Wildlife photography calls in for sound professionals, as here the best shots are to be made in an instant. You cannot think for even seconds before clicking that best shot, as the wildlife has numerous beauties to unlock every second.
Expertise the Camera Settings: For example, know the minimum shutter speed that can give you the best sharp image, learn to instantly toggle between the focus points and focus modes, and be well versed with camera’s ISO settings. Overall, practice to instantly handle camera settings without taking your eyes off the subject.
Gain Design Knowledge: Be well-versed with the rules of perfect image composition like ‘rule of thirds’, which will help you capture fleeting moments in a perfect way. You should as well explore on when to break the rules.
Understand Animal Behaviour: How to approach the subject and predicting its actions would help you decide when to expect the desired shot. Though related books would help you on this, the best way to gain this knowledge is by following your subject and living with it for hours and days.
Know Wild Plants and Organisms: If your are keen on capturing wild flora/organisms, it is important to understand where they grow, what season they grow, when a flower blooms, when they attract insects and so on.
Be Aware of Local Laws: Many countries would insist you to get proper license before entering their reserved areas to photograph wildlife. For example, as per a law in Northern Ireland: “If the subject (animal or bird) shows any sign of distress then the project should be abandoned Immediately. Avoid the photography at the breeding site of any species of animal or bird, which is on the extreme limits of its breeding range within the British Isles or in areas where it is especially rare.”
Understanding and abiding by these laws of your country of visit can save you thousands of money and in some cases save you from imprisonment.
Learn to be Patient: Prepare yourself to wait for months to get the shot in your mind.
Build Observation Skills and Presence of Mind: Practice to watch out continuously for your subject to act the way you want. Also, do not restrict your camera’s shutter to open only for your subject. Keep watching around, look out even for smaller species and be ready to click the right shots.
Be Familiar with Camping, Hiking, and Survival Skills: When your work involves exploring all new landscapes for months together, you should be prepared to camp anywhere, hike and survive with whatever you get right there.
Hone Strong Technical Skills: Learn to work with software tools to edit and groom your shots.
Get, Set now for your photography tour to the wild!