Tips for Photographing Wildlife

An associate professor of photography at the University of Connecticut until his retirement in 2020, Frank Noelker is the author of Captive Beauty, which includes 50 portraits of animals in zoos. Frank Noelker’s photographs of animals have been widely exhibited in group and solo exhibitions.

Just like human photography, powerful animal photos should capture the unique personality and essence of each animal. To begin with, invest in the right equipment. A long lens, ranging from 200 to 600 mm, will allow you to take up-close shots of animals from a distance, while a wide-angle lens can broaden your possibilities. Consider investing in a tripod to allow for faster shutter speeds without blurriness.

To shoot animals in the wild, respect the animal and the environment above all. Stay on the trails or designated areas for people, give animals plenty of space, and retreat if an animal exhibits signs of stress.

Take time beforehand to research the animal’s habits, such as when they eat and how they interact with other animals. Then, tell a story with your photo. Get low on the ground to shoot the animal from eye level, and focus on the eyes to help the viewer form a personal connection with the animal.

Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes?

Frank Noelker, a former associate professor of photography, has experience teaching photography at varying levels. Also a skilled photographer in his own right, he has been published and represented by major art galleries. Outside of photography, Frank Noelker loves nature and enjoys hiking.

All hikers must choose between hiking boots and hiking shoes for their trek. These types of footwear differ in terms of durability, weight, and the amount of ankle stability they provide.

Hiking boots are the heavier option. This heavy, stiff-soled footwear is often seen as overkill by many casual hikers. Thanks to advancements in designs and materials, hiking boots are now more streamlined and are suitable for recreational hikers who want the extra protection that a hiking boot provides.

Since this footwear has a stiffer sole and reinforced sides, it is much more durable than hiking shoes and holds up against difficult terrain. Further, hiking boots cover the ankle, thus providing greater stability and protection.

For comfortable, nimble footwear, some hikers prefer hiking shoes. This option does not require a breaking in period, like boots do, and they are easy to pack. Shoes are also more flexible and softer than hiking boots, thus contributing to their lighter weight and fast-drying capabilities.

However, hiking shoes do not offer the same protection as hiking boots. They are good for a variety of terrain, but not for long hikes or tough terrain options. Additionally, they do not cover the ankle.

1220 Technics Became the Turntable

Award-winning photographer Frank Noelker has had a full career teaching and mentoring University of Connecticut photography students. Among Frank Noelker’s passions is high-end audio systems, which elevate the listening experience and encompass an array of equipment, from speakers to traditional record players.

When it comes to record players, one of the state-of-the-art models has long been considered the 1220 Technics. The direct drive model was introduced in 1972 as home hi-fi equipment and gradually earned a reputation as the turntable of choice for generations of DJs. The reason for this evolution had to do with a quartz-enhanced direct drive motor, which provided high torque and enabled the record to be pressed down and slowed with no damage to the disc.

Direct drives are magnet-powered, unlike traditional belt drive models, which have belts that wear down over time and require replacement. With this consistently reliable technology, a disc being scratched by a DJ could be brought back to its original speed with unparalleled immediacy, with no discernible variation or overshooting. While the classic 1220 Technics is no longer in production, the Audio-Technica LP 120X, which is modeled on the original, has substantially taken its place.

Tips for Taking Portrait of Animals

Frank Noelker is a fine arts photographer who has been represented by galleries such as St. Etienne in New York City and Howard Yezerski Gallery in Boston. One of the cornerstones of Frank Noelker's oeuvre is photographs of animals, and his 2004 volume Captive Beauty: Zoo Portraits was published by the University of Illinois Press.

For many amateur photographers, pets are the most handy subject when it comes to animal portraits. These can range from snaps taken on a walk in the park to a formal studio approach. With the latter, making the animal subject feel at ease is critical. Therefore, it makes sense to set up sessions when pets are most relaxed, such as after mealtime or before taking a nap.

With any animal, time should be flexible and patience a byword. Pets have every right to be uncooperative, as they don’t know exactly what is going on, so the best approach is to take cues from the animal itself. Remember, the perfect shot may take numerous tries and several days to achieve.

Also, keep in mind that natural light, whether outdoors or near a window, typically works best with animals. This has to do with flashes tending to startle animals, with the glare’s reflection on the retinas often creating green or red-eye effects.