Wildlife Basics & Beyond

~~ Course Outline ~~

Take your wildlife photography to a new level - go well beyond the static portrait shots of wildlife by giving them impact, by capturing them in peak of action and by learning how to look and study behavior.  This course will help you to focus on improving your skills with each subject.

Subjects Covered

1.  Wildlife Portraits & Backgrounds  

Portraits:
You’ll learn the different styles of portraits and the use of cropping to make a portrait more than a portrait. 
You will bring special attention to your photos through learning & showing animal behavior and 
by incorporating the environment to show the animal in its natural surroundings.                     

Background:
Learn how to control the background so the subject becomes the focal point, to work around distracting elements and to create appealing backgrounds.

2.  The Eyes Have It  

Learn the importance of being able to see the eye and having it in focus.  Examples will be provided, including tips on using fill flash to create a highlight in the eye.

3.  Lighting & Special Techniques

Lighting:
You’ll learn to use natural light to create dramatic silhouettes and shadows.   
Exposure tips, covering numerous scenarios, such as backlighting with the sun in the shot, sunrises, and having a full moon in the frame, will be introduced.                

Special techniques:
Step outside of the box to create shots you don’t typically see, such as showing movement by using slow shutter speeds.

4.  Babies & Closeness

Babies:
Images of baby animals are always well received and protection of the baby will be stressed so that your presence does not make a predator aware of it.  Ideas on what to look for in creating a good baby wildlife image will be discussed.
                   
Closeness:
How close two animals are to each other either can make or break the look of your photo - this lessons’ primary focus is on composition and the positioning of the subjects.   

5.  Documenting & Capturing the Moment  

Documenting:
Learn how to spend time with a subject and capture as much different behaviors as possible.
Research - participants will do research that will help them, should they have the opportunity to photograph a particular subject.
         
Capture the moment:
Get a photo of an animal in peak action.  Tips include watching the behavior to see what they do before a certain action, the use of a cable release and how to use your equipment to its fullest capabilities
         
6.  Birds in Flight  

These instructions are on how to get better flight shots, which include how to best capture a bird in the viewfinder, tracking with it, ISO manipulation and positioning with the sun and wind.