Digital Photo Tip #7 By Bruce Kirkby Sep 1, 2005

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Photographing Wildlife

Often, pictures of animals taken while on family vacation seem frustratingly inadequate when viewed beside glossy wildlife calendars and magazines. This is because the pros use massive lenses and spend months getting to know their subject while waiting for just the right light.

But this does not mean your own attempts are futile. To the contrary, they provide something far more valuable than just an image; they provide the opportunity to spend time in the presence of a wild animal—to watch, to learn, to perhaps connect.

Two important disclaimers must follow immediately. First, wild animals can be dangerous. Never, ever take a single step towards a large mammal (bear, moose, big horned sheep, elk—the list is long; use your noggin) unless you are an expert in their behaviour. Second, the animal’s well-being is far more important than your photo. Never get too close to a nest or den, and always back away if your subject shows obvious signs of distress.

That said, the fun of wildlife photography comes through patience, waiting and watching. Birds are a good first subject.

While hiking sea cliffs near St. John’s, Newfoundland, I chanced upon a puffin. Slowly lowering to my belly, I crawled forward, an elbow at a time, for 20 minutes. Several times, the puffin appeared ready to take flight, so I froze and waited. Eventually it became accustomed to my presence and returned its attention to the waters below. I was finally able to get close enough to snap the pictured photo with a 200 mm lens, and then crawl away without the puffin ever flying off.