Wildlife photography is one of the most rewarding and thrilling genres in the world of photography. There’s something magical about capturing an eagle mid-flight, a fox at dusk, or a deer emerging from the mist. But for new wildlife photographers, the path from beginner to confident shooter is filled with lessons—many of which come through making mistakes.
If you’ve ever missed the perfect shot because your camera settings weren’t right, or felt frustrated when your subject vanished the moment you approached, you’re not alone. Even seasoned wildlife photographers remember those early days filled with trial and error. But here’s the good news: every mistake is a learning opportunity that can help you grow faster and develop your own style.
This article walks through the most common mistakes new wildlife photographers make—and how to fix them. Whether you’re heading into the field for the first time or looking to level up your skills, these practical tips will help you get sharper images, make ethical decisions, and even print your favorite photos with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Not Researching the Wildlife First
- Using the Wrong Camera Settings
- Getting Too Close Too Fast
- Ignoring Light and Background
- Over-Reliance on Cropping
- Overediting or Underediting Photos
- Not Printing Your Best Shots
- Not Respecting Wildlife and the Environment
- Kickstart Your Wildlife Photography Journey
Not Researching the Wildlife First
photo by Mdisk via Shutterstock
One of the biggest mistakes new wildlife photographers make is heading into the field without any knowledge of the species they hope to photograph. It may feel like you’re being spontaneous or adventurous, but wildlife photography is often more successful when it’s intentional.
Before setting out, take time to research the animals in the area. Learn about their habits, routines, preferred habitats, and times of activity. For instance, many birds are most active at sunrise and sunset, while mammals like foxes or deer may only appear briefly at dawn or dusk. Tools like Merlin Bird ID, iNaturalist, and regional field guides can be incredibly helpful.
The more you understand about the wildlife you’re photographing, the more likely you are to be in the right place at the right time. For wildlife photographers, this research is not just academic—it’s the foundation for a great image.
Using the Wrong Camera Settings
photo by DesignRage via Shutterstock
Another common mistake among new wildlife photographers is relying on auto mode or using the wrong camera settings for fast-moving or low-light conditions. Wildlife doesn’t wait for you to adjust your exposure, so being prepared is essential.
Use shutter priority (Tv or S mode) or manual mode to maintain control over your settings. For birds in flight or animals in motion, a shutter speed of at least 1/1000s is recommended. Combine this with continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) and burst shooting to increase your chances of nailing the perfect frame.
Don’t be afraid to use Auto ISO in challenging lighting. It’s better to have a grainy but sharp photo than a perfectly exposed one that’s blurry. Practice these settings at home before you hit the field so they become second nature when the moment strikes.
Getting Too Close Too Fast
photo by DesignRage via Shutterstock
Many wildlife photographers make the mistake of approaching too quickly, startling the animal, and losing the shot altogether. The natural reaction is to move in for a better view, but in the wild, this often backfires.
Instead, let the animal come to you. Use long lenses or crop-sensor cameras to photograph from a distance. A 400mm or 600mm lens can help you stay far enough away to keep the subject relaxed while still filling the frame.
You can also use natural hides, camouflage, or shoot from your vehicle to reduce your visibility. The key is patience—wait quietly, and you’ll be rewarded with more authentic, relaxed animal behavior and better photographic opportunities.
Ignoring Light and Background
photo by Villiers Steyn via Shutterstock
Light and background are two of the most overlooked elements for new wildlife photographers. Even if your subject is perfect, bad lighting or a cluttered background can ruin the shot.
Always aim to shoot during golden hours—just after sunrise and just before sunset—for soft, warm light that adds drama and depth. Midday sun tends to flatten features and wash out color. Pay attention to the direction of light; backlighting can create beautiful rim-lit effects, while side lighting adds texture.
Backgrounds matter, too. Try to position yourself so that the background is clean, non-distracting, and ideally contrasts nicely with the subject. Even a few steps to the left or right can dramatically improve your composition.
Over-Reliance on Cropping
photo by l i g h t p o e t via Shutterstock
With today’s high-resolution cameras, it can be tempting to rely on cropping to save a distant or poorly composed photo. But for wildlife photographers, over-cropping can lead to pixelated, low-quality images—especially when printing.
Instead, work on getting your composition right in-camera. Use your camera’s autofocus points to place the subject off-center, and leave space in the direction the animal is looking or moving. When possible, use a longer lens or slowly move closer (without disturbing the subject) to reduce the need for heavy cropping.
Smart framing and solid technique will help you produce cleaner, sharper images that hold up in print and online.
Keep Reading: Metal vs Acrylic Prints: Which is Right for You?
Overediting or Underediting Photos
Editing can make or break your wildlife photo. Beginners often swing to one extreme—either leaving their RAW files untouched or applying too much saturation, clarity, or sharpness.
For wildlife photographers, subtlety is key. Start with basic adjustments: exposure, contrast, white balance, and a touch of vibrance. Use tools like the radial or graduated filter in Lightroom to guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject. Get more insights into editing wildlife photos in the video above by Phillip Glombik.
Avoid overdoing it. Oversharpened feathers or overly vibrant fur can look unnatural and distract from the emotion of the image. If you’re not sure whether you’ve gone too far, step away from the screen for a while and come back with fresh eyes.
Not Printing Your Best Shots
One of the biggest mistakes wildlife photographers make is leaving their favorite images buried in a hard drive or just shared once on Instagram. Printing your work not only celebrates your best efforts—it also sharpens your eye for composition and detail.
If you want to turn your best wildlife photos into art, consider HD Acrylic Prints from Artbeat Studios. Their face-mounted process produces unmatched vibrancy and detail. Your photo is printed on either white or metallic photo paper, then bonded behind crystal-clear UV-resistant acrylic. This gives your image a luminous, gallery-quality look—especially under soft lighting.
You can choose from three acrylic styles based on thickness and backing:
- HD Acrylic (Most Popular) – 1/4″ clear acrylic with 1/8″ black Sintra backing
- HD Acrylic Slims – 1/8″ clear acrylic with 1/8″ clear acrylic backing for a sleek, modern look
- HD Acrylic 360 – 1/4″ clear acrylic with 1/8″ clear backing for pure elegance
They offer custom sizes from 8×8″ to 48×96″, so you can print panoramic scenes without cropping. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and wall-mount options, Artbeat Studios makes it easy for wildlife photographers to proudly display their work.
I’ve gotten a ton of prints from Artbeat Studios over the years, and they never cease to impress me with the quality, detail, and construction. That goes for all kinds of prints I’ve gotten, from acrylic to metal to canvas to paper.
You can see what I mean in the video above in which I review an Artbeat Studios acrylic print. It turned out great, if I do say so myself!
Not Respecting Wildlife and the Environment
photo by Andrew Motte via Shutterstock
Finally, one of the most important lessons for all wildlife photographers is to respect the animals and their habitats. The best image is never worth the cost of disrupting nature.
Avoid baiting or interfering with wildlife to get a better shot. Don’t approach nests or young animals, and follow park or reserve guidelines closely. Share your images responsibly—resist posting exact GPS coordinates of rare species, which can attract crowds and endanger animals.
Use your photography to promote conservation and awareness. Wildlife photographers have the power to tell stories that inspire protection, not exploitation.
Kickstart Your Wildlife Photography
photo by PhotocechCZ via Shutterstock
Wildlife photography is a journey filled with awe, adrenaline, and yes—plenty of mistakes. But with every misstep comes a lesson that brings you closer to mastery. By avoiding these common errors and committing to ethical, thoughtful photography, you can create work that not only captures wildlife beautifully but honors it too.
So pack your gear, do your research, and don’t forget to print your best shots—you’ve earned it. The next time you’re out in the field, you’ll be ready for the moment when magic happens!
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Learn More:
- Basic Wildlife Photography Gear List
- These Budget Bird Photography Cameras are Worth Their Weight in Gold
Hero photo by Keith Pepper via Shutterstock
