I’ve put together a list of my top tips for taking beautiful wildlife photos. Over the coming weeks, I am going to focus on each tip individually with more detail. Here is a rundown of my top tips:
1) Learn to predict how your subject will behave
Knowing your subject will help you to be in the right place at the right time. Although this can be done with research, nothing beats your own observations. Just because the same species act one way somewhere else, doesn’t mean they will act the same way for you.
2) Picture your picture
Have a purpose to a trip and, if possible, picture the photo you want to take before you go.
3) Know how to change your camera settings blindfolded
The better you know your camera, the less time you’ll have to spend thinking about it whilst you’re out photographing.
4) Understand the seasonal changes of your subject’s habitat
You’ve learnt which plants your subject eats. But can you recognise that plant out in the wild? Do you know when it flowers and fruits? Does it fruit and different times in different localities near you? Understanding your subject’s habitat will help you find them.
5) Learn to shoot in full manual
I don’t think you should normally shoot in full manual mode. However, learning to do this is throwing yourself in at the deep end and will hone your skills a lot faster.
6) Allow yourself at least half as much time editing as you spend shooting
Editing can take a while but it is crucial to developing your skills as a photographer. Not only can basic editing change an Ok photo to an exceptional photo, but it can also help you analyse what you did well and where you can improve.
7) If your trip doesn’t seem to be going well, don’t just give up and go home
Often the best photos will come at the end of the day. The lighting is often better, the animals are more used to your presence and you have had time to adjust to their habitat and behaviours. Don’t go home and instead carry on shooting as long as you can – you might surprise yourself.
8) Ask someone else to critique your photos
You are your own worst critique. Ask someone you trust to give you an honest opinion about your photos – and not just your best ones. You’ll be surprised by how they pick out different things which are good and bad to you.
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