Section 2 Shooting
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Most wildlife photographers consider a
500 mm lens to be the practical minimum for
good animal and bird close-ups. A long lens is
not as necessary, however, when the birds come
to you. Providing food often attracts birds to
within a reasonable distance, making them easy
to photograph. See Figure 12-47. When birds are
closer, a telephoto lens permits you to make a
“head and shoulders” portrait, Figure 12-48.
When photographing in the wild, avoid
stressing animals, especially nesting birds.
Approaching too closely or making sudden
movements or loud noises may cause harm to the
animal, which is not worth any photograph. Be
careful to avoid attracting the attention of possible
predators to a nest location.
Photographing in Captive
Environments
Though an African safari or a trek through
the jungles of South America may not be feasible,
you can still photograph exotic species. You can
visit a nearby zoo, a wildlife park, or a captive
animal compound, Figure 12-49.
Zoo photography presents a number of
photographic challenges. These include cluttered
or unnatural backgrounds; view-blocking fences,
screens, or bars; and crowds of visitors that make
it difficult to find a good shooting position,
Figure 12-50. Overcoming these obstacles,
however, can result in an outstanding animal
photo, Figure 12-51.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 12-47. Gulls flocking behind a ferryboat to snatch
food from the outstretched hands of passengers. Food will
attract birds closer to your camera.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 12-48. A tight close-up of a small bird made with
a 300 mm lens. Note that the eye is in sharp focus and
shows a small catchlight.
Suzanne M. Silagi
Figure 12-49. Intimate portraits of creatures, such as this
wolf, can be captured at a wildlife park.