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Getting Into Wildlife Photography

by Tesni Ward

How lucky wildlife photographers must be …experiencing and witnessing some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world; who wouldn't want the chance to see and experience that, let along photograph it?! Well make no mistake, wildlife photography can be one of the most infuriating and testing styles of photography, but it's also one of the most rewarding. The time spent out tracking, observing and photographing wildlife can be enriching for the soul, so as frustrating as the countless failures to locate or photograph your subject may be, it all becomes worth it when the elements mesh together and you get that shot you were seeking.

Having worked extensively for wildlife for nearly three years now, I've been able to recognise some of the key things necessary to put the odds in your favour and increase the chance of success.

Research your subject
Nothing is more important in your quest to becoming a wildlife photographer than having a deep understanding and knowledge of your subject. Before starting out on any project, it's advised to spend a considerable amount of time researching your subject, speaking with experts and searching for potential locations in preparation for your first encounter. Don't be afraid to ask for help or contact groups or clubs that may have experience dealing with the animal you're seeking.

Patience is key
In theory, wildlife photography should be easy; find where the animal is, wait and eventually capture some photographs. In reality, it is far more difficult than this. Just because you've identified a location where your subject may be does not mean it will be there tomorrow. On top of this, you also have to wait for the appropriate behaviour, light and you being in the right place at the right time! Although you can make your own luck to a point by being there as often as possible, there will always be an element of luck with wildlife photography.

Ethics before photographs
Capturing an image you're over the moon with is a fantastic feeling but if it's to the detriment of the subject was it really worth it? If you find that you will have to negatively impact, disturb or upset the animal to capture the image you want, it's far better to find an alternative way.

Get the 'money shot' before you experiment
Wildlife photography is often a waiting game, but don't be afraid to experiment once you have some of the images you've been after. Panning, under- or over-exposing and backlighting can all produce pleasing results, but these images can also lead to a lot of failures before capturing something worthwhile, which is why it's important to have some keepers beforehand.

Check the weather forecast
This ties in with researching your subject, as there are certain weather conditions in which you will be very fortunate enough to see any wildlife at all! Certain conditions can also give you the opportunity to capture beautiful and unique images. Don't be afraid to go out when the fog is thick or the rain is heavy, just know which subjects you're more likely to encounter and prepare appropriately!

Check the seasons
Some animals can all but disappear over winter, others can only be seen for a couple of months a year. Knowing when your subjects are around is important to ensure you don't miss them! The seasons can also give different opportunities for the types of environments you can capture wildlife in. Autumn gives beautiful warm tones, whilst winter can give you the opportunity to photograph some wildlife in snow, as well as having better light due to the sun being lower in the sky. Spring and summer bring young animals and a wide variety of colours from the many flowers that bloom across the country.

Don't be afraid to find inspiration in other people's photographs
Whilst I strongly believe that it's important to develop your own style in photography, don't be afraid to view and appreciate other people's work. Visit galleries, browse portfolios, read magazines and view competition winners. It can always be great to recognise why other images are so visually appealing to in time help shape and develop your own style and approach.

PRACTICE
It goes without saying that practice is key. Wildlife can be fast paced and unpredictable, meaning you will be required to make snap decisions and adjustments to your settings or composition, so having an in-depth knowledge of the different settings you may need to adjust will be greatly beneficial when you're out in the field.

Equipment matters (or does it?)
I've always been a big advocate that you don't need expensive or professional equipment to take a good picture. Without having the eye for a good composition, no amount of investment in good equipment will improve your images. The lines do, however, become slightly blurred when it comes to wildlife photography. Whether you're wanting to shoot more environmental, wide-angle shots of your subject or getting close isn't an option and you need a telephoto, choosing the right equipment early on can help your development.

Don't forget to enjoy the moment
Sometimes we can become so engrossed in taking images that we fail to enjoy the scene in front of us. Whilst it's important to capture great images, don't forget to enjoy the experience at the same time; it may not happen again.



Updated 27/04/2026 16:44:22 Last Modified: Monday, 27 April 2026