Nature has a strong sense of balance. And it resets everyone’s inner compass who chooses to be closer to it. Since the last decade or two, the number of consumers of landscape and animal photo prints has grown multi-folds. The wildlife researchers and photographers instill people with a sense of thrill and curiosity to experience the process of animal photographing themselves. However, this is a herculean task that needs holistic knowledge and gear to support the mission. Most people start as birders and gradually progress deeper into their love for animal photography. While the transition from hobby to passion is a more progressive one with little to compensate for, the knowledge required to develop the passion practically requires more than just ambition.
Why is preparation a must for animal photo prints?
Animals and humans have lived together in the habitat for a long time. The essential primal hunter nature was intuitive to humans. However, modernization has pulled humans away from nature and natural intuitiveness to combat what the wild offers. Animal photography primarily involves wild animals, which are not a part of the modified or modernized living circumstances and are out exposed to every natural curveball that can be expected.
Leading oneself to be out in the wild without a thorough preparation with all necessary equipment, research and experience can undoubtedly turn the experience and outcome from extraordinary to disastrous. Moreover, it may even be threatening to life itself. Wildlife photographers are well aware that no knowledge can ensure complete safety or prevention from adverse circumstances. With such uncertainties playing a massive role in the equation, expecting to achieve the status quo without well-done homework is the work of a fool.
Tips for taking fantastic animal photos
The objective of most eco-trips is for participants to return with a stronger sense of connectedness to nature. Photography is perhaps the simplest method to keep the newfound natural connection long after the vacation is over.
For novices, though, wildlife photography may be intimidating. It might be tough to capture a decent photo when dealing with nervous animals and unfamiliar surroundings. However, all these shortcomings can be overcome with adequate head-up information and some practical tips.
1. Play with lighting
The most crucial aspect of every image is proper lighting. Photographers can better assure a crisp action shot by keeping their photos well-lit. Playing around with natural and artificial lighting can bring out the best of the picture. Black and white standouts are more substantial than a colored image.
2. Experiment with angles
An image of a tiny animal taken from above isn’t particularly appealing. Attempt to get down on an animal’s level to discover fresh perspectives.
3. Placing the subject right
Make sure the animal is in the spotlight. Try to capture a picture that makes the living subject stand out from the backdrop by ensuring that it is the main topic of the shot: the more significant and more precise the animal’s form, the better.
4. Closeups & Side views
Animal photo prints can look drastically impactful in closeups. Specific side profiles convey a stronger feeling than a generic relaxed pose. At the same time, make sure to use protective gear for the camera equipment and oneself. Another tactic often used in wildlife photography is the use of camouflages to blend in with the environment.
5. Plan the shots
To photograph an animal from close up, it pays to plan the framing and direction. Animals are almost always low to the ground, so plan most pictures with a telephoto lens from close up. The critical way to get captivating shots is to be prepared early on in the day.
6. Avoid flashes
Animals have an instinct first to defend and then attack if they see a threat or alarm—some predators, especially when they are around with their babies and cubs, attack as the first reaction.
Conclusion
Capturing animal photo prints is an extraordinary passion or job, regardless of where they are from or where they wish to go. Preserving genuine experiences in the natural environment and sharing them is a tremendous instrument for conservation and education, from birdwatching in the city to photo expeditions that take one to the farthest regions of nature.
