The Complete Guide to Preparing for an Wildlife Photography Trip
I have been shooting for about 8 years now and through trial and error, disappointment and exhilaration, I have learned a few things about preparing for “the trip of a lifetime”.
This mostly goes out to the beginners as they are the ones who haven’t learned from the mistakes many seasoned photographers have. Hopefully, by reading this, you will be better prepared for your trip.
Most of this experience and knowledge is based off my dozen or so trips to Grand Teton National Park, which is a fantastic example for this and where I learned the most and how to prepare for a trip.
There are two options here:
1. Book a tour. With a tour from a local guide, you will pay a lot more money but they will put you on the animals. If you chose this route, which I tend to think is the smarter route, then half of this blog doesn’t pertain to your situation. you will still need to consider gear and everything but mostly, finding the animals will not be on your shoulders.
2. Study like crazy. I essentially study photographers from the area, I look at their photos and try to get clues about their specific locations, I also pay attention to time of year and ask questions loosely related to time of year, location and such. Many times you are ignored but sometimes you will get a few hits. (with owls, you will not have any luck with people giving you locations and you should expect that. Any sensitive species should be protected from the mobs. If you find one yourself, please enjoy and do not share the location.)
Once you have chosen the time of year and specific species you are after, you will begin to start building a game plan.
Here is a quick list of species and times of year:
Fall-Winter
Deer, Moose and Elk
Summer
Bison (August)
Spring
Bears, Owls, and Fox
Plan your days around the light
Lighting can make or break a photograph. Golden hours—the first and last hours of sunlight—are ideal for capturing warm, soft light that enhances the beauty of your subjects. I tend to plan my days around this. I suggest being in the area an hour before sunrise so you are not rushing to make adjustments. Once you get your shots, go get some breakfast and site see the area. Or, like many photographers I know, go take a nap and be ready to go for the afternoon.
Overcast days offer diffused lighting that minimizes harsh shadows and highlights and give you much more flexibility in your shooting times. But generally speaking, animals have their routines and still stick with them. On overcast days I tend to look for Bison or Antelope.
Its important to know that Moose and Elk are rarely active outside these times. Moose and Elk do tend to move a few times during mid day, but the lighting is generally harsh and the photos will not be pleasing. No sense wasting card space on this.
Gear:
Your choice of photography gear CAN make or break your wildlife photography trip. Here’s a checklist of essential items to pack: (See my gear Blog)
1. Camera Body: Opt for a camera with a high-resolution sensor and fast autofocus to capture intricate details and swift movements.
2. Lenses: A telephoto lens (300mm or higher) is essential for capturing distant subjects, while a wide-angle lens can help you capture animals in their environment.
3. Tripod: A sturdy tripod is indispensable for stable shots, especially in low light conditions.
4. Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Wildlife photography can be unpredictable, so ensure you have enough power and storage to last the entire day.
5. Lens Cleaning Kit: Dust and dirt can compromise the quality of your shots. A cleaning kit will help you keep your lenses pristine.
6. Rain Covers and Protection: Weather can change unexpectedly. Carry rain covers for your camera and lenses to protect them from moisture.
7. SSD to offload images, daily
More important that gear itself, is to KNOW YOUR GEAR INSIDE AND OUT!
Mastering your equipment is essential for capturing those fleeting wildlife moments. Practice using different settings and modes to familiarize yourself with your camera’s capabilities. Learn how to adjust ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and white balance on the fly, as wildlife behavior can change in an instant. I tend to shoot in Manual mode, with Auto ISO. I shoot wide-open and tend to have the lowest possible shutter speed for the subject to remain sharp.
Practice Patience and Observation
Wildlife photography demands patience, dedication, and a keen eye for detail. Spend time observing animals in their natural habitat to understand their behavior patterns. Patience is key to capturing those once-in-a-lifetime shots. If you pay attention to your subject and learn them, you will see critical behaviors presenting themselves. Like knowing when an elk is about to bugle, or when a Moose is going to look up after grazing.
Try not to be a distraction and be respectful.
This is both for the animal and those around you also trying to get shots. Move slow, move quietly, and relax. The goal is to capture the wildlife in their natural environment, acting naturally. Ethical wildlife photography revolves around respecting animals and their habitats. Maintain a safe distance from the animals to avoid stressing them or disrupting their routines. Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without encroaching on their space.
Safety First
Wildlife photography often takes you to remote and sometimes hazardous locations. Prioritize your safety by researching potential risks, carrying necessary safety gear, and informing someone about your itinerary. Remember, your well-being comes before any photograph.
Mastering Composition
Composition is a crucial aspect of wildlife photography. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to create visually engaging images. Experiment with different angles to capture unique perspectives that tell a story. Beyond single shots, aim to capture a series of images that tell a narrative. Document the interactions between animals, their environment, and any unique behaviors you encounter. These series of shots will bring depth and context to your photography.
Backup Your Shots
Each day I end my photography by offloading all my shots to an SSD and reformatting my cards. You NEVER want to go out into the field, be in the middle of shooting and see that your memory cards are full!
This is my preferred SSD. https://a.co/d/cAsi6tG
In conclusion, preparing for a wildlife photography trip requires careful planning, a solid understanding of your gear, and a commitment to ethical practices. By researching your destination, packing the right equipment, practicing patience, respecting the wildlife, and mastering the art of composition, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images that tell captivating stories of the natural world. Remember, it’s not just about the photographs you take, but the experiences and memories you create along the way.
