Mastering Wildlife Photography: 6 Essential Tips for Stunning Shots

Mastering Wildlife Photography: 6 Essential Tips for Stunning Shots

1. Location: Leverage Your Surroundings I am based in Campbell River, BC, on Vancouver Island, where the wildlife is as abundant as it is diverse. Whether I am hunting for nests or taking a casual walk along the beach, there is always a shot waiting to be captured. I make it a point to revisit my favourite spots frequently-this not only helps me track the local wildlife but also lets me zero in on the perfect angle for that next unforgettable shot.

2. Clothing: Be Ready for Anything Photography is rarely a quick “snap and go” affair. You need to be prepared for the elements-whether it is fluctuating weather, shifting seasons, or challenging terrain. I always opt for layering, especially when temperatures can swing unexpectedly. It allows me to easily adjust as conditions change throughout the day. Comfort is key: you want to stay warm, dry, and mobile. I never leave without a light jacket, a rain poncho, and a vest-small items that can make a big difference when you are out in the field for hours on end. Depending on where I am shooting, I might be crouched or lying down for long stretches, so a little extra planning for comfort goes a long way. Always expect the unexpected when you are on a shoot.

3. Mono/Tripods: Stability is Key A tripod or monopod is an essential tool for sharp, stable wildlife shots. Even with modern image stabilization (IS) technology, nothing beats the steadiness of a solid tripod when it comes to eliminating camera shake. While IS has come a long way, it can introduce blur when mounted on a tripod, so always double-check your settings and make sure it is turned off if you are using a tripod. In 2025, many tripods will feature carbon fibre legs and advanced, lightweight designs, making them easier to carry without sacrificing stability. Monopods, on the other hand, offer great portability for fast-moving shoots and are perfect for wildlife photographers who need to balance quick setups with support. When using either, take full advantage of the ability to control your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO without the risk of shaky hands. Slower shutter speeds and wider apertures are no longer off-limits thanks to the added stability of these tools. Also, with the latest tripod heads offering smooth panning and tilting, you can track moving subjects with greater ease, while still achieving tack-sharp results. Always check your images frequently to ensure crisp focus-never assume that just because you are on a tripod, your shots are flawless.

4. Gear: Invest in Quality Glass, Without Going Overboard When it comes to wildlife photography, the lens you choose can make or break your shot. The latest lenses in 2025 have improved in both clarity and speed, making them sharper and more responsive, even in low light. For me, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is a staple-versatile, fast, and perfect for everything from birds to larger mammals. When I need that extra reach, my 500mm f/4 comes in clutch, offering incredible sharpness and minimal distortion. The new generation of 500mm lenses is also significantly lighter than previous models, which makes handholding for extended periods more manageable. If I need even more zoom, I will often pair my lenses with a 1.4x teleconverter. In 2025, teleconverters will become more advanced, with improved coatings and better optical designs, meaning less loss of image quality and faster autofocus. However, always be mindful of the trade-off between extra reach and a potential drop in aperture size, which may affect your exposure and depth of field. Filters have also seen advancements, with polarizing filters now featuring cutting-edge coatings that reduce reflections and enhance contrast, especially when shooting in bright sunlight. ND filters (Neutral Density) have gotten more sophisticated too-some now come with variable settings, allowing you to control exposure without compromising on image quality, ideal for getting that perfect shot in high-contrast lighting. While having the right gear is essential, it is just as important to use it responsibly. Wildlife photography is all about observing animals in their natural environment without disrupting their behaviour. Drones have become increasingly popular for wildlife and marine photography, but they come with their own set of ethical concerns. The Canada Wildlife Act (CWA) protects wildlife and their habitats. Drones can disturb wildlife, so regulations are in place to ensure their safe use. It is critical to understand that drones can cause significant stress to animals, particularly birds and marine life. The loud noise, sudden movement, and intrusive presence can disrupt feeding, nesting, and migration behaviours. Always check for local drone regulations, and never fly a drone near sensitive wildlife areas, especially during breeding seasons or near marine life like whales, dolphins or seals without permission. You need a Species at Risk Act (SARA) research permit to fly a drone near whales. Without this permit, you face hefty fines and are banned from displaying any drone footage. When using a drone, try to keep your distance-this is key not just for following the law, but for minimizing disturbance to natural behaviors. Wildlife can be skittish, and the last thing you want is to cause unnecessary stress or force animals to flee. Wildlife is best observed at dawn or dusk when animals are naturally active and accustomed to the environment. Early arrival allows wildlife to get used to your presence without feeling threatened, and if you are a bird photographer, using a blind can be an excellent option to stay hidden and reduce your impact on their behaviour. The more we respect and understand these creatures, the better our photography becomes-not just in quality, but in ethics. Ultimately, you do not need to spend a fortune on gear but choosing lenses and accessories that offer the right balance of performance, portability, and versatility will make a huge difference in your shots.

5. Practice: Get Out There and Shoot Like You Mean It! The best way to get better at wildlife photography? Get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot! Fast-moving subjects, like eagles, can change direction in an instant-so you need to be quick on the draw. When I am capturing those majestic birds in flight, I lock my camera into Manual Mode for shutter speed and aperture but keep Auto ISO engaged to handle those unpredictable lighting shifts. That way, I am always ready for whatever the sky throws at me. Do not forget to set your focus mode to continuous and your shutter speed to high-speed burst-it is a game changer when those animals are on the move. But here is the thing, do not just focus on the settings, take a moment to appreciate what you are photographing. Whether it is the eagle’s wing slicing through the air or the elegance of a deer in the dawn mist, you are not just taking pictures, you are capturing the grace, the beauty, and the soul of these incredible creatures that most people can only dream of seeing up close. So, get out there, get your hands dirty, and immerse yourself in the action! Every shot is a chance to improve, and every moment in nature is a gift waiting to be captured.

6. Respect: Wildlife First, Always In 2025, respecting wildlife is more crucial than ever. When photographing animals, leave them exactly as you found them-both physically and emotionally. We must always prioritize their well-being, not just in terms of their environment, but also in their mental and emotional state. I firmly believe that an animal deserves to be photographed with dignity and integrity, never manipulated or forced into unnatural situations for the sake of a shot. Baiting is a practice I refuse to engage in. It is not just unethical-it can be dangerous for the animal. When you bait wildlife, you make them dependent on human interaction, which disrupts their natural behaviours and, over time, can lead to dangerous outcomes. For example, recent events like the tragic loss of the alpha female wolf in Banff serve as stark reminders that such interference can lead to fatal consequences. When animals lose their natural wariness of humans, they often end up in situations where conservation authorities must step in, sometimes with tragic results. It is also important to remember that animals within National Parks are in their true habitats, not in controlled enclosures. These are wild animals-unpredictable and powerful. We must respect their space and behaviour, especially when they are protecting their young. Set clear boundaries-both for your safety and theirs. Animals will defend their territory if they feel threatened, and as photographers, we must always be aware of this reality. Our job is to document their true nature-not create it. We capture the moments where animals are free, graceful, and authentic, never coerced or manipulated. Always approach your subject with a mindset of respect and humility, and remember, the best shots are the ones that honour the animal’s wild spirit. Remember, you are in their house and it is not a zoo out there. Treat it with respect and be safe!