Think Like a Naturalist and Do Your Research
I often talk about doing some research before you embark on a trip. I want you to think about research as studying for your final exam. You would never walk into your final exam without conducting hours of studying to get the best marks possible. So why potentially spend thousands of dollars to photograph a bucket list species without doing the same level of preplanning before you are out in the field.
By following the steps that we discuss in this post you will have a complete template of how to plan out your next photographic wildlife outing.
Your first decision should be, “What species do I want to photograph?”
Once you have that answer, you will want to learn more about these species. The species information that we suggest will be key to your decision-making process are as follows:
1– Species Habitats - You want to learn all the locations where they live and hunt. Depending on the animal that you want to photograph, there can be different locations where you can access them.
2– Migratory patterns - Where does the species migrate into areas that are more accessible for you. In the case of some birds, the migration paths can be thousands of miles. Understanding where they are at different times of year will be imperative to your successfully finding them.
3– Breeding seasons - Most species are more photogenic during their mating season. This is usually a popular time of year when people will be out photographing them. I am also going to go out on a limb and say that with most species, you will want to photograph their young. Who doesn’t want to photograph a baby animal? Right? In the case of the Canidae family like wolves, or one of the 36 species of the Felidae family of cats, this is also the best time to witness predation.
4– You should also research the secondary and tertiary species that may inhabit the same areas of the animals you want to photograph.
To help you do this research, you will want to use the endless sources of content out there to help you research different animals in every corner of the globe.
1– Streaming services like Netflix and BBC have an abundance of video series that cover wildlife on every continent. The narrator will discuss the seasons they are shooting the video series, they will key in on the best species behavior you might want to look at, and they will always mention locations they are visiting. This will help you begin to narrow down your decisions about what it is you want to photograph, where you have to go, and what time of year you could consider.
2– The Internet and social media have endless photos and an abundance of articles on every species around the world. This will help you further refine your research as you read about more specific options that you could consider as a location, and further learn about the species you are interested in.
3 – Finally, there are testimonials and input from those that have already photographed the species before you. All of the wildlife photographers here at Muench Workshops would be happy to answer your research questions in when you are ready to plan your next wildlife trip. This first-hand feedback will really help you narrow down your decisions of when, and where you want to go photograph your desired animal.
4 – Be Respectful of Your Subject and the Environment! As photographers, it is important to respect all wildlife. The long and short of it is to just use common sense. If you think that you are putting wildlife, or its natural habitat in danger stop what you’re doing and look for an alternative method to acquire the photo.
Here are four categories that we would consider detrimental to our wildlife.
Baiting or Feeding - This is often done with food that is not natural to their diet. Human food can be harmful to an animal looking for a free meal. It also habituates the animal to humans. If they view humans as a free meal they might put themselves in harm’s way on roadways or residential areas. It can also put humans at risk because the wildlife will approach the next human that comes along thinking its feeding time.
Destroying habitat – Try and practice a “leave no trace” method of being out in nature. When you leave, there should be a little trace that you were there. That goes for vehicles. Don’t blaze a trail out into the wilderness and destroy habitat. It is always better to park in a safe area and walk-in.
Crowding Wildlife – This tactic not only stresses the animal but also impacts the animal’s natural way of life like mating, raising young, and hunting.
Provoking animals for movement – This is one of the worst ways to capture a picture of an animal. There is no excuse for putting an animal under such duress in order to take a photo. Wildlife lives on the edge of life and death. They move only when they have to and feed only when necessary. Provocation puts a strain on the wildlife that just isn't necessary.
Our natural habitats have been constantly under pressure from things like urban expansion. Species are declining at an alarming rate because of a shift in climate. We owe the nature we love to visit our due diligence to ensure we are practicing a “leave no trace policy” and keeping ourselves, and the animals we enjoy photographing, safe.
Kev