photo credit: Tambako the Jaguar

In the coolness that late evening brings to the savannah a lone gazelle making its way, through the gentle rustling of tall grass, towards a waterhole. From the West, gathering clouds shroud the sun as it prepares for its long repose. Suddenly, beneath the now blazing swathes of crimson sky, the ground stirs. There is motion, muscles and bared fangs strip through the air, and a deep throated growl resonates off silent rocks. The gazelle attempts to bolt, but to no avail, for today death has played the swifter part.

Nature, in all its vibrancy, pronounces its existence in an unquenchable, elemental cry; a cry that the wildlife photographer is behoved to answer. Wildlife photography, which may be considered a subcategory of nature photography, is generally concerned with capturing images of animals. Popular subjects include large terrestrial mammals, birds and fish. Although some may argue that the reach of wildlife photography extends to include images of insects and spiders, such images are generally considered the purview of macro photography.

Usually, the wildlife photographer will photograph animals engaged in some sort of activity, such as feeding. Consequently, the photographer often has to content with movement while capturing an image. To prevent blurring a faster shutter speed may be selected; however, increasing the shutter speed reduces the amount of light that impinges upon the photographic film. In order to compensate for the reduction in light, photographers use film that is able to react quickly to light (i.e. film with an ISO of 400 or greater). Such film, however, has a coarser grain than film that reacts more slowly to light. Thus, capturing images using short exposure times comes at the expense of reduced spatial resolution.

In addition to selecting faster shutter speeds, wildlife photographers typically select a wide aperture, which reduces the camera’s field depth. Field depth is generally reduced to the point where only the subject remains in focus. This produces a blurred background which, in turn, creates the impression of motion and makes the subject appear to standout of the photograph. Although many cameras are able to select an appropriate shutter speed given a particular aperture size, or vice-versa, many wildlife photographers consider it desirable to be able to adjust these settings manually.

Shutter speed and aperture size are dependent upon the lens. Wildlife photographers typically employ telephoto lenses, which have a shallow field depth. Telephoto lenses, therefore, readily isolate the subject while blurring out the background. An additional advantage of a telephoto lens is that it affords the photographer a greater degree of camouflage as photographs may be taken from a distance. Taking photographs from a greater distance not only protects the photographer from potentially dangerous animals, but also ensures that the photographer does not inadvertently frighten off the animal, or influence its behaviour in some other way.

Apart from attaining a high level of proficiency in operating camera equipment, wildlife photographers often become skilled at interpreting an animal’s behaviour. The ability to anticipant an animal’s next move allows the photographer to make fine adjustments well ahead of time and increases the likelihood of capturing a well framed image. Furthermore, general knowledge about the species, such as migratory patterns, sleeping patterns, eating patterns etc., is useful for tracking the animal.

Hopefully, the understanding and passion that wildlife photographers have for the natural world will be conveyed to consumers of their photographs, where it will, in turn, galvanize a commitment towards various conservation initiatives.

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