Tips on shooting wildlife images

by Neville on May.02, 2009, under Photography, Travel

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Ok before anything else let me say that I have shot wildlife images only a couple of times in places like Mysore, Mangalore and Mandya. I’ve been able to shoot images of Mugger crocodiles at Ranganthittu bird sanctuary (Yes, the lake that you can row across is filled with them), Karanji lake also plays host to a lot of birds because of its calm and serene lake while they have a small aviary inside it too. So with this limited amount of experience let me share what I have learnt:

1.) Patience: This is the most important and the most annoying (at least for me). The image below of the butterfly took me nearly half an hour of hunting because the little butterfly just wouldn’t settle down. So being able to wait for things to calm down and settle is very important.

Fly away

2.) Attentiveness: If you can’t see the Mugger Crocodile watching you with its eyes just above the surface how can you take a shot of it? Always be on the lookout and if you see something out of the ordinary make sure you take a good look.

Wait and watch

3.) Season/Knowledge: Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can really ruin an outing. Make sure you find out the details about places your visiting so that it coincides with migratory patterns of both animals and birds. Learn as much as you can about the creatures that you are plan to take images of so you know what to expect and what to look out for.

In bloom

4.) Silence: Try and be as quiet as possible when shooting wildlife. This way you can get them when they are relaxed and comfortable. This can be very hard if you are using a point and shoot camera but can be a lot easier if you have a DSLR camera with a nice zoom lens.

Curious Deer

5.) Fun: Make sure you have a good time. Sometimes things just don’t work out. You might have two King Cobras mating in front you but you realize that your friend has run off with your camera and the rest of your gear cause he’s terrified. Stuff happens, just play it cool and enjoy the moment.

Don't worry!

What do you think? Do you have any tips you would like to share? Please do so in the comments below.

Share and Enjoy:

:Agumbe, Aviary, Butterfly, Deer, Karanji, Lake, Mandya, Monkeys, Mugger Crocodiles, Mysore, Nature, Peacock, Rangathittu Bird Sanctuary, South India, Spread, Stag, Tourists, Travel, Water, Wildlife

7 Comments for this entry

varun
May 2nd, 2009 on 8:02 pm
great start at being a wildlife photographer…Do develop it into one of your forte’s.
Sujatha Bhagath
May 4th, 2009 on 5:21 pm
Cute photos and well-timed. My favourite is the peacock closely followed by the monkeys.
JP
May 5th, 2009 on 3:39 pm
I count 5 where is the 6th ( i mean the monkeys)
DJ
May 6th, 2009 on 4:57 pm
Awesome, simply awesome, you have experienced hands and the patience (as rightly said by u), carry on the good work…
Jijin
May 11th, 2009 on 1:09 pm
Nice Pics
Jared Earle
May 21st, 2009 on 4:12 pm
Get a fast lens. Patience will get you to the shot, a fast lens will capture it.
bashphoenux
May 22nd, 2009 on 7:10 pm
wow great !!
i was trying to catch this same type of butterfly in my college … unfortunately no luck … very nice pics !! :d
wats the shutter speed?

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photographyVoter.com
May 2nd, 2009 on 10:13 am
Tips on shooting wildlife images…

A few tips from what I have learnt about wildlife photography along with some of my favorite images….