Photography tips
Here are some of my personal tips for successful wildlife and landscape photography:
Put wildlife and the natural environment first. When taking photos, the number one consideration must be the welfare of the wildlife and respect for the natural environment. It is very easy to disturb wildlife and damage fragile and precious habitat. Caring about wildlife and the natural environment produces better results.
Expect the unexpected. Always be ready for anything. Photographing wildlife and landscapes can be both rewarding and frustrating due to the unpredictability of so many things such as behaviour, migration, weather conditions, etc. Be prepared when "the moment" occurs.
Research and understand the subject and the place. Take time to research and understand and appreciate wildlife, its environment and habitat and its place in UK geography. Knowledge and experience are hard gained but worthwhile and invaluable.
Take plenty of photos. A great photo can be priceless and a lasting memory whereas film and digital media are relatively cheap. Take plenty of photos to ensure (hopefully) at least one turns out to be the desired result.
Get up early! Wildlife can be much easier to observe during the first few hours of daylight. That can mean getting out of bed as early as 3 a.m. in the summer! Early morning (and late afternoon) can also offer the best light for both wildlife and landscape photography.
Stay comfortable and safe. It seems obvious but the outdoor environment can be harsh, wet, cold and windy. Warm and waterproof clothes, strong footwear and supplies of food and drink make the experience more comfortable and safer. But don’t forget the camera gear …. and enjoy.
Practice .... and practice .... and practice .... and be very, very patient!
Above all …. “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footsteps and kill nothing but time.”
Put wildlife and the natural environment first. When taking photos, the number one consideration must be the welfare of the wildlife and respect for the natural environment. It is very easy to disturb wildlife and damage fragile and precious habitat. Caring about wildlife and the natural environment produces better results.
Expect the unexpected. Always be ready for anything. Photographing wildlife and landscapes can be both rewarding and frustrating due to the unpredictability of so many things such as behaviour, migration, weather conditions, etc. Be prepared when "the moment" occurs.
Research and understand the subject and the place. Take time to research and understand and appreciate wildlife, its environment and habitat and its place in UK geography. Knowledge and experience are hard gained but worthwhile and invaluable.
Take plenty of photos. A great photo can be priceless and a lasting memory whereas film and digital media are relatively cheap. Take plenty of photos to ensure (hopefully) at least one turns out to be the desired result.
Get up early! Wildlife can be much easier to observe during the first few hours of daylight. That can mean getting out of bed as early as 3 a.m. in the summer! Early morning (and late afternoon) can also offer the best light for both wildlife and landscape photography.
Stay comfortable and safe. It seems obvious but the outdoor environment can be harsh, wet, cold and windy. Warm and waterproof clothes, strong footwear and supplies of food and drink make the experience more comfortable and safer. But don’t forget the camera gear …. and enjoy.
Practice .... and practice .... and practice .... and be very, very patient!
Above all …. “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footsteps and kill nothing but time.”