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PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS

Sunday, 11 October 2009 11:48

Most of us are familiar with the adage about working with children and animals. The same warnings come with photographing animals. Good animal shots do not come easily. They require patience, good timing and a certain amount of luck.

Much of our regional produce starts with a creature of some kind - everything from bees to bulls. All seem to have a great disinterest in being photographed. You cannot enlist their cooperation or ask them to pose. Some animals seem to become noticeably self-conscious and uncooperative when they see this strange object pointing at them. Others insist on only giving you a rear view. The challenge is to work with them and around them, hoping for that moment when all the variables line up and you are able to jag the shot you are hoping for.

Here are some tips that might help you capture the animal shot that will stand out.

OBSERVATIONS AND TIPS

The same rule for portrait photography of focusing on the eyes applies to animal photography. Focus on the eyes and then frame your image while keeping the eye in focus with the shutter button pressed half way. It can be tricky as animals tend to spend a lot of time moving. You may have to repeat the action many times before you even release the shutter. If the eye is in focus the rest of the image will often resolve, even if much of it is out of focus.

Try using a long lens (telephoto) and standing back from the subject. Many animals get nervous when you invade their space. Not only do they become more difficult to photograph, their eyes will often reveal their fear or distress. Not a good look.

Meet animals on their level. Shots of small animals or birds taken from above seem to lack balance. Even if it means getting down on your hands and knees, the results will be worth it. The perspective is more realistic and the animal will usually feel less threatened by a larger and taller creature.

Be relaxed and avoid sudden movements. Many animals are quite sensitive to your mood and state of mind. Animals often pick up on your calmness or frustration. If you want to test this for yourself, try approaching a herd of cows and see what happens. They will back off. Stand quietly in the one spot and pretend to ignore them and you will soon have a very attentive bovine audience.

Don't put yourself in danger. It is not worth it. Animals can be unpredictable. Just because a handler can get close to them doesn't mean that you can do the same. It pays to follow the advice of the handler. Assume that all wild animals are unpredictable.

Action shots can be very appealing.You don't have to wait for your subject to stand still. Use a high shutter speed and pan with your subject.

There is lots of room for creative shooting with animal photography. Think outside of the square and always have your camera at the ready. Animals can really surprise you. Be prepared for those special shots.

Connect with the animal. The Dr Doolittle phenomenon is not a myth. Many animals, in their own way, are just as curious about you as you are about them. I have also come to conclusion that animals are not "dumb". Rather, they are remarkably intelligent with brains which are wired to equip them for survival in a very tough world. This concept of "connection" might sound nebulous, but I am convinced that whisperers end up with better animal shots that non-whisperers.

Remember, the background is very important with animal shots. Try to achieve congruity between the subject and the background. Setting the lens to a wide aperture (low f-stop) or using a long lens will blur the background. Filling the frame with the subject will lessen the likelihood of a distracting background.

Utilise a repertoire of clicks, whistles, chirps and unusual noises to attract the attention of the animal. As soon as you have its full attention, take your shot. Be quick though. The attention will wane very quickly and they will become bored or suspicious of the new sound.

Develop an understanding of how and when to use food and tidbits to bring an animal into range of your camera. Food can be a powerful magnet and is the primary tool of most animal trainers.

Many animals have wonderful texture, colour and patterns. Make sure you incorporate these into your image

CARDINAL RULE: BE READY, SHOOT QUICKLY AND KEEP SHOOTING

click to view enlargements

Emus are curious birds and rarely stop moving. A quick shot, focusing on the large eyes capture the comical expression of this bird. Hint: If you want to attract the attention of emus in the wild, lie on your back and kick your legs in the air. They will not be able to resist you.
This smallDexter cow is a beautiful creature with a shaggy coat and big doe-like eyes. This tight shot of the eye closes in on the animal, capturing some of the gentle disposition. A 300mm telephoto lens was used.
This large lace monitor in the Cape York peninsula was not to be messed with. A long lens, low angle and split second timing to freeze the extended blue tongue captured the hostility of the creature. By choosing a side view I was also able to emphasize the beautiful texture and pattern of the powerful body. He was not happy, and I had a well-planned escape route in case things turned nasty.
Curiosity got the better of this giraffe in Canberra zoo. I sat very still for a few minutes with a wide angle lens on the ready. Eventually my patience paid off with a very amicable encounter and intriguing shot.
Not every shot has to be taken from the front. This simple shot of sheep being milked is a great regional food shot.
In this image I chose to focus on the nostrils of the dog, rather than the eyes. The reason is simple. He is a truffle dog, and that amazing snout is the business end of the dog and the the truffle farmer's best investment.
Deer are very timid and wary of strangers. I entered their enclosure at feeding time and positioned myself before the farmer called them. Using a long lens and tripod they barely noticed me, allowing me to get this enchanting photo.
How do you photograph something as small as yabbies? I asked the farmer to scoop the dam with his net. I then stuck my camera and head into the net to get this interesting shot.
This dog was barking loudly as I approached him. Seizing the moment I barked back (part of my repertoire). He was so intrigued that he stopped barking, cocked his head with this quizzical expression and gave the opportunity to take a lovely candid photo.
An example of thinking outside the square. A different view of an elephant which emphasises the bulk of the animal as well as the texture of its hide. There is an amusing element to the image too - think 'G-string'. The best lens for this beast is an "elephoto".
I would have been a brave man to step inside the cage with this guy. Either, use a telephoto lens with the aperture fully open when shooting through wire, or, if you can get close to the wire, shoot through a gap with a small aperture.

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Last Updated on Thursday, 09 December 2010 19:29