100 Ways To Take Better Nature & Wildlife Photographs
Probably one of the most desirable, yet challenging targets for photographers but also the least understood is wildlife photography.
It’s not all that difficult to shoot a simple record of birds and animals in the wild but to succeed in capturing creative, dynamic images … well, that’s another thing!
Author Edwardes admits that the advent of digital cameras has revolutionised his work and aims this book at photographers of all skill levels. The technical requirements he stresses are stringent but he adds that digital SLRs have a better dynamic range than transparency film. In spite of this he points out that accurate exposure is still paramount.
His methods are routine and careful: keep a diary; practise technique; have patience and perseverance; protect your equipment.
There are useful tips on reading a histogram, focusing techniques, using wide, tele and zoom lenses, how to juggle aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings.
Throughout the book it’s obvious that the writer is a dedicated wild life exponent. Take note of his description of how he stalked a colony of seals:
“Walking out to the colony at dawn meant that I was the first person on the beach … I waited for around 20 minutes before starting to take pictures (but) … It wasn’t until midday that the majority of seals were comfortable with my presence.”
Recommended for all levels of wild life wannabees.
Author: G Edwardes.
Publisher: david & Charles.
Distributor: Capricorn Link.
Length: 144 pages.
ISBN 978 0 7153 3148 4.
Price: Get a price on 100 Ways To Take Better Nature & Wildlife Photographs at Amazon.
15 Responses to “100 Ways To Take Better Nature & Wildlife Photographs” - Add Yours
May 23rd, 2010 at 7:02 am
I have got to get this book!
I cant tell you the amount of hours i have spent trying to shoot birds and wildlife just to get boring (records) shots of the animal.
May 23rd, 2010 at 7:02 am
I’m new at photography and was totally amazed I captured this shot.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4630250402_2d5cc15663.jpg
May 23rd, 2010 at 7:17 am
Nice to be a good RESPONSIBLE observer as we recod images.
May 23rd, 2010 at 11:59 am
Patience is really important. Also, it’s good to remember that even in the city there is some wildlife to take photos of, though we ignore it and don’t appreciate it much.
For example, this pigeon photo is one of my favorites:
http://quotidian-photography.blogspot.com/2010/01/balancing.html
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I know you supposedly need patience for nature photography, but some time luck is even better! A friend about a quarter mile away scared an anhinga to right in front of me. I got the shots, he didn’t.
http://jasoncollinphotography.com/blog/2010/4/27/anhinga-with-bokeh-in-clearwater.html
May 23rd, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I don’t think wildlife shooting is so hard you need a book to tell you that you need practice and patience. Just act like a hunter with a camera instead of a gun. In fact, a tree stand is a perfect spot to shoot deer (with a camera.)
And it depends on what you’re shooting. For example, deer can be almost tame. Wild turkeys will always run. I’ve never got a decent shot of wild turkeys. A friend of mine feeds them and shoots from inside and she has some fantastic photos.
Bears, bobcats and cougars also are also very elusive because they avoid human contact. In fact, that’s the problem with most wildlife shooting. Wild animals can scent you before you ever see them. That’s why state or national parks are ideal because despite all the signs, people feed the wildlife, and they aren’t as leery of humans.
Every spring I try to get a shot of migrating warblers who like to sit high in the trees and flit around and every spring I fail.
If you have a bird feeder, the birds will become tame after a while too. It makes for good practice for shooting in the wild.
Then, as Jason points out, there’s that rare serendipitous photo you capture because you’re ready. Those are some gorgeous photos, Jason.
You should have your camera metered for the light before you see the animal/bird you’re going to shoot.
I also question that DSLRs have a better dynamic range than film.
May 23rd, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I have got to get this book!
May 24th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Another example of city based Bird shooting … nothing but pigeons in my area, but sometimes you can really good views.
May 25th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Thanks for the suggestions. The book seems excellent.
May 25th, 2010 at 11:03 am
When people look at my bird photos they say that I must have a lot of patience.
Like the author of the reviewed book points out it is your subjects being comfortable with you. Also knowing your subject is half the battle as well.
May 26th, 2010 at 12:42 am
I’m definitely going to add this to my birthday wish list. I’ve been taking a reasonable amount of bird pictures to add to my Flickr feed as well as my blog at http://www.rookiephoto.com but I can’t say that I am especially proud of them. I purchased a Kenko 3x Teleplus to add to my 300mm to get closer but I can’t seem to focus it very well and it needs to be a brilliantly sunny day to compensate for the -3 stops that it introduces.
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Perhaps this book will help me become better with just the 300mm. Thanks for the quick review.
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/kylebailey/4615659284/]
May 27th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Yes?youre right
May 27th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Hey Great Post, keep on blogging
June 5th, 2010 at 1:35 am
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41394934@N08/4154146479/
July 4th, 2010 at 3:53 am
I am most satisfied when my wildlife subject looks straight at my camera
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