Power of perspective - better wildlife photography (Part two)

By Michael Snedic | 11 July 2022

This is part two of a two part series on different perspectives in wildlife photography. You can see part one, from last week, here.

Fit even more in

Even fish-eye lenses can be used for wildlife photography to give a different perspective. In the image of a lone penguin standing on a small iceberg below, I wanted to show the Antarctic landscape while using the penguin to give a sense of scale.

A fisheye lens is an extreme wide-angle optic that creates a unique distorted view of the world. Using it here helped me include the photographers and the penguin. Nikon D810, 15mm f/2.8 lens. 1/1600s @ f5, ISO 100.

But I also wanted to include the people as well, to give a sense of what my experience was like photographing there. Compared to a wide-angle lens, a fisheye lens overly and dramatically distorts the foreground. Here, I used it to create a curved ‘frame’ of people surrounding the penguin.

Create depth

Another technique that can change perspective is by using depth, which can be useful for situations where you have multiple subjects together. During a trip to Macquarie Island in the Subantarctic, we came across some quite mellow Royal Penguins. As there are no predators on the island, the penguins are very chilled.

By shooting low and using a wide-angle lens with wildlife that you can get reasonably close to, you can create interesting environmental portraits, like in this shot of two royal penguins surrounded by their species. Nikon D810, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 14mm. 1/2000s @ f5.6, ISO 400.

I sat on rocks surrounded by these delightful birds and waited with a wide-angle lens on my camera. As this pair started interacting, I was able to focus on the pair while keeping the other penguins distant in the background. I chose a narrow depth of field to keep things sharp front-to back and made sure not to cut the horizon at the top to give a sense of place.

The result is a dynamic image that shows the birds interacting in their environment while surrounded by their species.

Shoot At Eye Level

The best wildlife images put the viewer in the frame with the subject. In turn, the viewer ends up with a stronger connection to the subject. As a photographer, you have the ability to turn your subject into a ‘hero’ by framing them from perspectives most people won’t normally see.

Setting up a wide-angle lens on a low-set tripod and using a remote trigger release can be a great way of getting close to a subject that would otherwise be fearful of your presence. Nikon D850, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 18mm. 1/200s @ f2.8, ISO 1600.

One simple technique is to capture your subjects at their eye-level. This creates a ‘level-playing field’, that doesn’t infer any hierarchy– by this, I mean your perspective is not looking down (read negatively) on your subject. At the same time, if you can get below your subject and frame them against the sky for example, you can emphasise emotions of size, power and grandeur.

Turn your attention to the details

You can also achieve a completely different perspective by focusing in on one part of an animal. This could be anything from the feathers of a bird, the fur of a mammal, the scales of a reptile or the eye(s) of a frog.

A rarely seen perspective can make for a more interesting image. Here, this Rainbow Lorikeet’s eye shows beautiful colour and texture. Nikon D850, 105mm f/2.8 lens. 1/250s @ f11, ISO 1600.

Typically, images like these are quite abstract, but they are also a great way to expand your repertoire of wildlife images. For the best results, try to focus on a visual anchor that places the animal. For example, if you take a shot of a small part of a zebra’s stripes, the viewer will immediately know they are looking at a zebra.

I like this style of imagery because once you start experimenting you have endless possibilities. Here’s a tip – if you are using a macro lens for images like these, remember that depth of field can become an issue when shooting so close. Make sure you use a small aperture (in size) to get as much of the detail you are photographing sharp and in focus.

Always look at the light

To add a different perspective to a well photographed subject, try shooting it in a different light. This may be a silhouette, a reflection, or even a shadow of an animal.

This style of photography can create a sense of mystery around your subject that is captivating to a viewer. It works best on subjects on clear outlines, so try to shoot your subject against a clear background – the horizon is often best.

The best part of trying new ways to photograph wildlife it is that it is up to your imagination. Do some research as to where you may find certain wildlife subjects, head out with all the appropriate camera gear and start experimenting.

You may fail with some of your shots, but you will succeed with others. As the old saying goes “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained”. Good luck. ❂

About the author: Michael Snedic has been photographing Australia’s wildlife and natural beauty for nearly a quarter of a century! He is widely published, is a Nikon School tutor and is an in-demand speaker at Camera Clubs and Photography Conventions across Australia.

Michael is the founder of WildNature Photo Expeditions, specialising in nature-based photography workshops to destinations such as Lord Howe Island, Tasmania (Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, the Bay of Fires and the Tarkine region), Girraween and Lamington National Parks, Carnarvon Gorge, Kakadu National Park and the Wildflowers of WA, as well as overseas destinations. To see more of his work, visit www.michaelsnedic.com.