Mastering Action Wildlife Photography: Tips and Techniques
- Shutter Speed is Key for Action Wildlife Photography
- Embrace Burst Mode for Action Wildlife Photography<
- Action Wildlife Photography Requires Continuous Autofocus
- Ditch the Tripod for Action Wildlife Photography
- Craft a Compelling Story With Your Action Photos
- Patience is Key for Action Wildlife Photography
- Capturing the Perfect Shot: How to Choose the Right Photography Tour
- What Features Should I Prioritize in a Camera for Wildlife Photography?
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
Wildlife photography is often more about lying in wait for the action to happen than actually spending time photographing animals doing something. It's just part of the trade-off!
But...when the action does happen, you want to be ready to capture it in images that are appealing, eye-catching, and tell the story of the situation unfolding in front of your lens. You'll learn how to do just that in this article!
Now, if you're a visual learner you can get the same tips and tricks in my video above. But, if you prefer to have a written set of guidelines, just keep reading (I've included some incredible action wildlife photography images from my buddy Bryan Pereira from Exposure Tours to help illustrate my points). Either way, you'll end up with insights into essential skills you need to take improved action wildlife photos.
So, let's quit the chit-chat and get into it!
Table of Contents
Shutter Speed is Key for Action Wildlife Photography
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
Photographing wildlife action revolves around mastering shutter speed. To freeze the action and avoid motion blur, aim for a fast shutter speed, such as 1/1000th of a second. This is just a starting point, though...
You'll need to adjust the speed based on the intensity of the movement. Slow animal motions might require 1/250 seconds, while a herd of zebras in a high-speed escape may demand 1/1000 seconds or higher.
For a deep dive into the technical aspects of photography, refer to my previous article on shutter speed, aperture, and ISO working together for a well-exposed image.
Embrace Burst Mode for Action Wildlife Photography
Photos courtesy of Exposure Tours
Increase your chances of capturing high-quality shots by shooting in burst mode. This feature allows your camera to take a sequence of rapid-fire images with a single press of the shutter button. The number of shots per second varies across cameras, so consult your camera's owner's manual for details about how to use this mode and the speed it can accommodate.
Whether you have a beginner or a professional camera, burst mode helps you capture continuous frames during dynamic wildlife interactions. Then you can choose which frame or frames are the best photos. This is a much more advantageous way of doing things, especially compared to shooting in single-shot mode - if you have to press the shutter every time you want to take a shot, the chances are good you'll miss some of the action wildlife scene unfolding before you!
Action Wildlife Photography Requires Continuous Autofocus
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
Maintaining focus on a moving subject is crucial...
Consider using continuous autofocus mode, allowing your camera to constantly adjust focus when the shutter button is pressed halfway down. Some cameras support a handy trick called back button autofocus, enhancing focus control even further by assigning focusing duties to a button on the back of the camera while the shutter button controls when the camera's shutter is fired (as opposed to the shutter button controlling both processes).
Consult your camera's manual or online resources for specific details on setting this up with your particular camera. Better still, consider signing up for a photography tour, where you can learn these and other skills in the field with an expert photographer who can help you dial in the perfect settings to take impressive action wildlife photos!
Anyway, continuous autofocus streamlines the process of capturing action wildlife photography. It enhances your camera's ability to stay locked on the subject, which, in turn, increases the likelihood that your photos will be tack-sharp. That's just what you want!
Ditch the Tripod for Action Wildlife Photography
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
Timing is everything in wildlife action shots, and using a tripod can be restrictive. Panning and reacting to animal movements become more fluid when handholding the camera. Additionally, with a fast shutter speed, the risk of blurry photos decreases. While a tripod is essential for other scenarios, consider leaving it behind when you're chasing dynamic wildlife moments.
To enhance your ability to keep your camera steady when shooting without a tripod, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the underside of the camera and lens with your left hand while maintaining a firm hold on the camera's grip with your right hand. When holding the camera to your eye, tuck your elbows into your chest. Doing so gives you the stable base you need to get crisp action wildlife shots.
Craft a Compelling Story With Your Action Photos
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
A great action shot goes beyond technicalities; it tells a story...
Consider the struggles, journeys, relationships, and individual characteristics of the animals you're photographing. Compose your shots thoughtfully to lead the viewer's eye through a narrative, using techniques like leading lines, the rule of thirds, and foreground-background elements.
Highlight the relationships the animals have, too. Whether it's a pride of lions playing in the sun, a predator chasing its prey, or something in between, the interactions between animals can prove to be some of the best action wildlife images.
Patience is Key for Action Wildlife Photography
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
In wildlife photography, patience is non-negotiable. Experts like my friend Bryan Pereira from Exposure Tours don't capture stunning shots by chance. Learn about your subject, its behavior, and its habitat. Scout locations, set up, and wait for the action to unfold. Even if patience isn't your strong suit, these tips will help maximize your results when the action finally begins.
Photo courtesy of Exposure Tours
Of course, I'm a huge advocate of photography tours as you have the opportunity to learn a lot in a short span of time. Plus, photography tour guides like Brian (shown above) know where to take you to find the action wildlife scenes you want. Though patience is still involved, the chances are that you won't have to wait as long for image-worthy events to happen on a photography tour thanks to your guide's deep knowledge of the wildlife in the area.
If you're eager to take your wildlife photography to the next level, consider reaching out to Bryan and Exposure Tours. Their personalized instruction and expert guides can immerse you in the heart of wildlife action in Africa. Get ready to capture the wild kingdom in all its dynamic glory!
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