A Norwegian-based wildlife photographer gained international attention this week for posting a picture of a rare white reindeer, seemingly posing for the camera.
After all of the media attention surrounding the photo, wildlife photographers all over Norway began posting their photos of “rare” white reindeer, hoping to gain traction from the viral story. One of these photographers, Joachim Munter, already had international attention for his pictures of forest animals modeling for him.
A researcher in Norway gave an interview with the BBC this week explaining why photographers like Munter can capture white reindeer, despite their true rarity. White reindeer, Dr. Nicholas Tyler said, are “highly conspicuous,” in the summertime.
When skilled photographers like Munter pair their patience around forest animals with a huge devotion to the craft of wildlife photography, the chances of capturing an animal with a dangerous abnormality skyrocket.
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So, what does Munter suggest for those who are just entering the world of rare photos?
“I always try to predict when the animal is going to do something unusual, and then try to capture the moment,” he said.
View this post on InstagramLooking for a midnight snack ?⛼
A post shared by Joachim Munter (@jockemunter) on
While being patient and waiting for animals to come to you is the most pertinent piece of advice he gives, a combination of techniques and equipment can help a beginner.
Although Munter said he used to use Canon, he now uses Sony cameras because they are smaller and easier to travel with.
Sony equipment also allows beginning photographers to capture bokeh in the background of their wildlife photography with ease.
Munter said one thing beginning wildlife photographers need to do is to remember to have fun. Shooting in the forests of Finland, understandably, is freezing. Munter packs piles of clothes on for his day-long shoots for this reason. If you don’t remember to have fun, all the sacrifices you make as a photographer might not be worth it!
For prints of his photos (including the elusive white reindeer), direct message him on his Instagram.
Learn More:
- Lion Steals Photographer's Camera, Gives It to Her Cubs as a Toy
- 10 Essential Wildlife Photography Tips