Wildlife photography tips
Our canals and rivers are havens for nature - life thrives in the water and alongside it. Many wildlife-lovers are keen to capture their sightings on camera, but this can be tricky. Small, shy and fast-moving creatures are not the easiest subjects to photograph. However, don’t be discouraged. With our top tips, some patience and lots of practice, you can get some great wildlife shots.
The more shots you take, the more likely you are to end up with a good one.”
• Miss the eyes and you’ve missed the shot – getting the eyes in focus is key to capturing a photo of an animal
• Use a telephoto lens – allowing you to get close while staying at a safe distance. In general you should keep at least 100 yards away when photographing wildlife
• Use a flash to fill in the shadows. It may sound odd but using a flash outside on a bright sunny day can help – it provides detail and fills in shadows that would otherwise be too dark. However be aware that some animals will be scared by a flash
• Be patient. You will see more if you are quiet – stop and remain still for a short while until the wildlife considers you safe and then take your shot
• Anticipate behaviour – watch your target for a few minutes and then pick your moment to capture your shot. Don’t wait too long, though, or your target may disappear.
And finally...
• Shoot, shoot, shoot – digital photography costs nothing and the more shots you take the more likely you are to end up with a good one.
