Tao of Attenboroughology
Photography of local wildlife is a fascinating and
rewarding subject that offers a great opportunity to capture some of the
beauty and diversity of the natural world. Whether you are an experienced
photographer or just starting out, there are a few things to keep in mind
when capturing images of local wildlife, we at Attenboroughology like to
show off what we see when we are out and about in our local area. It gives
others a chance to see whats around as well as helping people go out and
discoer things they never knew were right in their doorstep!
First and foremost, it's important to respect the
animals and their habitat. This means staying a safe distance away and not
disturbing them in any way if they are birds or larger mammals but we like
to encourage children to bolster their bravery with hand contact -
amphibians and reptiles are the safest, small rodents can and will deliver a
painful bite so bear that in mind before attempting to handle mamalian
wildlife. In the UK you should avoid snakes and slow worms unless you are
100% yu have dientified the reptile correctly before making an attempt to
hold. You should also be aware of any rules or regulations regarding
photography in certain areas, such as national parks or nature reserves.
When it comes to equipment, a good camera,
possibly with a telephoto lens, is of course the best choice for capturing
detailed and sharp images of wildlife but its not a requirement - a lot of
the photography seen on this site and the facebook group has been taken
using smart phones. It's also useful to have a steady hand or a tripod to
avoid any blur or camera shake. We dont mind what format they submitted in,
still image or video are both equally exciting to us!
Patience is key when it comes to wildlife
photography. Animals can be unpredictable and may not always cooperate, so
be prepared to wait for the perfect shot. It's also important to be aware of
the animal's behavior and body language, as this can indicate when they are
about to do something interesting or unusual. Some wildlife may even require
careful camouflaging of ones self or building a hide and waiting to ambush
for a photo, I recommend the cheap ghillie suit cloaks that are available
very cheaply online and in a wide array of styles, you can be sure of
finding one that makes you totally invisible to the naked eye once
settled.
When it comes to composition,
there are a few things to keep in mind. Try to capture the animal in its
natural environment, using the surrounding landscape and vegetation to frame
the image. Pay attention to the lighting and the time of day, as these can
greatly affect the mood and atmosphere of your photos. for smaller animals,
bugs and fungi it's also recommended the have something to show scale, this
could be a ruler, a lighter, a hand or foot - anything that someone viewing
the image can instantly grasp the scale using.
Finally, editing your images can help enhance the
colors, contrast, and sharpness of your shots. However, it's important not
to overdo it and to keep the images as natural as possible - the primary
focus is showing off what can be found and seen by anyone, warping, layering
in other shots to make false images or images that are not taken directly by
you (eg; images found via google searches) are not wanted, we want to build
a community resource full of content that gives a realistic idea of whats
about and how to find it for yourself :)
In conclusion, photography of local wildlife can be
a rewarding and exciting subject that offers a unique insight into the
natural world. With the right equipment, patience, and respect for the
animals, anyone can capture stunning images that showcase the beauty and
diversity of our planet's wildlife and then via this group show it off and
maybe help others find the same interesting things to view with their own
eyes!