A look at Wildlife Photography

Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better.

~ Albert Einstein.

 

 

As I have stated previously I am an outdoorsmen. I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and of course outdoor photography of all kinds. I am probably most known for my wildlife pictures than anything. I consider myself a conservationist believing in the proper management of our ecosystem so that our sons and daughters and those beyond will have the same opportunities in the wild that I have had, maybe better even.

 

Anyways this blog is not about my ideas of conservation but rather some of the ways I try to photography wildlife. Mind you I am not prosperous enough to have the latest greatest gear in my arsenal of lenses and cameras. I make do with what I have and work hard to get into positions where I can photograph these wild animals without putting the animal in danger. That is not always to say I am not in danger but that's a different topic all together. So, let me tell you about this picture:

ISO1000    f5.6   1/800sec   380mm

 So first off you will see the settings which really does not tell you much except for it says 380mm which would narrow the lens options available by Nikon currently to what? 200-400, 80-400 or in my case a 70-200 f2.8 w TC20e and on a crop sensor D7000 to boot. I think I just heard some of you groan?!?! While I would love a 500mm or so at this point it is really not an option and this setup has really served me well over the last few years.

So anyways, The morning was fresh and cool in Jackson Hole on November 4th 2012. Desiree, Sierra and I had driven up through the Targhee National Forest and into West Yellowstone the day before, driving down through Yellowstone the very last day before gates closed for the season. We got to see lots of buffalo and elk and even stopped to see Old Faithful go boom. This also left us driving through to Jackson Hole after dark. Early the next morning, ok Desiree's early, we headed out back toward Grand Teton National Park only to find that like Yellowstone, it was closed for the season. No snow on the ground or impending storms but oh well... Live and learn as they say. We ended up driving around to areas that were still open and the first thing I seen was some moose way back in the tree line. I stopped and looked through my camera but the distance was just to great for anything decent. It was however my first moose sighting and I was excited. We continued up the road a ways and I'll be danged if we didn't happen on 3 moose right on the side of the road, Jackpot baby!!! Well we pulled up behind some of the other cars watching, which is common with the Tetons and Yellowstone. I got out and surveyed the scene, walking the road from one end of cars to the next and settled down to start shooting. These huge animals were feeding and were not in any hurry to move on yet.

If you notice, I am actually higher than the moose in the shot above so I know I was sitting on the edge of the road for this shot which is not really my ideal position. I mush rather be at eye level if possible but I wanted to feel out these massive and often dangerous animals before doing anything stupid. Luckily most of the people watching either stayed in their vehicles or right beside them in case they had to haul butt the other way. To the right I have snuck down to get on a more even plain with the animal and am quite a bit closer. He is beautiful and my blood is pumping. I know that although these wild animals are used to being harassed by humans that flock to the park day in and day out, that they can also be extremely aggressive and that mood can change in and instant. I have taken several images that I am "sure" that will turn out awesome and the pressure to get the right shot is starting to ease and allow me to relax and in essence capture better images as well. I am thinking more clearly about composition, color, exposure... My creative juices are flowing and these moose are my soul focus. I am lost to the other tourists behind me, cars passing have long since stopped being a nuisance to my ears. I am in that moment.

I slowly move toward the other end of the car line. looking for new composition. The lead bull has turn his back on me but the cow is giving me fleeting glances while she continues to forage. Click Click Click, my shutter does it's thing and I move some more. The lead bull turns right and we are looking at each other, or so I think... Another tourist, feeling brave by my boldness has stepped off the paved road and is trying to get in right next to me. The bull drops his head slightly and begins to step in our direction. I quickly take 2 steps back which forces my new companion to stop as well. Seeing his camera and lens setup I decide that instead of ruining the moment with harsh words, I will give him a quick pointer so he can get his shot and move along. He takes the shot grins at his LCD and thanks me just as his wife runs down the hill to inform him that she is ready to go. I have now spent an hour in this one spot and the sun is beginning to climb fast so I back my way out, take a couple of images from the road and then head to the car. Desiree has been busy as well shooting with my D90 from near the car as well as helping Sierra see the animals. I think both of them are as excited as I am and we have not even gotten to the bison yet.


This was a fun little adventure with my family. We spent some time on an old rocky road watching all the bison in this beautiful valley, had a late lunch in Jackson Hole, and then went for a hike toward the base of the Tetons. I was sad to call it a day but work was around the corner and I needed a nights sleep after our Journey. I hope you have enjoyed this story and the little tips within on how I like to photograph wildlife as well as the joy that it brings me. A few things that I will stress when dealing with wildlife. Know your animal and some of the more dominantly available animals that you might encounter. You never know what you might run into that changes exactly what you had planned to shoot for the day. The habits of animals fluctuates based on habitat. Know what it eats, where it might drink, and keep an eye out for nesting/bedding areas. I personally prefer to photograph wildlife from as near head level as possible but everything changes when your out there. Keep safety in mind when your out. I take a lot of risk and I am acutely aware of the hazards that I face. I am in no way shape or form telling you to put yourself in danger. Tread Lightly - Be respectful of the wildlife, the habitat, and the people who may come after you, clean up after yourself!

Please like/share this with others and if you have a question about photography feel free to contact me with your questions.