WildShots

Learning wildlife photography - Getting close

Posted on 30. Dec, 2008 by Paul Burwell in Everything, Instructional, Learning wildlife photography, Techniques, Wildlife

Male Pine Grosbeak perched on the branch of a pine tree - Photographed from a blind

Getting close – There can be  few things more frustrating than figuring out how to get close to wildlife. One option is to photograph captive animals at a game farm, animal park or zoo. Another is to go to places where the animals are known to congregate fairly reliably like a wildlife refuge’s blind or attend a wildlife photography tour. And the third method, and the one that takes the most effort by the photographer, is to learn about the animals, learn where they are likely to be and develop the patience and perseverance it takes just to see the animals let alone photograph them.

Once you’ve found some wildlife, getting close enough for a good shot is another challenge. Animals often react negatively to sudden movements. Learning to move slowly and carefully is paramount. Try to avoid making eye contact or making a direct approach as most animals associate this with predator behaviour. Don’t rely on getting close but start making images from your original position and then try to move in, photographing occasionally as you get closer. Consider not moving for some time to allow the animals to become comfortable in your presence and determine that you are not a threat.

A trio of fox kits watching from outside their den - From a blind

If you’re in an area where you know there will be animals, like a bird feeder or watering station, consider the use of a blind. Many hunting blinds make perfect photography hides as they are extremely portable and use materials to conceal movements and scents. A vehicle makes an excellent photography blind and will often get you closer to an animal than you could ever get on foot. Remember to turn the vehicle off to eliminate vibrations from the engine.

Here’s a trick I’ve used for getting closer to animals like moose, deer and elk.  Even if I’m in the field, I’m almost always with my tripod.  I’ve found I make better pictures when I use a tripod and I encourage my students to use one as well.  When I’m trying to get closer to one of those ruminant animals, I will often turn my tripod upside down and hold the camera (upside down and still attached to the tripod) at about waist level.  This leaves the tripod legs (or on occasion monopod leg) poking up over my head.

I’m not going to tell you I look anything like a moose, elk or deer in this goofy configuration.  But if I walk, slowly swaying back and forth with the tripod legs upside down and poking up over my head (like antlers?), I’ve had great success getting closer.  I don’t know if it is because the deer are laughing themselves silly at the goofy guy walking and swaying back-and-forth with his tripod upside down.  I just know that it works.  The animals seem curious and let me get closer and closer.  I’ll stop every once and while, turn the tripod back righside up and make a few pictures before starting the walk all over again.

Female Black Bear walking down a trail with her cubs following her - Do you want to get closer?

All animals seem to have an invisible line of comfort.  Eventually, no matter what, when you cross that invisible line, the animal will usually leave.  The trick is to learn where that line is for the different species.  And that happens through experience or by learning from someone with more experience.

The other questions is, of course, whether you should even try to get closer at all?  And for me, that depends on the animal and who I’m with.  Not who I’m with in the sense that I’m going to outrun anyone, but when I’m around the larger predators, I try to make sure I’m with an experienced guide who has lots of practice keeping his/her clients safe.  Getting a shot isn’t worth it if it is going to risk either my health or even potentially the animals.

If you’ve got some additional suggestions for getting close to various species of animals, please drop us a comment and share your information with everyone.

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Tags: close, closer, getting, learn, learning, Photography, tips tricks & techniques, Wildlife