Wildlife Photography Tips

[RobinP]

I would just add to that, where there are no hides, try and find a natural barrier to hide behind, like a hedge or tall undergrowth. Failing that, sit or lie down with something behind you, like a tree, so your profile doesn't show. Once you've staked out your spot, keep still and wait... and wait...

[jay37]

thank you all for your advice it will really help,im no stranger to waiting it took me 1 1/2 summers of chasing bees around to come up with this
now with my new know how it will be a tad easier

[Chris Hammond]

I don't use hides but usually rely only on camouflage clothing, a few bits and bobs of homemade camouflage covering for tripods legs and long lenses and a throwover scrim net. When you consider how paramount eyesight and visual warnings must be to all wild creatures, it's actually very surprising just how inneffective many animals are at spotting you if you remain still. I find shutter noise to be a far bigger stumbling block in terms of spooking both birds and mammals.

The two most important things I've discovered by trial and error when togging mammals are, firstly to take the absolute maximum care over wind direction and where it is carrying your scent. And secondly to always carry a decent compass when reccying a possible photo opportunity. A compass allows you to know in advance both where the wind and light will be coming from at any given spot.

[Badllarma]

Hi Jay37 I second the reserve ideas above find a local reserve then start visiting it and just practise.

You could try here The Animal Ark Home Page (formerly the Norfolk Wildlife Centre) They seem to be in your part of the world I did a wildlife filming course there last year great course BTW.

There is two parts ot the park one the public see all the time and another seperate area they use just for the filmmaking courses if you become a regualer there and speak to the nicely you may be able to perswade them to let you into the other part better still bump into the guys that run the wildlife filmiaking courses

[stephen p]

Hi Jay,

I 2nd everything the others have said, WWT sites are great to practice your techique.

Patience is key in Wildlife Photography.

Study your area, find key areas and key species and fix yourself on them for a while. Studying a subject will help you so much as you will be looking for those signs of where your subject will be or been.

Also learn how to use your camera and how it works 100%, so when that moment comes you are ready and can quickly change settings if needed.

Reading how Pro's work is great aswell, Andy Rouse's Wildlife Travel Photography is a cracking book for getting started.

Hope this helps.

Steve

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by jay37

thank you both for the welcome

i have a dslr and a 300mm lens soon to be up dated to a 500
ithink that a hide could be an answer is there any secrets in positoning it
ive spent hours camped in my van,camera ready its like the birds know your waiting

the key is for them to get used to the hide - which is why reserve hides are good because the birds are thoroughly habituated to them. the other option is a hide like the one i use which costs arround £300,000 and is made of bricks and mortar aka a house - starting with the birds in your garden gives you more control over feeder position, background, etc and it is well worth clipping or wiring some twiggy bits to your bird table to enable you to get shots of birds sitting on natural looking perches.

[shutterbox]

Yes i would agree with Eeyore the garden is a great place to start, set up your feeders and place a natural perch close by. I use a tall dead branch taped to a spike so i can move it around as required to get a clear background for my images. You can also pre focus on it to ensure sharp images....JIM

[nightshade]

Yesterday it was sunny (just thought it was worth mentioning )
I could see some photographers by the lakes but most of all I could see the heliograph flash of someones watch face, not so bad in this location but a real wildlife scarer if you are stalking or concealing yourself

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by nightshade

the heliograph flash of someones watch face, not so bad in this location but a real wildlife scarer if you are stalking or concealing yourself

A top tip from nightshade there! The same goes for anything shiny - rings, bracelets, necklaces, gold teeth... Even spectacles can be a problem and if you're a wearer like me you need to think about where the sun is and where the reflection off your specs will be shining.

People have already mentioned about wearing clothes in muted, natural colours but the material is important too. Synthetic fabrics - nylon, polyester, etc. - will often make loud rustling noises with the slightest movement, whereas wool or cotton fabrics are usually much quieter.

Dave P.

[jay37]

excellent advice thank you. the pictures have started to roll in now im getting a bit closer
cheers jay