Being a Wildlife Photographer: The Nitty-Gritties of the Art

Ever since the birth of the art, nature has been one of the most beloved subjects for every lens wizard.

From beautiful landscapes, to pristine seascapes, from the lush green to the arid sands, from flora to fauna – the compelling urge to capture the charm of natural splendor has always been fascinating.

And, above all, the thrill of arresting the wild in its wildest form still remains beyond compare. It has turned into an exclusive craft, earning the prestigious tag of ‘wildlife photography.’

This art has attracted people from all over the globe. Some do it for passion, others for bread. Whatever be the motive, the feeling of adrenaline rushes while chasing beasts and birds, of sharing a thrilling space with them, and of capturing their expressions, is beyond petty descriptions.

It is very different from the work you do for advertising and fashion magazines. The lenses are different, the filters are discrete. And then, you have to acquire immense knowledge about animal behavior, too. So, before you dive into your passion, here is what you need to know about the craft:

How to launch into it:

Don’t head straightaway to the Amazon. You’ll never be able to spot any animal or bird. Instead, choose a national park in your vicinity. Animals reside in it in abundance and you surely return with some good clicks. Choose a few good wildlife photography courses in India. In this way, you will come to know about the hotspots that will serve your purpose the best.

How to approach the fauna:

If you are thinking of making yourself seen in the wilderness, forget taking pictures. You’ll only chase away the poor souls. It is very necessary to camouflage yourself and your equipment’s, too. Try to attract animals and birds with food. Also, keep your camera ready with a higher ASA, not to forget, a faster shutter speed, too.

A note on camera lenses:

The lenses used for this craft, as discussed earlier, are very different from conventional lenses. The range is huge and wide. Even if you buy models of the same brand with the same focal length, the features will differ a lot and so will the results. Try taking up some photography classes in Kolkata, because you’ll definitely need some professional help in choosing lenses.

How to study animal behavior:

If you have to capture a bird or a beast in your camera, you need to spend a considerable time in studying its behavior. Patience is the best policy. Also, maintain self-safety, because the wilderness will have many other dangerous animals, snakes and poisonous insects, too. Remember, the wild is their home, and you are only an intruder in there. So, always keep expanding your knowledge. Study books, watch television programs, do a lot of research online and learn from professionals if you can.

How to keep body and soul together in the wild:

Exploring wilderness is not a fancy thing. There are potential risks involved. So, always stay armoured with adequate knowledge of the jungle and the tools required for survival. You may have to stay for days, sometimes weeks and even months to get the perfect shot. Arrange for your fooding and stay accordingly.

The art of capturing the wild is perhaps the toughest style. Know your subject well and keep polishing your skills. The more you practice, the better you become.