Watching, waiting; waiting watching. Timing is everything for the wildlife photographer. Part of the thrill in capturing that perfect shot lies in the wait — hours, or if you’re a true enthusiast, days or even weeks! The result — whether it is a butterfly in a graceful mid-air flutter in your backyard, or a tiger cub lovingly nuzzling against his mother under a thicket of trees — will always be rewarding, and worth the challenge. If you are a beginner who wants to give wildlife photography a shot, we have you covered. From a low-down on the best photography gear for beginners to the craft of making a perfect picture with specific wildlife photography tips, this is your handy beginner’s guide to photographing wonders in the wild.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Gear for beginners
Travel and gear can be hard on the pocket! Start with the very basics. A camera, of course, is a prerequisite — but which one? As a beginner, it is not necessary to go with the most expensive camera. For most, an entry-level DSLR (Nikon, Sony, or Canon are crowd favourites) with a telephoto lens [300/400 mm] is enough to get you started. But let’s face it, the many controls, dials, and settings may get confusing, especially for beginners. In that case, a point-and-shoot superzoom bridge camera can help ease you in better. For beginners interested in bird photography, Nikon’s P900/950 with 83x optical zoom and the Sony RX10 IV are great options. Considering changing natural light is a part of wildlife photography, a tripod is as essential as a camera. Look for one which is sturdy but light, and can support the weight of not just your camera but also the additional zoom lens. A less bulky option is the Gorilla Pod — these nifty devices can get you the best angles. Just throw them into your bag (along with a pair of binoculars and an extra set of batteries and memory cards) and click away.
Wildlife photography techniques
Picture making – whatever may be the subject – is akin to storytelling. Like in any story, the elements, and how they are arranged, are important in a picture. Wildlife photography novices can follow a few thumb rules. The basic would be to apply the rule of thirds, where you avoid putting the subject at the centre of the frame. Instead, you divide the image into three imaginary sections and place the subject in the third part, either the extreme left or right. This photography composition guideline ensures more emphasis on the subject. A clean background is a bonus. Many times elements in the background can distract from the main subject so a shallow depth of field helps — try and get clean, out-of-focus, or soft backgrounds, so the attention stays where it is meant to stay: on the animal/bird/plant, the star of your photograph. Camera settings like ISO Priority or Shutterspeed Priority can be of great use. Also, remember, just as the subject is important, so is the negative space — in wildlife photography, these spaces can tell a larger story about the creature. Imagine a bird in flight against the expanse of a clear blue sky. Having said that, don’t be afraid of breaking a few rules and thinking out of the box – in photography, it’s important to go with your instinct!
Observe animals beyond the lens
When it comes to wildlife photography, there is no shortcut. Attention, patience, and a keen eye for your subject are paramount. As we said earlier, the wait is important — being on the field may not necessarily mean you have to be constantly clicking all the time. Use the time to observe your subjects in their natural habitat. Understand wildlife behaviour patterns, study their body language, and gauge their moods — only then can you anticipate their actions. For example, when photographing birds, it is useful to look for patterns over days — often you will find repetitive behaviour, such as bringing back food to the nest at a particular time every day. Before you venture into the wild, it is not a bad idea to practise in your backyard — there is a world of living, breathing wildlife around us, even in urban settings. Spend time on the squirrel in your garden, or the pigeon on your windowsill. Take the time to understand wildlife behaviour. Pro tip: focus on the animal’s eyes to add depth to your photo.
Lighting tips: Make the most of the golden hour
Remember, unlike inside a studio, you cannot control light outdoors. But what you can predict is when the sun will rise, and when it will set. The warm, soft light of the ‘golden hour’ — either the first hour of sunrise or the last hour of sunset— is ideal for photographing animals. On the other hand, midday light may be harsh and make for unflattering photographs. This may mean you have to lose some sleep but it is well worth it: lighting, especially the golden hues sunrises and sunsets can lend — makes all the difference in the world. Moreover, dawn and dusk are when most animals are up and about, and you are bound to catch them in their element. Capturing silhouettes — just after the sun has gone down — can also bring out the dramatic beauty in animals in the wild. In this case, let the dramatic colours of the sky and the landscape do the talking.
Tips on fieldcraft and ethical photography
As much fun as you may be having with your camera, remember the animals — common or rare, threatened or near threatened — come first. Remember this is their home, and you must respect their space. First and foremost, maintain a safe distance from your subject and do not disturb them. This is for the safety of the photographer as well – you do not want to anger a wild animal! Dress for the occasion. Blend in as much as possible with your surroundings. Avoid bright colours. When you are in protected wildlife areas, such as sanctuaries and parks, obey the rules. Do not bait the animals — with food or anything else. Be respectful to your subjects as well as fellow photographers and researchers who may be present. Get necessary permissions to shoot and always pay the fees — this helps maintain our national parks.
Get camera-ready for your next wildlife safari
As the adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. You are not just clicking a photograph, you are telling a story. Follow the rules of ethical wildlife photography and remember what you have documented is a crucial conservation effort: these photographs can bring attention to threatened species and raise awareness about their status.
So, as you plan your next trip in the wilderness, we advise you to get to know your camera as much as possible. Nature photography for beginners can start in one’s backyard. Click away in your garden, and whenever you’re ready, there’s a plethora of wildlife destinations to choose from in India. Besides the popular ones like Ranthambore in Rajasthan or Panna in Madhya Pradesh, smaller sanctuaries like Tipeshwar in Maharashtra, with its tiger sightings at close quarters, can be a photographer’s delight. With its lower tourist footfall, sanctuaries off the beaten path like Tipeshwar, are perfect for beginners— a quiet place where animals are undisturbed gives you a larger window of opportunity for that perfect shot.
