Wildlife Photography – Know Your Quarry

 
 
          
 Part one
 
 

Like with anything in this world, knowledge is power. This is a strong statement that certainly rings true in the art of wildlife photography. The more you know about the habits and habitat of your wildlife subject, the better your chances are of getting to be in view of it for your photo shoot. All wildlife have their own unique way of life, and it is only that knowledge of it that will allow you to be in the right place. For example, you wouldn’t look for a deer in a tree or a fish on a prairie. Be realistic in your expectations.

 

There are procedures to follow in order to maximize your chance of observing the wildlife you wish.

 1. Be certain that a specific animal species does in fact live in the area that you will be in. You don’t expect to see wading birds in the desert now, do you?

 2. Learn everything you can about the desired species. Learn its habits, is it diurnal or nocturnal, what does it eat, where does it sleep, what type of track does it leave.

 3. Be observant. Be alert. Be still. Be quiet. Most animals you will encounter have learned the art of stealth as it is a primary means of the survival of the species. Some animals can blend in to their surroundings remarkably well, with keen eyesight, an enhanced sense of smell and hearing, and the ability to run quickly when feeling in danger.

 4. Know what is the best time to stalk you quarry and prepare for that National Geographic photo.

 5. Be patient. Just because you are setup in the right location, doesn’t guarantee the animal will be there! It takes at least 45 minutes after setting up your equipment before wildlife calms down and life for them goes back to normal.

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18 Thoughts to “Wildlife Photography – Know Your Quarry”

  1. KenF23

    Fantastic!

  2. Steven.Goldman

    Are you only into birds and bugs?

  3. Gabe.Triento

    Stunning photography

  4. subodh khanna

    Excellent pic sir.

  5. Alan S. Hochman

    Thank you kindly!

  6. Anonymous

    Thanks, awesome pix

  7. Love your photography…the pics are definitely excellent!

  8. Alan S. Hochman

    Thank you Terri

  9. Anna.Soriota

    Beautiful photo Alan

  10. Bret @ Green Global Travel

    Love your photos, and appreciate the tips. We’re huge wildlife photography bugs as well. I find that being quiet, still and patient are the 3 biggest keys.

  11. Alan S. Hochman

    Bret, I couldn’t agree with you more!

  12. Joseph Alsarraf

    Very true, enjoy your pics, thanks for tips! : )

  13. I very much enjoy your photographs! Thank you for sharing these tips. As a traditional artist, my photos don’t have to reach the same level of excellence as yours, but I am always trying to take better photographs to use as reference!

  14. Alan S. Hochman

    Lisa- The key to good photography is to shoot more.. and shoot more often! Learn from mistakes.

  15. Great tips and great shots! I know how hard it is so appreciate them all the more!

  16. Greta van der Rol

    I think you nailed it with ‘know your quarry’. I get photos of certain birds because I know where to find them.

  17. Deb

    I love your photos, they are all beautiful. I do agree you have to be quiet and patient.
    A lot of my photos are when I come across something by accident. Sometimes I
    get the best pictures by accident.
    Thank you for sharing your collection and your tips they come in handy.

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Alan S Hochman Photography