Wildlife must dos: 5 quick tips for better nature shots

Wildlife photography is a thrilling adventure where you get to explore and capture magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

It's not just about photography alone; it demands a deep understanding of animal behaviour, and an appreciation for the art of blending into their world.

To capture perfect shots, you need to predict animal movements and patiently wait for just the right moment. At the same time, you need the right gear and to be passionate, patient, and respectful towards nature.

Here are five quickfire tips to help you reach your wildlife goals.

1) Think local

While it’s easy to assume you must travel far to photograph wildlife, the reality is almost anywhere in Australia will have wildlife you can capture in one form or another, including in cities. Nature groups or camera clubs can help you discover good locations for wildlife photography.

Returning to specific locations multiple times will help you become familiar with the local wildlife and their habits – leading to more rewarding photographs, while also needing less travel time.

A family of Ospreys lived near my old place in Hervey Bay, and I photographed them many times, and I have returned to the same parts of Lamington National Park dozens of times over the years.

Building familiarity with these regions, and others, over multiple visits and many years has increased my chances of capturing unique and extraordinary moments.

2) Practice patience and persistence

There’s no getting away from it – wildlife photography is a time-consuming hobby. In fact, if you look at the winners of competitions like Wildlife Photographer of the Year, you’ll notice that most of the winning shots were captured by photographers who had devoted considerable time to photographing their subjects.

Spending time in a particular habitat or ecosystem allows you to observe and learn about the behaviour and movements of the wildlife within it.

By studying migratory patterns, feeding habits, and breeding seasons, you can anticipate where and when to find subjects, and your work will be better for it if you can incorporate this context into your photos.

Wildlife activity can also vary significantly throughout the year, something you may struggle to get a sense of if you don’t visit the same locations regularly. Some months may be more favourable for certain species' mating rituals or feeding patterns.

By consistently visiting the same habitat and spending time around wildlife, you’ll also build trust and familiarity. This can help your subjects become more comfortable with your presence and allow for closer interactions.

However, it's important to note that maintaining a respectful distance is crucial to both your safety and the well-being of animals.

It’s worth thinking about what you wear too. You don’t need to go all out and wear a ghillie suit, but wearing neutral colours is wise.

And, remember when approaching any wildlife to move slowly, quietly, and at an indirect angle. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle animals and cause them to flee.

3) Refine your technique and approach

Even if you have a technique that has proven successful in the past, remaining open to fine-tuning it is key. Every photography opportunity has unique conditions and challenges, such as different lighting, behaviour patterns, or environmental factors, and you’ll maximise your chances of capturing exceptional images if you’re willing to mix up your approach.

The best example for me is the implementation of my camera’s custom buttons into my workflow.

This means I can be shooting a static subject one second and a moving subject another, and all with a click flick of a switch.

Pre-configuring different settings for specific shooting scenarios saves time, and time is everything in fast-moving situations.

Customise and fine-tune your settings based on your preferences and shooting style.

4) Focus on the details

Modern gear means it’s easy to capture a subject in your frame, but what sets a great image apart from a good image is the little things – the composition, the background, the lighting, the pose, and the moment itself.

I don’t want to just capture a bird on a branch, I want to capture the bird with a fish in its talons, or a crocodile just as it swallows its prey – these are the kind of interactions that if you can capture them, will elevate your photography.

Teach yourself to work a scene – move around, get high, get low, consider mixing up your settings, and finally review your work after the moment has passed, and consider what you could have done to capture the moment better.

By taking the time to analyse what worked well and why, you’ll put yourself in a better place to nail the shot next time.

5) Don’t get bogged down by gear

It’s easy to get caught up in discussions about which camera brand is better, but the reality is all the reputable brands can produce excellent results when used correctly.

All gear has strengths and limitations, and understanding these can help you find the best gear that suits your style and requirements.

A basic kit of a general-purpose lens like a 24-70mm and a longer lens like a 200-600mm will serve you well for most subjects, and will limit the time you spend second guessing your gear choices – remember the best camera is the one you have with you, not the lens or camera you left at home.

At the same time, when you feel like you’re reaching the limits of what your gear can do is the time to consider upgrading. Hiring a modern body or a lens can be a great way to see what you’re missing out on and whether you really need it. ❂

About the author: Professional photographer and guide Darran Leal started his professional photography career in 1980 as the photographer on Norfolk Island.

His commercial shoots started in 1984 and continue to this day. He has also written and self published six books and has images in over 200 books world wide. He has written over 300 articles for around 20 magazines.

With over 400 successful photo tours/workshop and seminars worldwide and counting, Australian-born Darran’s lifetime loves are travel and outdoor photography. He combines these with vast experience in delivering global photo tours, workshops and seminars. See more at worldphotoadventures.com