home > resources > tips & tricks > More Wildlife Tips

Wildlife
Tips & Tricks
by Philippe Clément

Introduction

» More tips

MORE TIPS

Taking pictures of gregarious animals, like chamois, ibex, Dall sheep,... is quite easy when you play it following the rules. Never approach the animals directly. Instead, let them come to you. Look from a distance which way they are going whilst grazing. Skirt around them and wait for them to approach YOU.

Don't hide, it only makes them suspicious. Don't look at them, act uninterested and patiently wait while staying in full view. Slowly mount your lens on the tripod, but don't aim at them. With some luck, they come very, very close.

-- ADVERTISEMENT --

<a href='http://www.nikona.org/adsrv/adclick.php?n=aa95cf09' target='_blank'><img src='http://www.nikona.org/adsrv/adview.php?what=zone:15&n=aa95cf09' border='0' alt=''></a>

6. If you know the photo opportunity will be brief when the lighting is tricky, work out the exposure before the animal steps into your frame.

7. Back off immediately when a moose turns and points its antlers towards you. It's very important that you learn the subtle sign language of potentially dangerous animals. And never cut off an animal's escape route - for their safety and your own.

8. If the light is poor and you need to shoot with your lens wide open, make sure at least the animal's eyes are in focus.
9. Avoid double catch lights in the subject's eyes when you use fill flash, one of the sun and one from the flash.
10. Black or white animals are difficult to expose correctly. Meter on a neutral tone like grass or rocks and if they allow you plenty of time, bracket by 1/3 stops.

-
I hope (but I am really sure) you all will have a great time, lots of great photo opportunities and most of all, lots of fun. I am already anxious to see the stunning pictures and hear the great stories.

Have a safe trip,

Philippe