The Tricky Art of Photographing Wildlife

Recently I had the opportunity to spend some quality time at my parent's home for a long (and much needed) weekend.  They live on sprawling farmland surrounded by woods.  Being immersed in nature as they are, a 4 seasons room is necessary and for me, the perfect venue to try my hand at photographing wildlife (open the windows, sit on the couch, aim your camera, and pray the wildlife does not enter into the room).  Since my parents are avid bird lovers, there were numerous opportunities to photograph tons of beautiful birds.  Who knew that Orioles loved grape jelly?


Throughout the weekend I learned some valuable tips about shooting wildlife photography and I'd like to share them with you:

1. A telephoto lens is a must ... wild animals do not like people that close to them and birds are especially sensitive!  The sound of the camera taking a photo is enough to scare all of them away.
2. A tripod is also vital ... telephoto lenses are heavy and a lot of times photographing animals is a waiting game. Trust me when I say that your arm will get tired.
3. Find a spot and focus your camera there ... Scoping out your surroundings is key.  For example I knew that there was a lot of activity around the feeders and that grape jelly, so I mounted my camera and focused it on the spot - that way I was ready for the precise moment the birds arrived.
4. Patience is definitely a virtue ... I cannot tell you how many hours I sat and waited.  Granted these were peaceful stress-free hours, but the birds knew I was there.  Insert some hilarious moments where I tried to hide myself under blankets, etc in order to get a good shot.
5. Out of many photos, many hours, you may find one good shot ... This is a reoccurring theme in my blog, but one that inevitably holds true - even more so it seems in nature photography.

Now I understand that sitting in my parents sunroom in my PJs waiting for birds to eat grape jelly is not true wildlife photography - but I'm a novice and somewhat lazy.  Since this was my first adventure into the realm, I would hope you die hards out there will cut me some slack.  For those of you looking to try it, I recommend the tips above and starting out small.  Let me know what you think of the shots and please visit my FlickR Feed to the right for the rest of the wildlife shots.  Enjoy!

As always www.alkohlmannimagery.com :)
A.L. Kohlmann

Back to Basics: 10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo

Every few months I take a moment to step back and re-evaluate my work.  Is there something I can do better?  Is there a place I haven't shot yet - maybe right in front of me?  And I take note of where I need to grow.  I began doing photography at a very young age.  My father was a photographer for a long time and until I moved out on my own I had full access to an in-home darkroom.  Over the years I had this amazing opportunity to create, explore, and experiment with what I felt visually appealing.  As the years went on and I lost that immediate access to a darkroom, I made the transition to digital photography.  I will always be in love with the idea of black and white film, rolled in a pitch black room - photos shot with a camera older than yourself, and that peaceful, calming process of being alone in the darkroom with your film and your thoughts, eagerly anticipating the end product.  With that said, I revel in the excitement and versatility that digital photography has to offer.  While I feel that I have learned a lot over the years since I been shooting digital, I find that every once in a while I need to take a step back and go "Back to Basics."

I recently read an article called "10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo" by Darren Rowse featured on www.digital-photography-school.com.  I found this article to be both insightful and helpful in taking me back to basics.  Rowse states that there are 10 major questions you should ask yourself:

What story am I trying to tell with this photo?

1. What story am I telling?

2. What is the visual focal point of this shot?

3. What competing focal points are there?

4. What is in the background and foreground?

5. Am I close enough?

6. What is the main source of light?

7. Is my Framing Straight?

8. What other perspectives could I capture this subject from?

9. How would holding the camera in the other format change this shot?

10. How will the eye travel through this image?

Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/10-questions

Oh course I ask that you read the post itself and then consider taking an inventory of your work.  This article is a good basis for both beginning photographers and a reminder to those of us who have been shooting for many years.

While these 10 Questions are important and fundamental to our work, there are many that would argue that asking too many questions or thinking too hard about your shots may cause you to miss something wonderful or take the joy out of the process.  Whether you need the 10 Questions or not, just remember what photography is all about: Shooting photos from the heart.  You remember that and you will make beautiful memories.

Visit http://www.alkohlmannimagery.com/

#A.L. Kohlmann