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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFortunately, with the right equipment, research and mindset \u2014 and of course, plenty of practice \u2014 you can make major improvements. The following are 10 tips you can use to take better wildlife pictures today.<\/p>\n
Study Your Subject<\/h3>\n
What kinds of environments do your local fauna love most? Which animals live within driving distance, and what are their migratory patterns and schedules? Will your subjects even be awake when you go to shoot? Wildlife photography is all about catching those fleeting moments that most people never get to see, and being there at the right time and place is a numbers game. Study your subject matter to give yourself the best chance of being in position for a great shot.<\/p>\n
Stand Back, Zoom In<\/h3>\n
Animals are tough enough to shoot in urban environments; in nature, they can seem impossible to catch up close. To capture wildlife acting as naturally and unafraid as possible, you may need to rely on a long telephoto lens. When dealing with the most skittish creatures, the longer the focal length, the better.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nBroaden Your Horizons<\/h3>\n
As helpful as a long, narrow focus can be, you don\u2019t always need to catch creatures up close \u2014 nor do you need to isolate them from their environments. Some shots are actually more powerful when taken with a wide angle that gives the viewer context. Experiment with both broad and narrow focuses to see which suits your tastes and subject matter. You\u2019ll probably find that different shots are best for different situations.<\/p>\n
Practice Patience<\/h3>\n
Nature is unpredictable. Even if you rigorously study the animal you want to shoot, you\u2019ll probably have to play the waiting game once you get into position. In fact, patience is one of the defining factors of a great wildlife photographer, and some of the most iconic shots have only been possible after hours or even days of waiting and returning to the same spot.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nDon\u2019t Wait for Every Opportunity<\/h3>\n
At the same time, patience isn\u2019t everything. You can\u2019t always wait for great shots to materialise, especially when you only have a small window of decent lighting and weather. If your only goal is to capture a specific animal in a specific moment, then yes, you\u2019ll need to wait. But if you just want to capture interesting shots within an environment, make the most of your time and seek out opportunities for great shots.<\/p>\n
Simplify Your Backgrounds<\/h3>\n
Photography is all about using depth and contrast to highlight your subject, and wildlife photography is no exception. While some photos will be inherently \u201cbusy,\u201d you can often create a dramatic effect by simply capturing an animal against a non-distracting background.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n