Photography
Tips for All
Advice in digital photography techniques
Photographing Animals.
Hints and tips on where to go and how to get the shot you want.
Animals are so annoying. It is so rare to find one who really understands the art of photography. They are forever turning round, flying off, hiding behind things and generally making life for the photographer a bother.
Obviously stuffed animals are far more compliant, but if you don't like a particular pose, there isn't much you can do about it short of getting a hacksaw and selotape out of your kitbag. Then there is the whole maggot issue...
No, no, we will just have to put up with the problems posed by photographing live wild animals and learn a few tricks to make the best of things.
Firstly, a telephoto lens is the wildlife photographers best friend. It allows you to get a close up without getting too close. This is particularly important when trying to shoot the huge-jawed and hungry for manflesh members of the animal kingdom.
Alternatively go for closeups of safe little creatures that cannot do you any harm whatsoever. If they are slow movers, then so much the better.
Even for lazy bugs, a fast shutter speed is still a prerequisite. As I said in the intro, animals rarely stay still for very long, particularly when some idiot with a camera is lumbering towards them, so be quick and snap away. Another useful feature is the multiple exposure function that lets you shoot 3, 6 or even 12 shots in one second from one shutter press. Cameras that give you this facility allow you to pick the perfect shot of, for example a bird taking flight.
With regard to focus, a good rule of thumb is that no matter what you are photographing, if the eyes are in focus it will probably be alright. However, very few shots where the eyes are not sharp seem to work well.
Pets are easier to shoot than most animals so why not start there. Getting down to their level makes for more dynamic shots. Treats can work wonders too.
The above shot combines great afternoon lighting, pinsharp focus on the cat's face and a low angle bringing the viewer down into the cat's world. Mind you to get this shot I took about 50 shots that were totally useless. Perseverance pays off when it comes to animal photographs.
Local farms also offer opportunities for practicing without too much effort or discomfort on your part. Even the humble chicken can make a great subject for a portrait.
If you are going to head out into the real wild, then camoflague is a genuine advantage. A properly made hide is wonderful, ex military clothing is useful and the ability to climb trees is indespenseable.
Of course zookeepers are rather good at making urban concrete look like limitless savannah, so do consider a trip to the safari park if your budget wont stretch to a proper african safari.
As for undersea shots, there are a whole different set of rules here, but have you considered the photographic opportunities available at a public aquarium?
What I am trying to say is that no matter where you live, photographing animals is not half as difficult as you might imagine.