How to Take Pictures of Wild Animals

If you’re going on safari and your idea of shooting wild animals involves a camera and some pictures, we can help.

Instructions

: Wild animals can be extremely dangerous. Never get out of your safari vehicle to get closer to an animal just for the shot; try using a longer lens.
Step 1: Research possible animals Do a little research to find out what type of animals you will most likely encounter. Faster animals call for faster lenses.
Step 2: Select the lowest possible ISO When you arrive at your locations, grab your camera and select the lowest possible ISO for the current lighting conditions.
TIP: Speed is the most important thing to consider when shooting moving animals. You may need to sacrifice a bit of 'noise' by selecting a higher ISO that will allow you to shoot with the fastest speeds possible.
Step 3: Mount the lens and teleconverter Mount your telephoto lens and teleconverter.
TIP: A 2x teleconverter doubles your focal length, meaning a 200mm lens becomes a 400mm lens. It also reduces your lens speed by an equal amount.
Step 4: Steady your camera Steady your camera or use a tripod to prevent any unwanted camera shake.
Step 5: Compose the shot Compose your shot.
Step 6: Set the speed and aperture Set the appropriate shutter speed and aperture.
Step 7: Focus on the area Focus on the area.
Step 8: Wait for the animal Now wait patiently for whatever animal you’re looking for, tiger, squid, Triple-Bellied Reverse Golden Finch, or whatever.
Step 9: Refocus and shoot When you see the animal, re-focus and begin to shoot. Get as many shots as you can, since it might be difficult to tell whether or not you’ve gotten the shot until after the fact.
FACT: National Geographic was first published in October of 1888.