Beginnings and locations

[Chris_Johnstone]

Hey everyone,

I'm just starting out in the world of photography so I'm glad I found this site. I was recently given a Canon EOS 350D and I've been dying to get out to use it.

What I'd like to know is how do you go about getting good shots of wildlife around your area. What I've been doing so far is just researching over the internet as to where I might be able to find interesting subjects (mainly animals). For example I'll take a look in the Forestry Commission website and find locations where, say, Red Deer are to live etc...

Is this the right way to go about it? Is it a case of getting a free day or two, packing your packed lunch/tent/etc and going to a forest park or somewhere? Obviously there's no guarantee to get anything once you're there and patience is a huge part of it - is it just opportunistic and, to some extent, down to luck?

I was lucky enough to visit the Isle of May a few weeks ago with some fellow students to observe the Grey Seal breeding colony there. Obviously I took my camera and was presented with a great opportunity for pictures.

The best 20 or so are available to look at here: Isle Of May - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Any feedback is more than welcome.

Chris

[matt_xyz]

Hi Chris,

A very warm welcome to WAB. In my limited experience, wildlife photography seems to be a mixture of luck and planning. Do your research and also ask around (WAB is great for that). You'll start to learn the best places to photograph certain species. Also, explore your local area and find out which bird or mammal species inhabit your local nature reserves or wild areas. I'm sure you've done that already. But you do need a good dose of luck as well if you want the animals to turn up at the right place and time!

What you've been doing sounds about right really. Often there's no easy way to photograph wildlife - that's what makes it such a challenge!

Matt

[glsammy]

I agree with Matt, it is usually down to more luck than anything else. You have of course got to put yourself in the right locations and hopefully at the right time, the rest is down to the individual animal/bird. I still get many days where I see very little, but these are offset by the occasional unexpected treat.
The more you go out and about, the more you will see.

[nightshade]

Literally,look in your own backyard,a garden if you have one gives you good practice
there may be parks or even wildlife trust reserves (sometimes local trust mini reserves)
Shots taken locally are more easily repeated and will give you confidence in yourself and your kit

[Chris_Johnstone]

Thanks for the advice guys, glad to know I'm not barking up the wrong tree.

Chris

[nightshade]

Even bark on the trees is photogenic

[eeyore]

The only thing I can add to the great advice given by the others here is

a) learn as much as possible about your target species - the better you understand their behaviour the more you'll be able to predict what they'll do and thus the better your shots.

b) once you have found a good location keep going back in different lighht , weather , times of day etc

c) read photographic books (Our reviews section has a few good uns), and articles by other wildlife photographers such as rouse , benvie , maciyntre etc , even if they arent working on the same subjects as you you will pick up hints and tips which will improve your knowledge and give you ideas for shots.

[RobSutton]

Hi Chris

I'd say:

• Spend as much time outside as you can and always carry your camera with you
• Be really critical of your shots - use the EXIF data to work out what you did on the ones that work
• Look at some of the work that the pros do and work out why they work (the magazine "Outdoor Photography" is good)
• Check out the way they compose their photos - "the rule of thirds"
• Get to know your own patch really well and in all weathers and seasons
• Experiment

Good luck

[Chris_Johnstone]

Thanks again,

I'm off to Millport (Cumbrae) tomorrow morning with my kit to have a look at what's there and I have another trip up near Loch Lomond planned for Wednesday. I've be able to experiment plenty with my kit and I'm comfortable and confident in composing scenes and using all the features my camera includes (the seals on the Isle of May were so laid back I had hours to experiment with different DOFs etc). It's the 'getting out there' part I'm lacking

I'll let you know the results of the next few days.

Chris

[SteveHL]

Hi Chris.
I think the best way to start is to visit the local park. If the birds are feed there start with them, if there's squirrels and or deer that are used to people cut your teeth on them. As you get competent with the camera and your lenses limitations more out to more challenging locations.
Its got to be fun and rewarding so at the beggining go for shots you know you can get. As you progress and move on to harder species your returns deminish alarmingly.
Get yourself a good wildlife photography book, and ask questions, loads of them. There is a wealth of knowledge on here just waiting to be tapped into.
Have fun, go for it.
Cheers