Vic's Blog

Photographing wildlife can be an incredible experience. Spending time outdoors, tracking animals, getting great shots, living off the land…it can make for a memorable week!

But it can also be miserable.

A common mistake among inexperienced photographers is taking too much equipment. It’s happened to all of us; you set out with what feels like a light pack and, after hours of Colorado hiking, your gear becomes so heavy that you want to give up.

Making wildlife photography rewarding has to do with how you prepare and especially what equipment you bring with you.

Here are some ideas for lightening your load:

     -Use lightweight lenses whenever you can.  Often an ƒ/4 lens will weigh less than an ƒ/2.8 at the same focal length. Less glass in there!

     -If light conditions allow it, always bring lighter lenses—you’ll thank me later!

     -Try using a monopod instead of a tripod.  You can achieve similar shots with a monopod in combination with an optically-stabilized lens… instead of a much more cumbersome tripod in tow.  If you can get a lightweight, carbon-fiber monopod that’s even better.

Keep in mind that animals often have more acute senses of hearing and smell. Once you get in range of the animal you want to photograph, remember these simple rules: 

     -Approach from downwind.

     -Minimize any noise an animal might hear by treading lightly.

     -Take the least ‘exposed’ route to the shot… that is, stay under cover of brush and trees instead of being out in the open for animals to catch sight of you suddenly.

     -Carry no food and certainly don’t smoke.

     -Seems funny, but you might even rub dirt on yourself to minimize your body odor.

     -Don’t wear after shave, perfume, antiperspirant or any scent whatsoever.

I’ll cover more in-depth techniques for photographers interested in getting great Colorado wildlife shots. In the meantime, get out there and try it for yourself!