Don’t Snap 0628
In trying to create a wildlife image that captures attention, there are many things to consider. Many of the concepts apply to all forms of photography but some more generic to wildlife. Two forms of photography that, I believe, share many characteristics are not those you might immediately consider. Wildlife and sports photography are vastly similar when it comes to the components of the photos themselves but techniques are vastly different when you apply lighting to sports.
Perspective cannot be overstated. When possible, adjust your view of the subject. Change your altitude and your attitude. Go low. Move high. Find a perspective that enhances your subject and its surroundings.
Try not to ignore the foreground and the background. They are important components of the photo, tying the subject to the rest of nature.
Lighting isn’t always something that wildlife photographers can control. When possible, however, try to avoid lighting that is “en face.” Tangential lighting gives depth and perspective to an image and we all know the potential creativity produced by careful backlighting.
Gesture is probably one of the most difficult attributes of a photo to define. This photo makes it easier. The bison is approaching but it wouldn’t be nearly as captivating if this bull were looking down or away. His stance and his raised front hoof are defining moments of his trek forward and construe motion when there is none at all.
Above all, work your subject. When you find yourself with a subject that potentially provides these components, don’t snap a few frames and leave. Keep taking photos as long as the subject and surroundings provide potential. It means taking hundreds of photos that you may never choose to use but the difference between a plain photo and a work of art can be one frame away. In this way, digital photography has greatly expanded our limits.
Don’t Snap 0628
In trying to create a wildlife image that captures attention, there are many things to consider. Many of the concepts apply to all forms of photography but some more generic to wildlife. Two forms of photography that, I believe, share many characteristics are not those you might immediately consider. Wildlife and sports photography are vastly similar when it comes to the components of the photos themselves but techniques are vastly different when you apply lighting to sports.
Perspective cannot be overstated. When possible, adjust your view of the subject. Change your altitude and your attitude. Go low. Move high. Find a perspective that enhances your subject and its surroundings.
Try not to ignore the foreground and the background. They are important components of the photo, tying the subject to the rest of nature.
Lighting isn’t always something that wildlife photographers can control. When possible, however, try to avoid lighting that is “en face.” Tangential lighting gives depth and perspective to an image and we all know the potential creativity produced by careful backlighting.
Gesture is probably one of the most difficult attributes of a photo to define. This photo makes it easier. The bison is approaching but it wouldn’t be nearly as captivating if this bull were looking down or away. His stance and his raised front hoof are defining moments of his trek forward and construe motion when there is none at all.
Above all, work your subject. When you find yourself with a subject that potentially provides these components, don’t snap a few frames and leave. Keep taking photos as long as the subject and surroundings provide potential. It means taking hundreds of photos that you may never choose to use but the difference between a plain photo and a work of art can be one frame away. In this way, digital photography has greatly expanded our limits.