Wildlife Photography
Left Image: 35mm SLR,
300mm f-2.8 APO lens, 1.4X converter, Fuji Velvia 50, shot from inside the car with rice
bag for support. Spot meter (face) and opening up 1/2 stop, approx. 1/125 sec and f-4.
Aperture priority and manual focus.
To take good wildlife photographs
you have to be a good naturalist. Understanding the behavior of the animals can help
getting the pictures you want. Patience and quick reflexes are also very important. Expect
to spend many hours waiting for the right moment as I have in the same spot, and many
times it was disappointing. Be ready at all times and look for interesting movements or
expressions.
Always focus on an animal's eyes as eyes can draw viewer's attention to the
photograph. Move slowly and don't make any sudden movements as this may scare away an
animal. Keep a safe distance and learn how close each animal allows you to get. In low
light conditions fast lenses and fast films are needed.
A long telephoto lens is required
as most of the time you will be shooting from a distance. 300mm and 400mm lenses should
cover larger animals. Longer 500mm and 600mm lenses are useful for smaller birds or when it is difficult
to get closer.
Try to show the animal in its natural surroundings by using a shorter lens
and switch to a telephoto for getting closer shots. A second camera body with a different
focal length lens can help getting a good shot without having to pause and change lenses.
Use a sturdy tripod at all times. It is very difficult to get sharp images with telephoto
lenses when hand holding a camera. When shooting from your car a window mount or a bean
bag should be used to support the camera and the lens.
You must calculate exposure quickly
specially in changing light and fast action photography. Spot meters are great for taking
a reading of the most important part of your subject. Meter your subject and adjust
exposure by opening up or stopping down depending on your subject's tonality. ( See Exposure for more information). Motor drives allow you to concentrate on your
subject without having to advance film manually and risk missing a good shot. For fast
action photography set your motor drive to medium or high setting for
continuous shooting
but use these settings only when needed as you might waste film. Carry extra film with
some faster ISO's for low light situations or if you shoot digital change
ISO to faster speeds as needed.
Right Image: Digital SLR, Tokina 300mm f-4 ATX PRO, 1/250 sec
at f-4, Bogen tripod and ballhead
There are many places where you can photograph wildlife. National Parks and State Parks
are among the best places. Get to know the area and the type of wildlife before you go.
When you start photographing do not interfere with animals activities as this can put
stress on them specially if they are caring for their young. Remember no photograph is
worth jeopardizing your own safety or the safety of your subject.
The Master Guide for
Wildlife Photographers
Detailing the knowledge required to obtain professional-quality wildlife photographs, this book outlines techniques usually reserved for hunters to get close to animals to produce intimate portraits of wildlife. Photographers learn the keys to success, metering for perfect exposures, and how to compose the perfect picture. The basic elements of wildlife photography are covered, including photographic equipment and information on the various species and their habits. Many wildlife photographs are critiqued, providing budding wildlife photographers with suggestions for improving their own images.
Tamron SP AF 200-500mm/F5-6.3 Di LD (IF)
This is a
new zoom lens from Tamron that lets you bring your far away subjects
up close while compressing the distance between the main subject and
the background for professional-looking results. Even while covering
up to a 500mm that enables you to take ultra telephoto shots of
subjects further than the eye can see, its design is extremely
lightweight and compact. When mounted on an APS-C size digital SLR
camera, it provides a focal length equivalent to a 760mm for super
ultra telephoto imaging.
| For Canon |
For Nikon |