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| Sparxie Tue 5th Aug 2008 14:57
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Hey....this is my first post (whoooop) lol...And i was just wondering if anyone has
any tips on capturing the perfect shot of an animal?? I've done insects..they're easier.
I'd really like to try my hand at photographing other animals..but just can't seem to get the desired effect..
any advise???
thankx ;) xx
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| virginiabrill Tue 5th Aug 2008 15:21
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My husband swear on Taxidermy. =P
I think the zoo is a good place if you can make it look like they aren't in the zoo (no bars, cages, toys, etc.)
Other than that, I really don't know much about photographing animals. It takes a LOT of patience.
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| DonnyG PRO Tue 5th Aug 2008 22:28
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Personally I usually only photograph animals when the opportunity shows itself. Rocks don't run.
From what I've heard/read that getting to know the creature you're about to shoot really helps. Understanding their habits and habitat and what have you, gives you a much better chance of capturing that animal on camera. I'd go for a creature that isn't so elusive, first, like squirrels and rabbits. Pets would be a good starting point I think.
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| fourdeadpresidents Tue 5th Aug 2008 23:14
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Virginia knows too well... hehehehe
Taxidermy is great for just fotos, but a Zoo is great to get close ups...
Depends on what your trying to capture... If you are looking on trying to get some shots on birds in the wild or deer or some other game, I would start with getting some camouflage and finding areas that attract wildlife like food sources... and patience and being still is the key...
Wildlife are the most active at dawn and dusk so a tripod is almost necessary...
If you need more info on where to look and the signs to look for feel free to message me...
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| Captivelight PRO Wed 6th Aug 2008 07:12
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So many different forms of animal photography ... ie wild life, zoo/captive animals, and each is a different skill.
Main things are:
Lighting ... as with all photography lighting is crucial and will usually make or break a shot.
Knowledge, both about your subject and about the camera. You need to know how and where to find your chosen subject and you need to be able to nail the shot first time as you may not get a second chance.
Patience ... sometimes in huge quantities.... you really might have to kneel in a thorn bush for several hours to get that special shot!
Luck ... if nothing else works sheer luck is always a good thing to have!
Have fun!
Failing all of the above I like 400mm F8 at 100 iso in aperture priority mode on a tripod!
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| Sparxie Wed 6th Aug 2008 08:25
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Thanx all of you ;) I've got a lot to bear in mind....I tried my cat...I think it went quite well lol!
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| DragonSpeed PRO Wed 6th Aug 2008 17:26
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The eyes.
Make sure the eyes are SHARP in focus and that there is a small catchlight in them. It's the eyes that make or break a picture.
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| genese PRO Wed 6th Aug 2008 19:35
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a famous wildlife photographer said " the best time to capture animals is at sunrise and sunset" much like landscape photography, the catchlight in the animals eyes is a must for that real life and not stuffed animal look.. animals acting natural works best for me personally ( lots of people have posed shots)
dont be affraid to try something new... a 300mm lens is enough in most cases to shoot through bars in zoos ( avoid getting bars in the pictures)
shooting wildlife ... quiet shoes lots of patience a bottle of water, some bait ie nuts and seeds for birds.. something dead for birds of prey, joining forums where twitchers and wildlife enthusiasts chat is helpful!
a whole lot of waiting and lots of disappointment is inevitable but it often pays off..
i went looking for seals and found a kestrel while waiting... kept going back to the spot and kept my distance from the kestrel to begin with and just watched... after a month i was able to sit within 3 meters of the kestrel and take photos of him, he just got used to me being there.
hope this helps a little
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| Sparxie Thu 7th Aug 2008 08:36
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thanks :D
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| crunch61 PRO Thu 7th Aug 2008 08:58
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Originally posted by genese:
a famous wildlife photographer said " the best time to capture animals is at sunrise and sunset" much like landscape photography, the catchlight in the animals eyes is a must for that real life and not stuffed animal look.. animals acting natural works best for me personally ( lots of people have posed shots)
dont be affraid to try something new... a 300mm lens is enough in most cases to shoot through bars in zoos ( avoid getting bars in the pictures)
shooting wildlife ... quiet shoes lots of patience a bottle of water, some bait ie nuts and seeds for birds.. something dead for birds of prey, joining forums where twitchers and wildlife enthusiasts chat is helpful!
a whole lot of waiting and lots of disappointment is inevitable but it often pays off..
i went looking for seals and found a kestrel while waiting... kept going back to the spot and kept my distance from the kestrel to begin with and just watched... after a month i was able to sit within 3 meters of the kestrel and take photos of him, he just got used to me being there.
hope this helps a little
genese is spot on with this, i gave up on animals and birds a long time ago, didn't have the patience needed!
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| Sparxie Thu 7th Aug 2008 09:19
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lol..well i do have quite a lot of patience..so i guess i shall just keep trying!
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| biggles PRO Thu 7th Aug 2008 21:17
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My personal view is that I hate the zoo. But that means you are looking to luck or buying a hide and staking out your subject. I am assuming you are in Britain? In wich case the species are a tad limited, but I have seen some brilliant shots of Red deer, so Exmoor or the Highlands are key spots.
As has been said here the eyes are absolutely crucial, they must be in focus.
A tripod and a decent long lens will help, plus barrel loads of patience.
I usually do birds (badly, in comparison to Zanzess and Voodison on this site), Frank Simonsen (Zanzess) has a hide and lots of experience fro hunting, he also has avery expensive Canon and the lenses to suit.
Hope this has been of assistance, and I look forward to the results...
Regards and welcome to FT,
Ralph.
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| PhotoPro PRO Fri 8th Aug 2008 04:42
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Originally posted by biggles:
I usually do birds (badly, in comparison to Zanzess and Voodison on this site),
C'mon Ralph - you're being too modest here...:-))
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