[Animals] How to Take Wild Animal Photos Like a Pro

[FNX Magokiler]

My love of wildlife comes from my parents, who raised me to love and respect the natural world. As a shy teenager, I felt that nature was a place where I belonged. I have been taking photos for 39 years. Documenting nature comes naturally to me: we are all part of it. You don't need to ask permission to be there: you just have to behave like a guest and you will be accepted. Some of my favorite wildlife projects feature everyday beings that are taken for granted.

Here are my tips for photographing wildlife.

Start at home
If your goal is to become a professional photographer, photograph a rare animal, or simply improve your technique, look closer to home first. Pigeons, squirrels, and deer are wild animals, and most of the time, a striking, unique image of a "run-of-the-mill" animal is better than a mediocre image of a rarer one. Look for a habitat that you can visit again and again: the more opportunities you have, the more likely you are to get a photo you'll be proud of.

Do your homework and be patient

 

Before you shoot, prepare yourself. First, find out what species are common in the area. It can be helpful to explore a local park or even around your block. As you explore, use apps like iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID to identify local species and familiarize yourself with them.

Animals are like us, creatures of habit: you will see that they frequent the same places at certain times of the day or under certain weather conditions. Pay attention to these habits as you explore, and take several scouting trips to see them in action. Over time, you may even notice the traces these animals leave behind, from droppings to footprints.

Go the extra mile
When using a phone, one surprising detail that people tend to forget is cleaning the lens. Carry wipes with you to clean the lens or use a cotton shirt.

Forget digital zoom and get physically closer to your subject. Position yourself on the ground or high up to be at their height, which will create a more intimate image. You're not going to get an amazing picture if you keep your clothes clean: you may have to crawl through the mud to get the photo; You'll have time to worry about laundry.

Also try experimenting with black and white, which can eliminate the distraction of colors and focus attention on the composition, action, and scene. On most modern phones, you can turn the image back to color if you change your mind.

 

https://www.nationalgeographic.es/fotografia/2023/12/como-hacer-fotos-animales-salvajes-profesional