Wildlife photography - Solitude

by Connie
(Steinbach MB Canada)

My husband and I were canoeing last summer when we came around the bend of the lake and there she was, a doe right down by the water.

We drifted as quietly and as close as possible. She was curious and turned to give us a wonderful pose.

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One of the best things about wildlife photography is that you're never sure what's just around the corner.

Which means one of the best tips for wildlife photography is to always, always, have your camera ready.

One way to do that is to use a small aperture if the light allows.

If you use a small shutter pretty much everything will be in focus, and that means saving a precious second on focussing.

Why would a second count? Eye contact!

Take Connie's photo as an example; the doe is looking right at the camera - eye contact.

If the doe was looking away from the camera, it wouldn't spoil the shot completely, but there would be something missing.

Actually, to be fair, the deer is almost looking right at the camera, just a shade off. But not bad to capture it at all!

Of course, there are times in wildlife photography when the light is low and you need to open up the aperture.

In those cases it can help if you have the opportunity to find a quiet spot and sit watching the wildlife.

You'll find they exhibit patterns of behaviour, and this is what you, the wildlife photographer need to work with.

That bird that comes out of its nest, has a look around, then flits off. Only to return a couple of minutes later?

Watch it, you'll see it repeats the behaviour. Only this time you're ready to capture a great wildlife shot!

Set your camera up - on a tripod if you have one, or supported on a bag if not - and make sure it's focussed on the nest. Also set your camera to continuous shooting mode (where holding the shutter button down will fire off shot after shot) Hold the focus point by keeping your finger on the shutter button.

As it comes out of it's nest, has a look around - click! Click! Click! You've captured it!

Still, I've gone off on a bit of a ramble here (I can't help it, I get carried away sometimes!), thanks for the submission Connie - great shot!

Read more about how understanding the aperture can help your wildlife photography.


Darrell.

My son (that's him below) loves F1. He's started his own YouTube channel and would love it if you could take a look at one or two of his videos.
Or, if it hurts your ears as much as it does mine, pass the link on to someone who'll really appreciate it.

(probably someone a lot younger than I am!)

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