5 Animal Photography Tips For Beginners

Your home does not have to be in the jungles or some remote and untouched region to be able to enjoy and take great animal photographs. Wherever there are animals, there is the potential for a great photograph. With the right knowledge of how to use your equipment and the environment to your advantage, you can take breathtaking animal photos. For me, some of my favorite animal photos come from my own home state. My husband worked at a theme park in Florida until just recently so I am a big fan of the nature parks like Sea World and Busch Gardens. For an animal photographer, these parks are like an unlimited buffet. Armed with my camera and equipment, I have captured some great animal shots, many that adorn our walls at home. Here I would like to share some of my experiences with you and pass on some of the tips and tricks I have learned from experience and fellow photographers who have helped me.

Tip 1: Make sure to focus on the eyes
The eyes are the window to the soul and as humans; we are drawn to the eyes. Animals cannot speak with words like we do, they speak through their eyes. The eyes are where the passion, emotion, and inner animal can be seen clearly. Having the eyes in focus can make or break a photo. Even if the photo is blurred the photo can still be saved if the animal’s eyes are in focus. I had experience with this on many occasions when doing shoots at Busch Gardens and Sea World.

Tip 2: Do your homework and plan ahead
You do not have to have access to wild and exotic animals to take great photos. Your own pets and the various animals that live in your neighborhood can be photographed. Is that same couple always feeding birds at the park? Ask them if you could photograph the birds as they gather around. Does the dog next door do quirky things when the family is away for the day? There is a unique opportunity there for some memorable shots. Is there a zoo, nature park, butterfly house, or some other collection of animals in your area? Even the simplest and most common of animals can be the subject of amazing photography; all you have to do it take the time to plan ahead and see what is around you.

Tip 3: Pay attention to your backgrounds and your foregrounds
We remember foregrounds ad background when we work with human subjects, but tend to forget them when we deal with animals. They can be just as important as the animal itself. Your background and the foreground can go a long way in creating moods, changing the settings, and flipping the tones for the photographs we take. Framing a photo with a simple background object can greatly impact the composition of the photo. Using foreground objects can create depth and a dramatic flair. When taking pictures of groups of animals, this can be of particular use because incorporating the scenery ties all of the animals together and makes a dramatic shot. Be sure to play around with your backgrounds and foregrounds; you may be surprised at how much it can impact your photographs.

Tip 5:Practice every chance that you get
It may seem like common sense but it is great advice that is well worth hearing again. The more you practice the better you will get. Remember to take that camera with you everywhere and do not be afraid to take photos of anything and everything that catches your eye. Even if it is of the neighbor’s dog or your cat, the squirrels in the park, the birds in the backyard, or that raccoon that raids the bird feeder at night, it can all be the next great photograph. The opportunities are almost as endless as your potential subjects, so get out there and get snapping!

Sarah Jo Coryell is a photography buff and freelance writer for Photo.net where you can find photography tips, photography equipment reviews, photos and more.