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.