A Brief About the Author
Hitesh Chawla started his wildlife photography journey in 2011-12. Since then, he has traveled to more than 80 places like Sattal, Tal Chhapar, Ranthambhore, Jorbeed, Bharatpur, Andamans, Himachal Pradesh, etc. Whenever he unable to go outstation, he does bird photography in the surroundings of Delhi itself. After visiting so many places, he has earned a fair number of images as well as some recognizations.
In this blog, tips & tricks are shared for capturing creative images of birds and animals for those who are beginners in wildlife photography.
People usually ask how to make creative images? What camera settings to use? What are some basic tips & tricks of wildlife photography? Which is the best lens for wildlife photography? Below are some points which the author follows. It is important to note that these are just his personal views.
1. KNOW YOUR CAMERA
Wildlife photography is very tricky and does not last for more than a few seconds. If you are not aware of your camera features, you may miss the moment.
To understand the camera, the basic points to know can be:
- The minimum and a maximum shutter speed of your camera,
- How many frames your camera can capture in a second,
- How much ISO your camera can handle,
- Knowing when to open or close aperture,
- Change the settings even without moving your eye from the viewfinder.
2. USE A SUITABLE LENS
The best lens for wildlife photography is which suits your vision. You can go for any, telephoto or wide-angle lenses. Where the telephoto lens will give you a good reach and bring your subject closer, with the help of a wide-angle lens, you can create some unique images.
WHY USE A TELEPHOTO LENS?
- It’ll bring the subject closer to you. In a natural habitat, if you’ll try to reach closer to the subject, chances are that they may move away. A telephoto lens will help you to capture images from a distance. Due to the high focal length, you’ll feel like standing near your subject.
- Do you want to disturb a Tiger or disturb any bird with small chicks? I believe the answer is NO. In that case, for your safety and getting results without disturbing the specie, a telephoto lens is the solution.
- There are many other benefits of using a telephoto lens like getting a good depth of field and capturing through the canopy. It’ll also help you to focus on the desired subjects and be more creative with frames.
WHY USE A WIDE-ANGLE LENS?
- Doing wildlife photography using wide-angle lenses will give an entirely new perspective to your images.
- The advantage of the wide-angle lens is the capability to add habitat into your images. You are able to document the wildlife and its surroundings parallelly.
- However, before you go for wide-angle photography, make sure that you remain ethical with your photography and not doing it near any bird's nest or anywhere where there is a danger of wild animal.
3. PLAY WITH THE SHUTTER SPEED
In wildlife photography, shutter speed plays a very important role. If it's not up to the mark, the chances of missing the action will increase. If you are capturing a bird in flight, make sure that the shutter speed is between 1/1000 to 1/4000(1/8000 too is achievable in high-end cameras). Don't forget to play with it. If you are looking for a panning shot, you can use between 1/30 to 1/250 as well. Though, it depends on that time's conditions and subject as well.
4. KEEP PATIENCE
It's essential in wildlife photography. The shot of this flying Crested Serpent Eagle is not just another random shot . It required a lot of patience. This eagle was sitting on a branch and an intuition was made that it would fly in that direction. It did the same but took more than an hour and a half before taking off.
Waiting for 1.5 hours to capture an image is not a big deal in fact. At times, you'll be coming back empty-handed even after giving your 100%.Be ready for that.
5. SHOOT DURING GOLDEN HOURS
Images captured in golden hours can be the best for your portfolio of wildlife photography. In photography, the golden hour is tperiod of day time shortly after sunrise or before sunset. If you are planning to capture during golden hours, make sure you reach before it starts. During these hours, give extra attention to the white balance. Don't spoil the image by making it either too warm or fluorescent. Capture in RAW so that you can adjust the tone later. Though, priority should be to get THE PERFECT PICTURE directly in the field.
6. UNDERSTAND THE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUR SUBJECT
Knowing about the behaviour of your subject will be a boon for you. Don't go to the field and start clicking. Pay close attention to the behaviour of birds or animals. Notice the flying patterns or walking style, concentrate on the directions which they are following, notice the activity they are doing. These things will help you in capturing nature history moments.
7. GET DOWN TO THE EYE LEVEL
This is a very crucial point in wildlife photography. It tests your patience, strength, and fitness. Eye-level shots will be the game-changers. Lay down on that dirty ground, full of animals dung, or at times on a muddy ground which will change the colour of your clothes. It will help you in getting some amazing and creative shots.
To get eye-level shots without disturbing the birds, at times you need to crawl as well. It is not always possible to get the eye-level shots but whenever it is, don't miss the opportunity. With some little efforts, you will be getting attractive foreground, subject at eye level, and desired background. The depth of field you get would be astonishing.
8. BE THERE, BREATHE, AND ENJOY. YOU ARE ALIVE!
Hear the chirping of birds, see the flowing water, feel the wind kissing your cheeks. Be the one with Mother Nature. This is one of the most neglected tricks of wildlife photography as most photographers are busy in getting THAT PERFECT SHOT.
Many times, keep the camera inside the bag, lie down on the ground, and feel the nature. This opens mind and helps in getting better frames.
You can also connect with Hitesh Chawla on Instagram.
You can also read his other Blogs.
