Long story short, the wild is not your backyard! You don’t decide the rules out there, so be careful when you are venturing into the forest with your camera. For a professional, becoming theWildlife Photographer of the Year is an inspiration to capture that one rare shot that brings the viewer face-to-face with the untamed power of nature. If you want your click to count for the prestigious award by the Natural History Museum, you must follow certain rules to give your best shot.
Interpret the Wild as A Different World
Mindsets Matter: You can’t click the wild with the mindset of a product photographer. You will have to learn how to adapt and blend with the surroundings. You have to understand your position in the food chain when you step into the wild.
A Quick Moment and It’s Over: The photographer should develop an acumen for a quick response time because you cannot possibly stage your composition in the wild. The King Cobra lurching on a lesser snake will not wait for your permission to strike! The tiger pouncing on the boar will care all the less for your presence in the scene. A great image is created in the space of a second’s fraction, and you must be ready for it!
Interpreting the Drama: You need to recognize that it’s a different world altogether. It’s not your city life, although you might still be able to conjure similes between the worlds. This ability to connect wildlife with city life at large might hold the key to clicking the winning photo. In other words, your image should be able to depict a relatable story at a deeper level. The little girl in the hall should be able to relate to the butterfly. The man in the black trench coat should be able to relate to the King Cobra, and so on!
Carrying a Message: Your photograph should carry a sublime message. The ants dissecting the dead lizard should teach a sense of horror. The bird building its nest should evoke the feeling of persistence. The fish swarming in the river should tell the narrative of group conduct. These are but a few glimpses of the thrilling world out there. If you are ready for the adventure, take the road less traveled to see where it leads.
Get to Know Your Gear
Choosing the right gear is vital. Learning how to make the best of your telephoto lens should take some time to master. Understanding the subtle difference between the f/4 and the f/2.8 will determine the quality of the shot. Expand your knowledge about the various kinds of lenses and the type of images they generate. Focus on the specializations, such as using macro lenses to photograph insects. Lenses with longer focal lengths are usually considered ideal for small birds and distant subjects.
You will have to be an intelligent reader of climatic conditions to find the right lens for the moment. Invest your energy in sufficient practice before you venture because time could be a precious luxury when you are in the wild.