For Wildlife Photographers, Little Things Mean A Lot

Wildlife photographers are always looking for that big tip that will dramatically improve their success and lead to the dream shot. However, like most accomplishments, great images are more often the result of doing many little things correctly. When viewed individually, many of these practices appear to be inconsequential. However collectively, they'll make you better prepared to capture a great image in those fleeting seconds of golden opportunity afield. Here are four tips that focus on little things, yet will make you a better and more productive photographer.

Headwear is essential for sun protection and cutting down on glare. Many photographers just grab a baseball cap and head out the door. Baseball caps are actually a poor choice for wildlife photographers. The bill is too long and wide. This compromises peripheral vision as well as the ability to see birds flying overhead and perching in trees. Baseball-style caps are also a drawback when quickly bringing your eye to the camera viewfinder. The bill hits the camera, causing distraction, movement and lost opportunity. A better alternative is a paddling-style cap with a soft, flexible bill that is narrow and fairly short.

Headwear is essential for sun protection and cutting down on glare. Many photographers just grab a baseball cap and head out the door. Baseball caps are actually a poor choice for wildlife photographers. The bill is too long and wide. This compromises peripheral vision as well as the ability to see birds flying overhead and perching in trees. Baseball-style caps are also a drawback when quickly bringing your eye to the camera viewfinder. The bill hits the camera, causing distraction, movement and lost opportunity. A better alternative is a paddling-style cap with a soft, flexible bill that is narrow and fairly short.

Of course sunglasses are a must when paddling and scouting for wildlife, but be sure to take them off when shooting. Photography is all about the quality of light. You can't accurately judge the light while wearing sunglasses. In addition, sunglasses eliminate glare from your vision but not from your images. If you leave them on when shooting, you may think your images are glare-free only to be disappointed with your actual results. Always wear a glasses lanyard or strap so that you can just drop your sunglasses to your chest and immediately begin shooting when the opportunity arises. Wildlife photography is a game of seconds and most subjects won't stay long enough to allow a second chance if you're fumbling with your sunglasses.

Don't leave home without a good pair of binoculars, but do leave the standard neck strap behind. The strap that came with the binoculars will only cause you discomfort, trouble and regret. A day afield with a couple of pounds of deadweight hanging from your neck is guaranteed to literally be a pain in the neck. If you're shooting from a kayak, the binoculars will cause further problems by swinging through the air from your neck like a miniature wrecking-ball every time you lean forward, making noise and knocking things overboard. It's also very alarming to be leaning over the water a bit and suddenly realizing that your binocs are dangling partially submerged.

The solution is a chest harness strap that holds the binoculars tighter against the chest while still allowing them to be very easily brought to viewing position. A harness strap also completely removes the weight from your neck. The difference is remarkable. Try it and you'll never go back to that evil factory-issued standard strap again.

Many photographers are content to wear river sandals or old athletic shoes when out shooting from a boat. Unfortunately, that type of footwear scoops up water and delivers it to the bottom of the boat. Water represents instant death to your camera electronics and you should do everything possible to keep the two separated. Waterproof, breathable boots are not only comfortable in any weather, but they also bring almost no water into the boat. They're also great if the need arises to exit the boat and stalk wildlife into the woods. With good boots, you can beach anywhere without fear of the thorny brambles, sucking mud and broken shells that can be so tough on sandal-clad feet.

Lastly, quality waterproof boots provide the best traction when entering or exiting that boat filled with expensive camera gear. A slip can send you crashing down on thousands of dollars of fragile gear.

Give these four tips a try on your next day afield for a smoother and more productive day of photography. Good luck and good shooting!

--John Van Den Brandt