Top Ten Traits Of Great Wildlife Photographers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2024
- How many of the top ten do you have?
Over the decades, I've watched, learned from, and shot with countless fantastic wildlife photographers. In that time, I've compiled a list of the top ten traits I see from the best shooters and I want to share it with you. These are the traits I'm always striving to practice when I'm out in the field trying to capture wildlife images and I hope it helps you as well.
Check it out - seriously, these ten traits are the fastest way I know to take your wildlife photography to the next level. (And a big "Thank YOU" to everyone who shares these videos with their friends and online communities!)
There are those of us that cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on gear. Being retired on a fixed income limits what I can afford. I am using a Nikon P950. I'm sure there are people who look down on an $800 camera. I love wildlife and love my photos of wildlife. Would my photos be better with more expensive equipment? Perhaps. But it is the photographer's eyes, mind, soul and creative qualities that make the shot, not the camera per se. The artist within, in my opinion, is the most important part of the photography equation. I am a contracted professional photographer with the US Forest Service. They contracted with me because of my photos, not because of the camera I have. Of course, I would not turn down a gift of $10k for a camera and lenses! Thank you for the terrific video, as always.
i have a D7500 that cost me 600 refurbished
I recently acquired a D750 with only 7k actuations that I bought used including a nikkor 35mm 1.8 for $750. Added (all used) a 70-300mm 4.5 VR ED for $200 and a samyang AF 85mm 1.4 for $250. If you are vigilant and watch Craigslist, fb marketplace and eBay, there are deals to be had. Payment with PayPal ensures return-ability for quality issues which I did do once.
Well said. I've only recently move up to a Lumix G9 but I still shoot with a Canon SX70hs and a Leica 114, the two latter cameras being point-and-shoots. I did own a P900. For perched birds or birds leaving or arriving at a nesting site the P950 would be an excellent camera. The G9 and 100-400mm have allowed me to improve flight and action photos but I still find the other two cameras very useful.
Great, that is inspiring.
You know Steve what's even more magical ? The images you show during entire video. It feels like we are their with them. You inspired me a lot.
Thank you so much!!
Art Wolfe once said that the professional photographer knows when not to shoot. Bad light, bad backgrounds. He knows what the final image will look like before he shoots.
Another excellent video, Steve. Just want to say, “thank you” for all that you’ve shared as I have learned more from you in my years following your videos than from any other content provider out there. While much of this may seem obvious, it bears repeating (often, and loudly!). Appreciate that you are always straight to the point, and share useful, direct info that’s applicable to any system. Also, fully agree with your ethos of not stressing your subject and loving being in the field first (and photography second).
I’m addicted to wildlife photography videos on TH-cam and always look forward to a new one from you. You’ve taught me a great deal over the past few years and the quality of my output has improved dramatically. Apart from the educational content, I just love your images - the best I see on a consistent basis. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge with us mere mortals and those beautiful, inspirational photographs.
Spot on Steve, I've always felt that there was something ethereal that gets imprinted on an image when the photographer truly enjoys the moment while being in tune with the subject and the nature around them...and elevates the image to something the viewer feels.
Personally I'm just moving over from landscape only to wildlife as well, and I absolutely agree with the experience of loving the subject being better than the shot, befriend a fox years ago, his lineage now comes to me on a near daily basis, I get foxes ranging from kits to the now old male I named Minnow (he ate my frozen minnows when I was ice fishing) they're skittish except with me, I've had the privilege of watching his kits grow and theirs grow and they come sit on my deck with me, I've gotten close enough to them that foxes that bolt when my wife comes out will actually lick me. Spent an hour playing 'tag' with one about 4 months old last night. I don't quite understand why they are so comfortable around me or why they always come to me but I'm not complaining I love their company.
That's so cool!!!
It’s easy to become complacent, but your video reminds us why we do what we do - thank you! I especially identify with your comments on loving one’s subject matter. In my experience, the best wildlife photographers are naturalists first, photographers second. Like you, I often go for the wildlife experience, and only secondarily the photograph. Whatever the result, I always return happy for having had the experience. Keep up the great work, Steve! You have many fans.
Dear Steve, you are mathematician in photography. You give the essence of all the subjects you touch: gears, techniques, art etc. Shortness, exactness and clearness of your videos are amazing. Many thanks for your efforts!
One of the best (if not the best) wildlife TH-cam content creator/photographer. Always learn a great deal from your footage!!! Thank you,,,,
great observations of the best talent, and amazing shots. Always glad to see you back on TH-cam.
#8 is absolutely key! Your work really goes well beyond documentation, which is why I find it so compelling and unique.
Hi Steve, your infectious enthusiasm for wild photography is contagious. I believe I am catching it.
Incredibly thoughtful and important video, Steve. Absolutely priceless information for the direction I want to keep heading in...
Very well summarised. Great list to keep in mind
So true Steve ! Last one Respectful & ethical to wildlife, probably the most important.
Thank you Steve! Always great info! You Rock!
Great advice which can be applied to almost every genre of photography.
Thanks for this first class video, Steve. I loved it. I feel like I should rewatch it after every so many hours of youtube gear watching. Time to get out and shoot! Great inspiring video.
Great list! It's definitely given me some ideas on areas I can improve on for myself as I strive to become better. Thanks for making this video!
Enjoyed your presentation, always good stuff. Thank you!
Great video (as always) Steve! I was actually surprised how many I thought "yep, that's me!". A few I can still do a lot more work on though!!
Finally Steve your back!! Been missing your videos.
Too many workshops :)
Great stuff Steve per usual!
Thank you so much Steve. Great talk.
Great list. Thanks for including advice not to stress the animals. Most work very hard to get their calories. When we make them run or fly, it costs them energy to survive.
By the way Steve - your images are so outstanding that they stimulate and frustrate me at the same time! Stimulate: They show what is possible with the gear we have; frustrate: Because I probably will never reach that level of perfection ...
Kind regards from Switzerland.
Great advice as always Steve , thankyou. 👍
U are amazing sir. Learned a lot from your videos. Thank you very much.
I totally agree with all of your points, Steve. I'm guilty of not always having my eye on the viewfinder. One other thing I learned is to not take too many shots. Timing the right moment helps you get those keepers. It also helps save hard drive and card space.
Really well put and I think all these points would serve anyone well no matter what type of photography they are into. Thanks for sharing 😊
Excellent Steve!! 4th point is really amazing 👏👏
I fall short on a lot of the traits you mention, but I do love to be out there and the camera is a way of sharing what I love. I have often found myself mesmerized by the wildlife and forget to take the photo until after the good action has passed. My favorite time of year is coming up and it's time to tune up my skills. The bucks are still moving together, but there is a little bit of competition entering their behavior. Good luck to all!!!!
Hello Steve. A great top 10 list! Been doing this for a while now and I strongly agree with this list.
Birds!.. Birds!.. Birds!!! You got some nice videos! Hats off to you!
Thanks so much!
All great points especially on being respectful to the animals and getting creative!
Excellent video Steve. A great summation of traits.......
Excellent episode, thanks!
A very pleasant 12 minutes to watch and to listen attentively, great list.
Great video and extremely useful points. Thanks!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing them, Steve.
Thanks. Very informative and spot on.
Awesome video Steve 😀. Great tips 👍
Very good one, Steve. Thank you.
I agree. I think it's important to know your weaknesses and strive to be better. As a photographer, I have come to appreciate dumb luck days. The moments where everything comes together so nicely and easily. For example, recently I was photographing kingfishers, green herons and great blue herons behind our home. As I was taking pictures of the green herons a flock of turkeys walked down a log by some boulders to get a drink. A unplanned bonus that gave me some great photographs. There are enough days where things don't come together so it's nice to have a bonus dumb luck day once a while.
Ha! I was looking for bighorn sheep the other day, and came home with a bunch of turkey shots instead. 😊
Great, clever as always, thanks a lot Steve
Spot on in everything you just said!
Thanks, very inspirational
Perfect study about Photographers and Perfect push for beginners. Thanks for this video.
Thank you for the video. Excellent tips and photos.
Lately I'm in need of inspiration...thanks for rekindling my passion for wildlife photography!
I agree completely with your point 10. I have said it this way. There is a difference between a wildlife photographer and a person who photographs wildlife. It is in the perspective, motivation, and outlook toward the subjects.
very well said
These were some fantastic tips Steve. And loved the creative shots interspersed through the video. Greetings from Costa Rica.
As always you give great tips and advice straight to the point. Just wish I had more opportunities at the wildlife. Our population of game has reduced so much in recent years in east Kentucky.
I like the format for these videos
Great video as per normal Steve. I am not a great wildlife photographer but aspire to be one. A trait I use which as worked for me many many times is, "Going the extra mile" This could be just that, or waiting that extra hour. Thanks for posting.
Spot on.
the best takeout for me is "don't shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like". It took me a year to understand it properly, but I am glad I started to work on this. Every photo or video I take just feels better now. Can't describe it with words, it's something you have to.... feel.
Great tips and video!
Great advice Steve - I agree in all points yout make! If one does not understand the behavior end ecology of the animal in question one will never make a good shot. Currently I am making the move from exclusively shooting landscapes, forests, trees and flowers to animals, and I learn how much more difficult it is. I need all those traits you bring up, and the learning curve is not steep 😓
Thanks Steve. I enjoy and appreciate all your videos, but this one is particularly effective; projecting (as is a normal human trait!), I was of course half waiting to have confirmation of what I though was right was right in someone else's eyes. I love wildlife and the outdoors, and like Morten Hilmer, I see you as an authority on wildlife photography. And since I (re)took up photography 3 years ago after too long away, your videos have been a great help. I ticked all 10 of your points, but that doesn't matter; I hope that those who watch your stuff see what's missing and heed it. I agree with all 10. PS I'm sticking with my trusty D500 and 200-500mm - the combo I've used and loved for two years and feel I finally know inside out!
Greetings from the UK. Some excellent tips there and thanks for sharing. I normally shoot wildlife, mainly birds, with my D500 and 500pf. Because of my neck and hip injuries, I decided to buy a Z6 ii and still trying to get to grips with the AF system. Time will tell if I prefer it and might even have to pre-order the 400 f5.6 😀Take care Steve.
Thank your for another great video. I was using a Nikon Z 7 ll with the Sigma 150-600 contempory lens. My photo buddy and I went to the Sepulveda,preserve in Southern California. We got some good results. I think being at the right place at the right time helps.
I learned these traits from a Landscape photographer, Galin Rowell. I spent about 8hrs sitting in the snow at the Tunnel viewpoint, Yosemity, in 1988. He loved teaching but it was the constant clicking of the shutter release during the that time that was impressive.
I love this list! I’m a retired videographer, but switched to wildlife photography recently. It’s quite different, but I really enjoy the challenge. My gear is ten years old, but it does what I need it to do. Before every shoot, I consider my potential subjects, check my gear, and come up with a strategy. I also agree that you will have more success if you’re flexible. As silly as it sounds, some of my favorite subjects are prairie dogs. They talk a lot, and I often talk back. 😆 I even have favorites out of the hundreds in one field. If the pronghorns or bighorn sheep aren’t available, I happily return to my p-dawgs, as I call them, for a happy end to my day. Great info here. Subbed!
I appreciate your desire to separate “traits” from the pursuit of gear. My favourite form of photography is birds, wildlife and nature. There’s a real joy in getting up at 4-5 AM, going out in darkness and seeking out subjects as the sun rises. And the joy of catching them in a great shot. It’s as much spiritual as it is a hobby for me. It’s a great list and I agree with pretty much everything ……. except the part about being gear agnostic; not the part about gear being tools; but not much caring about what they are.
Pretty much all great photographers seek the best tools for what they shoot. You are a prime example; after being a lifelong Nikon user, you shared your frustration with the first and second gen Z cameras. And you use top line equipment - supertelephotos, pro and prosumer DSLRs and, now, pro-level mirrorless, whether the A1/A9, R3/R5 or Z9. Let’s face it, great gear gives you and us more opportunities to catch great shots.
So, I know you will agree with me that gear, in fact, does matter. For me at least, my passion for the subjects naturally involves a passion for the means of shooting them.
Thanks - remember though I didn't say good shooters don't care about gear, just that they aren't obsessed with it. Many people treat it as the end-all, be-all and it's not. Also, keep in mind this is a list I strive for - not something I can always accomplish - I fail on trying not to be too gear obsessed sometimes :)
@@backcountrygallery Right on. Maybe I’m feeling a little sensitive because I just dropped about $13k Canadian on an OM-1 and the Olympus 150-400mm 4.5 TC1.25 pro lens.
First impressions ………. wow!!
Cheers, Steve.
@@brianlemke6017 I too have the Olympus 150-400 , but have it on the EM-1X. I was curious as to what system you were using and why the change.
@@waynetuckson7909 I have a Nikon D850 and a Z6ii. The Z6ii is subpar for shooting action, the D850 is great but getting dated for shooting speeds, AF etc - but still a great camera. I wanted a fast shooting, light kit. The Z9 is way more camera than I want or need. And the 400mm 2.8 1.4TCS lens costs $18k Canadian. So I bought the OM-1 at 1/3 the Z9 price and matched it with the 150-400 4.5 1.25TC. And, as I said, my first impressions are ……. Wow. I understand the OM-1 is a significant improvement in AF and other aspects from the earlier cameras. You may want to consider it.
I’m keeping my Nikon gear and lenses for landscape and Astro.
@@brianlemke6017 Thanks for response. Sounds like a similar situation in which I find myself. I have Nikon and Olympus gear. Right now I have the Z9 after trading up from the D5 and still have my D500. I like the Z9, but I must admit I like picking up the EM-1X and 150-400 for BIF. I was curious about your setup and experience especially if you had moved up from an EM-1X. I’m now debating getting a used EM-1X, which I really like, vs the OM-1. I’m keeping the Nikon gear for really low light sports.
I shoot Raptors mostly. Respecting them and thier environment/habitat is my highest priority. I always do my very best not to disturb their hunting/nesting grounds when I'm trying to get a shot. They are very territorial and I've seen when I've upset a mother protecting her nest because I got too close and had to just walk away. I know that I can make an impact on the survival of that beautiful bird just by being too near it. Respecting them is always in the forefront of everything I do. I love them! 📷🦅🦉🥰✌️🇺🇲 Thanks Steve I really enjoy and learn from your videos!!!
Great tips, Steve. Thanks for posting this. I need to work harder on knowing my camera. I STILL spend too much time fumbling with dials and controls, and you are absolutely right. I've missed many good shots because of it. Just the other day I was reminded I need to better anticipate my gear and settings. I hiked an hour to find an eagle's nest I'd heard about. I hiked in with my 24-70mm lens on my camera, thinking I'd change to my 400mm lens when I got there. But I saw an eagle in flight before I got there, before I changed my lens, so... Mount the lens you think you're going to need, ahead of time. Better yet, carry a 2nd camera so you can also photograph the flowers along the trail.
LOL, man, that's the story of my life! I can't tell you the number of times I thought I'd just get the camera ready for wildlife when I spotted something and then missed out. As I mentioned in the video, I try to follow the list - but what I didn't,mention is that I fail a lot more than I'd like to admit :)
At the end of they day it's muscle memory. I was a saxophone performance major in college and if I was riding on a bus, or maybe at the gym or just had a few second of downtime without my horn. I would pull out a piece of music I was working on and just do the finger movements and internalize the piece. I do the same with my camera. If I have some downtime pull out the body with a lens on it and just kind of practice different scenarios.
Hi Steve, great video as always. I just returned from Costa Rica and I worked with a guide there who told me he had just worked with YOU. His name is Carlos Gonzales with Kokopelli Sierpe tours. He told me a story of how his laser pointer died and you kindly gave him a new one. He was very touched by that and is still talking about it :) Cheers!
LOL, that's funny! Carlos is a great guy and I was happy to help :)
Great video! we need your Z9 review!!
Great video for us amateurs!
I agree with all of these! There was actually an American Alligator resting in the mud the other day and I thought I would try for a great closeup image. I got relatively close to the subject and took some shots as he seemed unbothered at first, there was some brush in the way and as I was changing my angle, the gator let our a very large breathe or grunt which sounded rather frustrated with me being there. I stopped right there and left. Felt pretty bad about it because I hate disturbing the wildlife, but there are plenty more subjects and even when seeing the opportunity right there in front of you, it's not always the answer.
Love your videos Steve, I have always been inspired by your work and will continue to grow as a wildlife photographer as well as checking out any content you have to share (:
10 of the finest there Steve, patience for me is at the top of that list, I reckon that there is also a number 11, and that is, "Good wildlife photographers can sometimes come away with nothing" I spend 4 days in a Hide/Blind trying to capture a Barn owl on the hunt, I knew that she was there as I'd caught her on a camera trap several times in the same location. I set up my Hide/Blind and left it for a week so that the Owl would get used to it. I then went to take up residency and waited....and waited...and waited.....Nothing. Either the Owl was aware of my presence or she had adopted another hunting route. Anyway, I felt like I'd been on a camping trip & man did my back ache!! Stay well out there. 🙂
SOLID video
Great comments and images!
The old saying "Practice makes perfect" is so true in the it helps the intuitive use of the camera and the time to understand the subjects behaviour.
I completely agree with this list. For me, I want to portray the beauty of common birds in flight always. It is a privilege and an honour which I never take for granted. Their well-being is foremost.
Great!
Great list!
Great work
Wonderful sir ❤️
Great info...thank you
Great presentation!!!
I have to say I either live or agree with all of this. Can never rest on the laurels. I've shot owls for so many years nearly every day and I still find the same level of fascination and excitement as when I first started. Some days less than others when you're getting up at 3am to get sunrise...but thats a whole other problem. Great video, I see a lot of people who enjoy wildlife photography but making that compelling image needs to be top of mind, not just wild snapping because something is there.
I really identify with the trait about always looking for a better shot. I try not to get competitive with other photogs I know (especially the ones I know have much more expensive gear), but I do know I can work and greatly improve on what I shot last year. By the way, I really appreciate your posting the shutter speed, fstop, ISO with your pics. It gives me great insight into what is possible. PS the shot at 4:08 of the hummingbird is stunning, and you took it at 1/500th shutter speed, capturing the blur of the wings but getting the body and eyes sharp. I have much to learn...
Hummingbirds are easy :) They seem hard, but they hover a LOT. Shutter speed with hummers is more about the "look" you want for the wings than getting a sharp bird. I have hummers at 1/60th where the bird is tack-sharp. :)
الاعمال المعروضة في هذا الفيديو جعلتني اقف مذهولاً .. واصرخ باعلي صوتي .. انت اعظم مصور طيور وحياة برية علي هذا الكوكب 😲😲😲
Wow, thank you so much!
My tip - Be prepared, some of my best shots came from just have the camera ready. I enjoy your videos, thank you.
Great tip!
Great points
Well said
"impacting their behavior in a negative way" Well put. We need enough of their attention to get them to look our way at least occasionally. The alarmed look seldom conveys anything except discomfort. Finding the balance on these qualities is always the difficult part. More than once I've spent too long hoping for a head turn, some better light.......
Agree - it's a tricky balance. I for one don't mind kicking the ground a little to get a quick glance, but only enough to get the shot - never over and over. And, as you say, NEVER in a way that alarms or frightens the animal.
Excellent presentation.
Excellent video Steve, thanks for sharing. I've signed up for some online tuition for my new D850 as I have had previous experience of 'fumbling' or reading the manual at night long after the shot has been missed. Totally agree with the ethical points. It's the animal's environment not ours :-)
Any link to the online D850 lessons?
Excellent video and the best description of what makes a wildlife photographer I have come across. I will be doing a talk at my local camera club and if you don't mind will point people to this video and talk about some of the points you have mentioned. Although I doubt i will do it as perfectly and professionally as you have. Thanks.
Thanks so much - heck, you can use the video in your presentation if you like!
@@backcountrygallery Thanks very much I appreciate that. I will put the link in and put it on our website....after all I have to do some of the work I can't just claim all your work as my own!! Cheers.
Steve thanks for all your videos I enjoy taking wildlife photos I can sit for hours sometimes I forget to take the pictures how can I remember to take them if I get so into just watching them
Hi Mr Perry , I love your content , every video of yours has helped improved as a wildlife photographer
I have a suggestion for, I request you to review some of the fujifilm cameras who knows maybe they will end off in your bag ready to fire, give it a thought.
I am sorry if my words have hurt you .
Thank you very much , may God keep you healthy
🔥🔥
Thanks for the thoughtful observations and succinct summary of the traits that go into making a "Great Wildlife Photographer". These were primarily centered about work "in the field". One of these days I'd love to hear which traits you've observed from Great Wildlife Photographers that went into their training and/or the amount of effort spent processing their images. This is a rarely discussed topic. Discussing styles of Great Wildlife Photographers or their process may not be a sexy discussion, but it sure would be interesting.
Nice video.
I might add that great wildlife photographers never stop learning more about the animals ☀️
Agree 100%! I swear, I sometimes spend a quarter of my field time looking stuff up on my phone about an animal I'm with (sadly, it's a proven way to miss shots, but I'm a salve to my curiosity)
Great list. Awesome. Wildlife photographers also need to be fit to be able to carry their heavy gear across rough terrain. Many would be reluctant to carry their heavy gear ( the 400/600 mm) and would skip the opportunity 😊.
GREAT point and I see that a lot.
I feel point #6 is very important about gear. Know your gear, set it up based on how you shoot and don't be obsessed with gear. But I think you're right that taking the time to learn your gear (and it's quirks), being patient, learning about the animals you photography, and not being overly obsessed with gear is what helps you nail keepers, not necessarily having the latest technology like tracking, because if you figure, photographers have been photographing animals for ages and many without aids like auto focus or tracking, but they still managed to pull it off. Maybe the keeper rate wasn't as high as you might get with modern aids, but they were still able to do it because they knew their gear, the subject and were patient and works hard to get the shots. Then again, I think many of these tips apply to other genres too, especially those on gear and being "prepared" (knowing your gear). About the only one that may not apply to all genres is the animal behavior specifically, but we could say "knowing your subject" to be applicable to all genres regardless of what that is. A landscape shooter may need to know about weather and how it impacts scenes especailly after or before it rains, etc, and a travel photographer will benefit (probably) from understanding the culture and people they are visiting.