Discover the secrets of wildlife photography with tips from Dennis Fast – DiscoverWestman.com

Photographing wildlife can be a rewarding experience as it allows you to capture the beauty of nature, and the ongoing warm fall weather offers plenty of opportunities to capture great images of animals in the wild. The renowned photographer Dennis Fast from Steinbach gives valuable tips for photographing animals that respect their space and behavior. This way you can get the most out of your wildlife photography while also being considerate of the animals.

1. Move slowly and be patient

One of the most important tips is to move slowly. Animals can be spooked easily, so patience is the key to success, according to Fast. He often waits for hours in his vehicle or in the blind and quietly observes his surroundings. This silence makes wildlife feel safe and more likely to approach them.

“I sat in my vehicle for two hours hoping that a bittern would fly out of the swamp. Since I saw them in the distance and had my lens pointed at the swamp, I simply turned the camera and started shooting when a bittern suddenly rose 150 feet away. I wasn’t even sure I had it in the viewfinder, but I got some great shots.”

Tip: Find a good spot

Use your vehicle as a “blind” to stay hidden. Park at a distance where you can observe the animals without disturbing them. Fast says a little waiting can lead to incredible photo opportunities!

2. Avoid direct eye contact

When photographing animals, try not to make direct eye contact. Fast says this can signal to them that they are being watched. Instead, keep your gaze to the side. He recounts an unforgettable experience when he waited for a sandhill crane to approach. By staying still and out of sight, he was able to capture beautiful moments as the crane passed near the photographer.

Tip: get involved

Wear natural colors to blend in with your surroundings. Avoid bright clothing that might attract an animal’s attention.

3. Respect their space

Always remember how close you get to animals. Some photographers may want to get up close to get the perfect shot, but this can put a strain on wildlife. It is important to maintain a respectful distance so as not to disrupt their natural behavior.

Tip: Use a zoom lens

A good zoom lens will allow you to take close-up shots from a distance, minimizing the impact on the animals.

4. Be patient

When photographing wildlife, you often have to wait. Almost emphasizes that patience can lead to great rewards. For example, he has spent countless hours waiting for a wolf to appear. Sometimes the silence and stillness alone can lead to amazing interactions.

Tip: Bring snacks and comforts

Be prepared to spend time in nature by bringing snacks, water, and comfortable seating. This can help you relax and enjoy the waiting game.

5. Connect with the animals

Surprisingly, Fast has discovered that howling can sometimes attract wolves. When he howls, they listen and maybe even come closer out of curiosity. While this may not work for every species, it shows the importance of understanding animal behavior.

Tip: Find out more about the animals

Research the animals you want to photograph. Knowing their habits and preferences can increase your chances of getting great shots.

Have fun shooting!

Photographing wildlife can be a magical experience when done respectfully. By moving slowly, avoiding direct eye contact, respecting their space and being patient, you can capture stunning images while minimizing disturbance to the animals. Remember, the goal is to enjoy and appreciate nature while creating beautiful memories through your lens.