4 Tips To Photographing Animals

Why do we love Exotic Animals? Well, one main reason is that they are so beautiful!

If you are reading this blog, then I know that every time you go to a zoo, or wildlife park, you take countless photos of the amazingly gorgeous animals there…Maybe for their sheer size, their technicolour colorations, or for their athletic physiques…

…Either way, if you are an amateur, I’m sure you have looked at those photos and wished they really captured the wonder you saw from behind the camera and with the naked eye…

I thought I’d bring you some expertise on this subject for your next outing. Maybe you’ll plan an adventure just to take some breathtaking photos of the wildlife!

Photo Above: taken by me, Kimberly Edwards

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Tips for Photographing Animals
By Debbie Jensen

You can’t pose undomesticated animals per say, but you can capture the moment?even if it looks like you posed them. Much of the same principles apply towards photographing animals as it does towards humans. Keep these basic principles in mind as you photograph animals:

1) Eye contact is important, but not always necessary. In some instances, a pose with eye contact from an animal works. In my opinion, this type of pose is equivalent to a traditional, formal portraiture. When the pose works, the body position is natural and shows the full-body.

2) The surrounding setting is important too. If there are a couple of background textures and tones which complement the animal and setting, this would be perfect! In this way, the animal and setting (the background) contain visual unity.

3) The camera’s flash fills in shadows and enhances the appearance of humans, as well as animals. Take a fill flash photograph and look for the shadows on and around the animal’s body. Now, take another photograph without the flash. Without the flash, part of the animal’s face is darkened and the shadows are not as pleasing to the eye. The shadows tell us about the form and shape of an object. Normally though, shadows can add beauty to forms.

4) Viewpoint perspectives can make or break a photograph. Sometimes, shooting down on an animal works and other times not. Photographers have to make needed adjustments for each situation. While maintaining eye contact with an animal, just as with people, the animal should not be straining his or her neck to look at you (or the camera). Make sure the pose of the animal is not disturbing to look at. The animal should look true to form and natural.

Photo above: taken by Kimberly Edwards [This is a shot that I think worked from an angle above the animal. What do you think?]

Basically, make sure the animal looks content and relaxed. Watch your background too. Sometimes, all you have to do is move to the side a few steps to get that memorable shot! (revised 2/15/2006)

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer
http://www.debjensendesigns.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Jensen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-for-Photographing–Animals&id=100536

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! I did, and I learned a lot too.

Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Discover the Secrets that Will Have You Taking Beautiful Photographs in No Time At All – Even If You Have Absolutely No Photography Experience Whatsoever! Check it out here:

Beginner’s Guide to Photography

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Yup, that's right! I have always wanted to start an animal refuge of my own...If you would like to help me start my animal refuge, please Click Here! Live Exotically!

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