note: These are not the only essential tools for wildlife photography. Check the article: What equipment do you need to be a wildlife photographer?
Choosing gear and equipment for wildlife photography
DSLRs vs Mirrorless cameras
Both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are good for wildlife photography. But on a personal level, I will recommend choosing a mirrorless camera.
Unlike DSLRs, mirrorless cameras feature advanced technology, like fast autofocus, silent shutter, and good low-light performance capabilities, making them better for photographing wildlife subjects.
However, any camera with at least 20 megapixels, burst shooting capabilities, good low-light performance, and the ability to shoot RAW will suffice.
You can find all the information you need about the best cameras for wildlife photography in the articles below:
What kind of camera do I need for wildlife photography?
Is Mirrorless Better Than Dslr For Wildlife?
How many FPS do you need for wildlife photography?
Do I need WiFi for wildlife cameras?
How many megapixels are good for wildlife photography?
Canon vs Nikon – which brand produces better cameras for wildlife?
Both brands produce high-quality cameras for wildlife photography.
Hence whether or not to choose a Nikon or Canon camera for wildlife narrows down to your personal preference and the specific features and capabilities of the cameras in question.
You can read our comparison of both brands in the article: Which brand is better for wildlife photography Nikon or Canon?
Full-frame sensor vs APS-C sensor – which is better for wildlife?
The key difference between a full-frame sensor and a crop sensor (APS-C sensor) is the size of the sensor. A full-frame sensor is equivalent in size to a 35mm film frame, measuring approx. 36mm x 24mm, while an APS-C sensor typically measures around 22mm x 15mm.
So, which is the go-to option for wildlife photography? Full-frame cameras offer higher resolution and better image quality, even in low light, but they are usually heavier and more expensive. Conversely, APS-C cameras are more compact and lighter. They are also less expensive.
Therefore, the choice will depend on your budget and personal preference. You can check the articles below if you need further assistance making a choice:
Is full frame better for wildlife photography?
What is the best aspect ratio for wildlife photography?
Telephoto vs Prime Lenses
Concerning what lens to choose, it will depend on your preferred wildlife subjects – whether plants, mammals, or Aves (birds). But keep in mind that there is no best camera lens for wildlife photography.
Generally, telephoto lenses with focal lengths of around 200-400mm or more are the common choices. But prime lenses are also great because of their optimal image quality and wide apertures for beautiful background bokeh.
Tripod vs Monopod vs Gimbal
Whether to choose a tripod, a monopod, or a gimbal will also depend on your subjects and the kind of pictures you’d like to capture.
Although tripods offer more stability and are ideal for long-exposure photography, they do not offer mobility. This means you don’t need a sturdy tripod if you want to capture action shots in the wild.
A monopod doesn’t offer stability, but it offers more mobility and allows for quicker adjustments and movement. If you want to capture highly stabilized shots or videos of the animals while moving, then a gimbal is the best choice.
In summary, go for a sturdy tripod if you want absolute stability and still shots, a monopod if you need basic stability with mobility, and a gimbal if you need dynamic and smooth camera movements. Keep in mind that you can have all three in your bag.
Best cameras and lenses for bird photography
Regarding the best cameras for bird photography, our top picks include but are not limited to the Nikon D850, Canon 6D Mark II, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, and Nikon Coolpix P1000.
These cameras are user-friendly and have versatile sound control that allows photographers to shoot without producing any form of sound or mechanical vibrations.
In addition, they allow continuous shooting per second and boast excellent tracking features for fast subjects. You can click on the link below to read more about these cameras:
Best Camera For Bird Photography? What To Look For?
Regarding the best lenses for bird photography, our top picks include but are not limited to the Canon RF 100-500mm IS USM F/4.5-7.1L, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L, Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3, Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, and Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 OSS.
In general, these lenses have great in-built image stabilization, magnificent long-range performance, and allow for easy tracking of subjects.
You can click on the link below to read more about them:
Best Bird Photography Lens For Long Distance Photos. What To Look For?
Best Camera settings for wildlife photography
There are no special or best camera settings for capturing objects in the wild. Camera settings for wildlife photography are generally dependent on the subjects, environment, and event.
However, the settings are not completely different from the usual camera settings for sports or outdoor portrait photography.
Nonetheless, if you are a beginner in need of a starting point for your shots, you can check the articles below to get a detailed step-by-step guide on what camera setting to begin with:
The Best Camera Settings for Wildlife Photography
Should I use auto ISO for wildlife photography?
Should I use aperture priority for wildlife photography?
For long distance objects
Many wildlife animals, such as tigers, lions, and gorillas, are extremely dangerous and should be observed and photographed from a reasonable distance.
Camera settings for photographing such dangerous animals are different from the settings used for close-up shots of approachable wildlife subjects, like chameleons.
While there are no standard camera settings for photographing wildlife subjects from a distance, you can begin by setting your camera to manual mode.
Regarding shutter speed, you may use as low as 1/100th of a second for static animals and as fast as 1/500th of a second or quicker for moving creatures.
For ISO and aperture settings, check the article: Wildlife photography camera setting for long distance objects
For bird photography
Birds are erratic and sensitive creatures. Therefore, your camera setting must be rightly optimized if you want to capture high-quality images of these swift creatures.
For bird photography, we recommend:
- ISO: between 100 to 800
- Aperture: between f/4 and f/5.6
- Shutter speed: Between 1/100th to 1/200th of a second for a still or perched bird and between 1/1000th to 1/2000th of a second or quicker for birds in flight. You can go lower or higher, depending on its speed. But remember, birds are highly unpredictable.
- Image format: RAW
For a more detailed explanation of these settings, check the article below:
Bird Photography Settings For Camera To Capture Best Shots
Remember: The ideal setting will depend on the bird’s size and state-whether still or in motion. So, feel free to experiment.
For underwater wildlife photography
Insufficient light underwater is one of the major problems faced by marine or underwater wildlife photographers.
Generally, the amount of natural light decreases with depth. Hence you will need to rely on your camera settings and underwater strobes if you want to capture clean shots of various marine habitats.
Regarding what camera settings to use for underwater photography, I recommend switching to manual mode and setting your aperture to a low f-stop, such as f/2.8 or f/4, if you want a shallow depth of field and between f/5.6 to f/11 if you want to achieve a reasonable depth of field.
Additionally, set your ISO to a low value between 100 to 200 to reduce image noise in your shots. Use a fast shutter speed of around 1/125th to 1/250th of a second to freeze the motion of marine life and avoid motion blur caused by water currents.
Experiment to find a suitable white balance (WB) for the subject. Lastly, use continuous AF (AI Servo for Canon, AF-C for Nikon) to track the subject.
Remember, getting an ideal uniform camera setting for underwater photography can be challenging. So, feel free to experiment with your camera.
You may be interested in the article below:
How do you shoot wildlife in low light?
Composition and framing in wildlife photography
Simply having the right camera settings won’t necessarily result in beautiful pictures. While your images may be sharp, they may not be visually pleasing if you neglect the rules of composition when clicking them.
Composition is as important in wildlife photography as it is in other genres like portrait photography. In general, capturing the very spirit of the wild goes beyond pointing and shooting. It requires a thoughtful approach to composition and framing.
Incorporating natural elements in your shots can help add interest to your pictures. Below are some compositional techniques to consider when shooting outdoor in the wild:
Note: These rules are not only applicable to wildlife photography.
Rule of odds
Simply put, this rule states that when photographing a group of subjects, an odd number (3,5,7, etc.) will create a more dynamic and visually appealing composition than an even number.
Therefore, if you’re photographing, for instance, a group of four monkeys, consider framing three of them and cropping out one to create a more engaging picture.
Rule of thirds
This rule suggests dividing your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines, then placing your subjects on or along the four intersections to create a well-composed image.
For more details about the rule of thirds, check the article: Rule Of Thirds In Photography.
Leading lines
This involves the use of natural elements, such as branches, rivers, or even animal paths, to guide your viewer’s gaze toward the subject. Look out for natural elements leading to your subject and incorporate them into the shots.
You can click on the link below to learn more about this technique:
How To Use Leading Lines In Your Photography?
To learn more about composition in wildlife photography, click on the link below:
Wildlife Photography Composition Tips for Creating Impact for beginners
How do you do wildlife photography? Tips
Assuming you have gotten the necessary equipment, mastered your camera settings, and know how to compose your shots, how can you shoot beautiful pictures of wildlife subjects, even in low light?
Keep in mind that understanding your camera basics or the rules of composition would not necessarily result in beautiful or inspiring wildlife portraits.
Capturing pictures in the wild also requires some techniques and careful planning. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Plan and prepare
A goal without a plan is just a wish, says Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Before you set foot in the wild to capture the elusive beauty of nature, take some time to plan and prepare for the field trip.
First and foremost, decide on a particular species you’d like to photograph and start researching about them. Try to research their behavior, habitats, and seasonal patterns to predict where and when you might encounter them.
For instance, if you want to do little bird photography, I suggest you learn how to discover them by their sounds. You can take free courses in ornithology (if you’d like to specialize in bird photography) or simply download apps like Merlin Bird ID to help you identify them.
Scout for suitable locations near you
Then, scout potential shooting locations beforehand. Research areas where your target species is likely to be found and identify good vantage points.
If you are in the U.S., below are some best locations for wildlife photography you may consider:
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Olympic National Park, Washington, etc.
You can find out more here.
Master the basic techniques for wildlife photography
As mentioned earlier, capturing wildlife subjects also requires the application of various techniques, some of which include:
- Camouflage and blending in
- Panning
- Stakeout
Camouflage and blending in have to do with wearing clothes that can help blend you into the environment, particularly if you intend to photograph shy and skittish animals.
For more information about dresses for wildlife photography, check the article below:
What should I wear for wildlife photography?
Panning is the ability to create a sense of speed around a moving subject, perhaps a bird in flight, by combining a slow shutter speed with camera motion.
Lastly, stakeout is the ability to wait stealthily for animals to come to you. This technique is particularly helpful when photographing birds. If you can just stop chasing them, they will come to you!
In addition to having the right equipment and understanding your camera basics, mastering these basic wildlife techniques can help you produce wonderful pictures.
How can you get better wildlife photos? Tips
In general, animals are difficult to photograph. But wild animals are usually more difficult and dynamic. Therefore, capturing pictures that depict their very nature can be challenging.
But, it is the fact that these creatures cannot be directed or posed for photo shoots that makes this niche both demanding and fascinating.
As a wildlife photographer, you have no choice but to capture the raw story of the wild without any staged moment. This, indeed, is the essence of this niche – to capture pictures that tell true stories of animals living in the wilderness or jungle.
This brings us to the big question: how can you take better wildlife portraits? Or, in other words: How Can I Take The Sharpest Wildlife Photos?
15 Tips for better wildlife pictures
Here are the best tips for wildlife photography:
1. Choose the right time of day for shooting
2. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals
3. Master photography basics
4. Consider panning moving subjects
5. Get down to their levels
6. Capture the animal’s behavior and action
7. Pay attention to the foreground and background
8. Don’t forget the rules of composition
9. Master your camera basics
10. Learn how to handle tricky lighting conditions
11. Experiment with focus tracking modes and AI Servo/Continuous AF to keep moving subjects sharp.
12. Capture the pictures from different angles and perspectives
13. Be patient
14. Respect nature
15. Practice, practice, practice!
You might be interested in the article: How much zoom do you need for wildlife photography?
How to improve your wildlife photography skills – 10 pro tips
Here are proven ways to improve your wildlife photography skills:
1. Get to know the behavior of the animals you want to photograph beforehand
2. Invest in high-quality tools
3. Learn from professional and renowned wildlife photographers like Sandesh Kadur
4. Attend workshops
5. Educate yourself about wildlife. You can take online courses in zoology.
6. Seek feedback from friends, family members, and colleagues
7. Document your progress
8. Be honest with yourself
9. Play a little
10. Learn how to get up early and stay out late
15 tips on staying safe when shooting wildlife photography
Safety should always be your top priority when shooting wildlife photography. Here are some essential safety measures to keep in mind:
1. Before heading to a location, research the area’s wildlife, potential hazards, weather conditions, and regulations
2. Stay on designated trails
3. Inform a friend or family member about your plans, including your location and estimated return time
4. Carry essential supplies such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a map, and a fully charged cell phone
5. Dress appropriately
6. Research your key subjects beforehand
7. Use camouflage and hide techniques
8. Carry bear spray or other deterrents, just in case of potential encounters
9. Follow all park rules, regulations, and guidelines for wildlife viewing and photography
10. Practice leaving no trace
11. Learn basic camping and wilderness skills
12. Respect private property and indigenous lands
13. Learn how to react to encounters- in case of an encounter with wildlife, remain calm. Back away slowly without turning your back on the animal while avoiding direct eye contact.
14. Avoid alone time with predators
You can learn more here.
Starting a career in wildlife photography
Wildlife photography has gained immense popularity in recent years, and it has become one of the most competitive fields of photography. But just like product photography, it is a specialty that can pay well if you take it as a full-time career.
If you are serious about wildlife photography and considering whether to chase it as a career, here are a few sensitive things you should know:
Is wildlife photography a good career?
This is a highly debatable topic. While wildlife photography can be a fulfilling and rewarding position, it can also be highly competitive and financially challenging.
The fact that photographer A. is succeeding as a wildlife photographer doesn’t necessarily guarantee that photographer B. will succeed in the same niche.
In fact, many wildlife photographers struggle to sell their work due to millions of royalty-free wildlife images on the internet.
This implies that anyone from anywhere can get their hands on free pictures of any wildlife subject for commercial or personal purposes, provided they have access to the internet.
However, if you are passionate about nature, have the required equipment and skills, and determination, you can succeed as a wildlife photographer.
For more information about the average earnings of wildlife photographers, particularly those in the USA, check the articles below:
Is wildlife photography a good career?
Can you make a living as a wildlife photographer?
Regarding whether you can make a living as a wildlife photographer, that would depend on two major factors:
1. If you can secure a salaried position with prominent companies like Nat Geo Wild
2. If you can generate a steady stream of sales for your shots
Unfortunately, the chances of securing a salaried position and consistently generating sales for your shots are very low. This is because there are already too many wildlife photographers and free wildlife photos on the internet.
In fact, on Pexels, one of the leading royalty-free image platforms, there are more than 44,000 unique results for the keyword “birds.”
Keep in mind that we have several such platforms available today. This, of course, justifies the claim that consistently generating sales for your shots is not guaranteed.
However, we don’t want to completely write off wildlife photography as a non-profitable career because several people, like Sandesh Kadur and Will Burrard-Lucas, are making a living from it.
But one’s chances of making a decent living as a wildlife photographer in this era are low.
Therefore, we recommend you venture into family or pet photography if you want to make a good living from photography.
PS: Search for other animals also showed high unique results. You can click on the article below to find out the number of results for each species:
What Type Of Wildlife Photos Sell Best?
How can you start a career in wildlife photography
If you are serious about starting a career in wildlife photography, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Develop your overall photographic knowledge
2. Invest in good equipment
3. Develop your portfolio
4. Network with other wildlife photographers
5. Attend workshops
6. Create an online presence
7. Get on the field
8. Develop the qualities of a wildlife photographer
9. Take both free and paid wildlife courses.
You can learn more in the article: How do I start a career in wildlife photography?
What can you study to become a wildlife photographer?
Assuming you are already a photographer with a profound understanding of basic camera settings and compositions, studying subjects like Zoology and Geography can give you an in-depth knowledge of animals and the natural environment.
In contrast, if you have no basic photography knowledge, start by gaining a foundation in basic photography knowledge before venturing into environmental and life science courses.
Fortunately, you don’t need to go back to college if you want to study these courses; you can do so via the following platforms:
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Alison
- Futurelearn
- Edx, etc.
You can learn more in the article: What to study to become a wildlife photographer?
Post-processing wildlife photos
Post-processing or editing is a critical stage in wildlife photography. Once you have captured the raw story of the wild through your lens, it’s important to edit them using standard software.
Assuming you already have editing software, like Adobe Lr, installed on your PC, here’s how you can start refining your shots:
Sort and select your images
- Review your shots and select the strongest ones. Discard duplicates, and out-of-focus images.
Make basic adjustments
- Make basic adjustments like cropping, straightening horizons, and adjusting exposure levels.
Remove distractions and sharpen details
- Use tools like the healing brush or clone stamp to remove distractions like sensor dust, branches, or unwanted objects.
- Reduce digital noise that may be present, especially in images taken at higher ISO settings.
- Apply sharpening selectively to enhance fine details
Resize and save
- Resize your images appropriately.
Note: Larger resolutions are suitable for prints, while smaller sizes are better for online sharing.
- Lastly, save the images in a shareable format like JPEG.
In conclusion
Congratulations on making it this far. Remember, wildlife photography is an interesting and challenging niche. To capture the best shots, you must possess the right tools, knowledge, and skills. It also requires some patience and practice.
With the right camera settings and knowledge of wildlife, you can capture inspiring pictures that tell raw stories of the wild. You can also generate income from your shots by selling them on the internet. Finally, keep shooting, and don’t forget to have fun.