Vic's Blog

Anyone who has dared to try it knows—it’s scary and exhilarating to photograph a large animal up close.  So when you see a close-up of an elk, you can bet that the photographer was crossing his or her fingers that that powerful animal would stay put for the duration. Every adventurer, trekker, or outdoors photographer knows you can’t dwell on the risks if you want to revel in nature’s rewards. 

At the same time, some precautions are sensible.

My approach to getting shots of dangerous wildlife focuses on three aspects: proper equipment, heightened awareness, and communication.

 Go Out Prepared

If I’m going on a shoot in which I plan to get bison picture, a Montana elk picture, or a nice bear shot, I go out prepared. 

Make sure that you have a good telephoto lens (400 to 600mm is best) so that you don’t have to get dangerously close to the animal to get the shot you want. 

If you’re using auto-focus, it’s best to turn that off, as the focusing motor can surprise the animals. 

Also, if you’re shooting digital, make the camera run as silently as possible; you can even muffle the sound of the shutter with a piece of cloth or a shirt if need be.  The last thing you want is for the animal to run off or get angry right when you focus on it.

Be Aware

Secondly, bring the right shoes and the proper equipment, but also a heightened sense of awareness.  Wildlife photography is dangerous.  Know the animals that you’re approaching; determine if you are approaching them in mating season or if you are between a cow elk and her calf.  Have an escape route and recognize when you are getting too close.  Always check to see if there are other animals around that you might not have noticed at first. 

Communicate With The Animals

The third point is specifically for shooters who have some experience with wildlife photography.  When I’m approaching a brown bear or a bison, I try to establish communication with the animal.  Often I speak to it.  I speak calmly using soothing “words”—low, hushed sounds. 

With this technique I have gotten as close as ten feet to a stand of bighorn sheep and I’ve gotten some amazing bison pictures, bear shots and Montana elk pictures.  Actually speaking words calms the animal.  It tells the animal that you are not sneaking up on it and that you are not dangerous to it.  It also soothes me when my adrenaline gets going!

If my lawyer were to see this blog, he’d want me to put in all sorts of provisos about not trying this ‘conversation’ approach with wild animals. Of course, you have to use your own judgment in the field. I’m just telling you what works for me out there!