Wildlife photography is an exciting activity that includes much more than just pointing your camera at an animal and clicking the shutter. While beginners may be satisfied with a decent shot, advanced wildlife photographers aim for more powerful shots and that’s what makes them stand out.
But the question is how do you move from being a mediocre to an advanced wildlife photographer? Mind you, creative wildlife photography is not about owning expensive gear, but making bold choices. The journey is filled with challenges, but it’s also a rewarding experience if you are willing to push your limits.
- Take Risks
Most great wildlife moments last for split seconds, so you need to be ready to capture them as they happen. Playing it safe with automatic or standard settings may help you avoid mistakes, but it often leads to predictable photos.
To elevate your photography, learn to experiment with bold camera settings. For instance, shoot with a wide aperture to blur the background and make the animal pop, or use a high ISO when light is low. To be an advanced photographer, taking creative risks needs to be a part of your job.
- Experiment With Perspectives
The angle you shoot from can completely change the feel of a photo. Many beginners shoot from a standing position, looking down on the subject. What they don’t realize is, that there are other ways to do it, and changing the perspective is the solution.
Try getting low to the ground, so you are at eye level with an animal. This makes viewers feel like they are right there with the creature. For an overhead shot, climb higher, so you can capture the animal in their natural environment.
- Keep Learning
No matter how good you become, there’s always more to learn in wildlife photography. The best professionals focus on learning new things to upgrade their skills. They study animal behavior, learn new camera techniques, and analyze the work of others.
But most importantly, you should click more photos because real progress happens when you are out there in the field, not in front of a computer.
Wildlife photography is an art that takes time to perfect. With practice and connecting with the wild, you can advance your skills and capture praise-worthy shots.
