An Introduction to Wildlife Photography

If you’ve been struck with an urge to disregard the famous show business warning and start working with animals, there are a few things to consider before you disappear off into the undergrowth.

Wildlife photography is a discipline that many creatives have committed their lives to mastering. As well as good imaging technique, practitioners need to learn fieldcraft, study the behaviour of their subjects and – above all – acquire the patience of a saint. 

So, whether you’re headed out on safari or popping down to your local duck pond, here are some settings, techniques and considerations to get help you started in the world of wildlife photography.

What makes wildlife photography different?

In wildlife photography, you never have control over your scene. Animals won’t wait for you to adjust your settings or move into better light, so the discipline centres on being ready to react when the critical moment happens.

Many species are naturally wary of people, meaning you’ll often be working at distance with longer lenses. Others can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly, leaving little time to compose your image. And many species are most active at dawn and dusk, when available light is more limited.

For these reasons, wildlife photography places particular demands on your choice of equipment and the way you set it up. Responsive autofocus, fast burst shooting and effective image stabilisation can all help you react to fleeting moments, while a little preparation before you head out allows you to focus on observing your subject rather than fiddling with settings.

Camera settings for wildlife photography

The vastness of the animal kingdom of course means that there is no cut-and-paste methodology for photographing every species. While no single combination of settings will suit every situation, there are several Fujifilm camera features worth familiarising yourself with before heading into the field.

Autofocus

Modern Fujifilm cameras feature Subject Detection AF, making it easier to keep wildlife in focus even when it’s moving unpredictably. Animal mode is designed to recognise a wide range of wildlife, while Bird mode has been optimised specifically for birds and insects.

To activate Subject Detection, press MENU/OK and navigate to AF/MF SETTING > SUBJECT DETECTION SETTING, or find it in the Q menu by default.

For moving subjects, continuous autofocus (AF-C) combined with Subject Detection provides the best chance of maintaining accurate focus as your subject changes position within the frame.

Continuous shooting

Wildlife photography can be a thankless task – hours, days, even weeks of preparation may only net you a fraction of a second in which to take the photo you’ve been working towards.

To make the most of that decisive moment, continuous shooting allows you to record a rapid sequence of images while holding down the shutter button.

Maximum burst rates typically vary depending on whether you’re using the mechanical or electronic shutter. To change this, navigate to SHOOTING SETTING > SHUTTER TYPE. The fastest electronic shutter modes may apply a slight crop to the image, so it’s worth considering which shutter option best suits your subject.

To learn more, read this guide to continuous shooting and when to use it.

Stabilisation

Wildlife photographers often prefer to work handheld, allowing them to react quickly as opportunities arise. However, longer focal lengths naturally magnify even the smallest camera movements, making stabilisation particularly valuable.

Cameras equipped with in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) help reduce the effects of camera shake, while many Fujinon telephoto lenses also feature optical image stabilisation (OIS) for additional support.

If your camera features IBIS, navigate to SHOOTING SETTING > IS MODE to ensure stabilisation is enabled. On compatible lenses, make sure the OIS switch on the lens barrel is set to ON.

Shutter speed

A fast shutter speed is one of the most important settings in wildlife photography. Exactly how fast depends on the subject – a sleeping lion will require very different settings to a diving kingfisher, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works.

Don’t hesitate to push your ISO up though – a small increase in image noise is preferable to losing the clarity of your subject to excessive motion blur. Many photographers prefer to work in Shutter Priority or use fully manual exposure, giving them direct control over shutter speed while adjusting other exposure settings to match the conditions.

Best Fujifilm equipment for wildlife photography

While almost any camera can photograph wildlife, certain features become particularly valuable once you begin working with fast-moving or distant subjects. Responsive autofocus, effective stabilisation, weather-resistance and dependable battery life will all help you be ready for unexpected opportunities when working in the field.

X Series cameras

The FUJIFILM X-H2S is particularly well suited to wildlife photography. Its stacked sensor enables faster readout speeds, supporting rapid autofocus and continuous shooting speeds of up to 40fps. Combined with an IBIS system that grants up to 7.0 stops of compensation, a weather-resistant construction and the high-capacity NP-W235 battery, it’s an excellent companion for demanding days outdoors.

The FUJIFILM X-T5 offers an outstanding balance of resolution, portability and performance. Its compact weather-resistant body and IBIS system make it an excellent choice for photographers out in the field, while the high-resolution 40-megapixel sensor provides additional flexibility for cropping and reframing photos.

If travelling light is your priority, the FUJIFILM X-S20 combines compact dimensions with a deep handgrip, for comfortable use when working with longer lenses. This camera also features powerful autofocus, effective IBIS and excellent battery life, making it an ideal option for everything from local wildlife walks to longer adventures.

X Series lenses

Wildlife photography often requires longer focal lengths, allowing you to create images of animals from a safe distance while filling more of the frame. Optical Image Stabilisation and weather-resistance are particularly beneficial features for working in this field – look for OIS and WR in the names of Fujinon lenses.

Suitable X Series lenses include:

• FUJINON XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR: A lightweight telephoto zoom offering excellent reach.
• FUJINON XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR: A versatile super telephoto zoom designed for more distance.
• FUJINON XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR: Extensive telephoto reach for photographing distant birds and elusive animals.
• FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR: A lightweight super telephoto prime delivering exceptional reach.
• FUJINON XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR: A bright telephoto prime that excels when photographing in lower light.

Fieldcraft and ethics

Wildlife photography should always put the welfare of your subjects first. Avoid disturbing animals or altering their natural behaviour for the sake of a photograph, and take extra care around nests, dens and young animals. Keeping a respectful distance not only reduces stress for wildlife but often results in more natural-looking images.

Before visiting a location, familiarise yourself with any local access restrictions and follow guidance designed to protect sensitive habitats. Dressing appropriately, moving quietly and allowing yourself time to observe your surroundings will all improve your chances of success.

Explore wildlife photography with FUJIFILM UK

Wildlife photography rewards preparation. By understanding your camera, choosing appropriate settings and learning about the animals you hope to photograph, you’ll be ready to make the most of every opportunity nature presents.

To learn more imaging techniques, explore the rest of the articles on FUJIFILM Learning Centre. If you want to get hands-on with wildlife photography with the help of expert instructors, check out upcoming events at the FUJIFILM School.

Discover more about the FUJIFILM X Series and GFX System, and shop the range today.