Creative wildlife photography
When it comes to getting started in wildlife photography, often the main objective is a focus on getting great portraits of wild subjects. Simple images of animals filling the frame, in sharp focus without too many distracting elements.
The problem is, after shooting for a while, these images can start to feel just a little bit stagnated. Getting close to subjects for frame-filling shots doesn’t always give us the sense of the creature we’re working with, so although the pictures often look nice, they can become a little, well… boring.
In order to get away from the normal ideas we need to be more creative with our shots, looking to experiment with techniques, focal lengths and composition in order to make something a little more interesting! It’s daunting at first, because when you move away from the basics, the idea of risking an encounter and choosing not to shoot the ‘classic image’ in favour of a more artistic outcome, can result in missed photographs and moments when you choose to go for something creative and end up with nothing. However, the risk of learning to develop a more creative portfolio of images within your work is something that, I think, is worthwhile.
For myself, a successful image of wildlife is one that captures the character of a subject, while also expressing creativity. It bridges the gap between a record shot and art for an interpretation of the natural world that builds on scientific facts, with artistic composition and creativity thrown in.
Tom Mason
Tom Mason is a 26-year-old pro wildlife photographer from the UK. A Nikon Europe Optics Ambassador, he has worked around the globe on numerous assignments, photographing wildlife from the Falklands to the Amazon Rainforest. www.tommasonphoto.com
GEAR, PLANNING & LOCATIONS
Equipment is something I hate to dwell on too much when it comes to wildlife photography, but it is still an essential consideration.
Breaking it down in the following topic areas I’ll talk more specifically about lenses and essential kit for certain styles. But generally, my main camera of choice is
