Wildlife Photography Tips and Tricks

[Scott Chandler]

This community has an amazing assortment of photographers and I'm continually looking at pictures in wonder. I think of myself as a landscape photographer, finding less interest in other material and even actively shirking pictures of people. I'm looking to change that a little bit this summer, since my career will be taking me to Katmai National Park. Seeing that Katmai is most known for its wildlife, I am wondering if I could get any advice on capturing wildlife moments? How do y'all catch them so darn good?!? I have a good history of being underwhelmed by my own animal pictures...

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

Wow, lucky you! Are you going to Brooks Camp or the coast or other?

 

[Scott Chandler]

Brooks Camp. I figure since I'll be working with the bears there, some advice on taking nice pictures of them would supremely helpful.

 

[Dave]

Focal length is your friend. Other than that, I'm in the same boat. I'd love to shoot more wildlife.

 

[Artemus]

This community has an amazing assortment of photographers and I'm continually looking at pictures in wonder. I think of myself as a landscape photographer, finding less interest in other material and even actively shirking pictures of people. I'm looking to change that a little bit this summer, since my career will be taking me to Katmai National Park. Seeing that Katmai is most known for its wildlife, I am wondering if I could get any advice on capturing wildlife moments? How do y'all catch them so darn good?!? I have a good history of being underwhelmed by my own animal pictures...

Wild! We need to have an in-person conversation with maps before you set off mister. I've spent some time in that park and it is a fave! When you going to be in town?

On the photography part, look for info and posts by @DAA in the wildlife album - and by many others as well. There are some beautiful wildlife photographers here and they share tips in that and other photography threads here as well. Look for my post on the lynda.com educational service as well. I'd bet for sure you could learn something from their courses.

 

[Yvonne]

invest in a good lens with a long focal length

 

[Nick]

I'm not sure what camera you shoot with, but a season in Katmai warrants an investment in something like a 100-400mm lens (full frame or adjust for crop equivelant). New, used, whatever you can afford, that would be worth every penny.

 

[Dave]

...a 100-400mm lens (full frame or adjust for crop equivalent)...

Or a 100-400 on a 7Dii with 1.4x extender.

 

[JDWalters]

I guess I’m two years late to this thread. Are you still in Katmai? How are your wildlife photos now??

 

[gnwatts]

nevermind

 

[Scott Chandler]

I guess I’m two years late to this thread. Are you still in Katmai? How are your wildlife photos now??

Nope not at Katmai anymore. A very cool experience but other opportunities presented themselves.

As for my wildlife photography, I felt I learned to the camera on continuous shoot and just hope that one will be good lol.

Definitely not taking near as many pictures of bears anymore LOL