Many times people think they can only take amazing wildlife pictures away from home, but many times, you can get great pictures right in your own backyard.
Photographing Furry and Feathery Wildlife
Depending on where you live, there are many ways to turn your yard into a wildlife haven for squirrels, raccoons, birds, deer, frogs and other critters.
If you want to feed wildlife, don't feed them food from your cupboard but instead follow the wildlife attraction and sustainability tips from the National Wildlife Federation so you can be sure you're helping them and not hurting them.
By following the advice from wildlife experts, you will also be creating an environmentally friendly landscape that will be good for the animals and the environment.
Take some time to read up on the species you want to photograph so you can better understand their habits and hopefully take better pictures of them. And you will be better able to avoid attracting potentially dangerous predators into your yard. You should also look at the code of ethics for professional nature photographers on the North American Nature Photography Association's website (nanpa.org).
Just as with photographing pets, when you take a picture of a furry or feathery wild critter, follow these guidelines:
-Use natural lighting to your advantage
-Fill the frame with the subject
-Focus on the eyes
-Shoot from various angles
-Capture personality
Photographing Insects
Wildlife photography also includes the tiny world of insects. Honeybees, dragonflies, butterflies, bumblees, spiders and even snails are all popular subjects.
Photographing insects can be tricky. Here are some tips from the pros to help:
-Like with larger wildlife, it will help to know your subject's patterns of behavior. Watch where the butterflies land and see if they prefer one flowery shrub more than the others. Then stake it out and wait for the subject to come to you. And be ready!
-To get the best shots of small creatures at rest, use macro mode and fill the frame. Your camera's manual will tell you how close your macro mode works. If you stay within the proper range and hold your camera steady, you will get some nice, crisp shots.
-You should use sports mode or flash to freeze action unless the insect is sitting very still.
-Most insects are very sensitive to carbon dioxide and will run or fly away if you breathe directly on them. So when you lean in close for your close up, hold your breath! However, there are some insects like beetles that will freeze when you breath on them.
-Keep in mind some insects and spiders pack powerful, even deadly venom, so know your bug before approaching.
-Try to take pictures in early morning or twilight because insects slow down with cooler temperatures and it will make it easier to shoot a picture. Insects can see shadows very well so don't approach from the same direction as the light casts.
Photographs of wildlife can make for beautiful fine art, the type that you'll want to frame and display proudly and give as gifts. You can also use your animal or insect pictures in photo crafts like in calendars or greeting cards. There are simply lots of wonderful things you can do with your beautiful animal and insect pictures so have fun capturing the wonderful world of nature.
