About 18 months ago, I moved close to a nature reserve and through one thing and another, have spent a considerable time there since, at all hours of the day (and some hours of the night!). Here’s what I learned about wildlife photography and other things.
1.Lens up
Just like most sports photography, you’re gonna need those big lenses. Zooms give you flexibility, but primes give you speed, subject separation and sharpness wide open. I get why people go for something like a 100-400 or 150-600, but everyone should try a 400mm f/2.8 prime at least once.
Apart from the size and weight, used ‘exotics’ are a great choice as they can often be picked up at quite surprising prices, and sometimes with 12 month warranties. Optically, previous generation lenses hold up very well to the latest versions, but are heavier and less well balanced, due to improvements in construction and materials.
My quick summary:
400mm f/2.8 for sharpness and bokeh
500mm f/4 for (relative) portability
600mm f/4 for reach
800mm f/5.6 or f/6.3 if you like really, really small birds
And, all these usually take a 1.4x teleconverter well.
2.Patience, grasshopper
I prefer to sit and wait, rather than chasing the ‘action’ (of which there is often none!). Field craft, even just the art of being still and quiet, goes a long way and in my opinion works better then the ‘run-and-gun’ approach I see some people use.
3.Birders are not photographers
Birders just want to spot or observe a bird, and as such they don’t necessarily crave a frame-filling view. So when a birder tells you there’s a Lesser Fluffy What-not over there, be prepared to be underwhelmed, unless you’re packing your 3000mm lens.
4.For a game of sitting still, it’s remarkably sociable
I’ve met lots of lovely people, from a vast range of backgrounds, all bound by a common interest and curiosity in the natural world. Also, they are incredibly tolerant of people dressed head-to-toe in camo gear.
5.Benefits go well beyond photography
As well as point 4 above, the benefits of spending time in nature on wellbeing and health, both physical and mental are well documented. There a lot of days when I shoot nothing, but I still leave with a smile on my face.
6.Local knowledge and research is key
It’s amazing what you notice when you visit the same places on a regular basis, and what you pick up from chatting to others who do the same.
7.Look after yourself
Carrying big heavy gear around is tiring, so pay attention to comfort of bags (backpacks are the way to go, always), use monopods or tripods, bean bags which will all help to ease the load on your back, shoulders and arms. Sturdy boots also help, especially on longer walks and on uneven ground. Keeping warm and fed is also key - I’ve picked up a few bits of new kit over last winter that make such a difference, such as electrically heated socks and gloves, and a couple of comfortable seats.
As they say in the British Army: ‘any fool can be uncomfortable’.
8.Leave your phone behind
Or, at least, in your bag. Rather than looking for distractions, enjoy being still quiet, and yes a little bit bored at times. Instead, concentrate on what’s around you.
9.Animals are creatures of habit…
…except when they’re not, so you need to manage your expectations. Just becsause an otter was in the same spot at the same time for 2 days, don’t expect him to be there tomorrow. Go with hope rather than expectations.
10.Persistence pays off
Persistence and consistency pays off… eventually. Enjoy your trips into nature as just that, and the photography as a bonus if and when it works out.