I’m passionate about people, the planet and paying it forward! I love raising awareness about wildlife through my photography and storytelling. I want to share what I’ve learned from the experts themselves in hopes that these tips will give you a new perspective!
1. Practice safe techniques
When photographing wildlife, be patient, be observant, and research your subject matter beforehand. A few years ago, I went to Yellowstone National Park, and it changed my perspective on wildlife. I took this photo from about 100 yards away. Unfortunately, people get hurt every year because they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. Just know, you can still be safe and capture great wildlife images using a telephoto lens.
Photo courtesy of Lyndsay Brunstetter
2. Do your research.
I met Dorothy and Leo Keeler at their Monarch Inn and Learning Center in Emigrant, Montana where I learned how to save monarchs. By doing your research, you can find amazing people who are doing good for the world!
3. Protect yourself and gear.
Before going out and shooting, check the weather. By planning ahead of time, you have a better chance at dressing properly. For example, if it’s going to rain, you’ll know to bring a raincoat and protection gear for your camera.
Photo courtesy of Lyndsay Brunstetter
4. Set up your camera with your subject in mind.
I learned that eagles tend to nest in tall, sturdy pine trees, providing easy flight access and good visibility. By placing your camera on a tripod, the photo will come out sharper. If you put your ISO to the low hundreds, there will be less noise in the picture. Using interchangeable lenses has made shooting easier because I can take photos of animals such as eagles from afar or get close to insects on the ground.
5. Stay Positive!
Remember that it’s all a learning process and there will be a lot of trial and errors. Learning how to use your camera can make a big difference. Have a checklist to make sure your batteries are on charge that everything is working correctly. The last thing you want is to be out in the field and have a malfunction of some sort.
Photo courtesy of Lyndsay Brunstetter
If you want to learn more about stories that I have created about wildlife, check out my YouTube channel, LoveToArrive.