Top Tips from the Pros on How to Take Wildlife Photos
Any seasoned photographer will tell you, wildlife photography is difficult.
Your subject is likely on the move, possibly camouflaged and probably not into paparazzi. Even getting great shots of your domestic cat or people-pleasing-pup can be a challenge. But before you give up on capturing wildlife in its element, here are a few top tips from the experts that will certainly help on your upcoming epic vacation in Costa Rica.
Get (more) comfortable with your camera
Before you set out to photograph some macaws at the beach in Dominical, make sure you’re comfortable with your camera. If you pulled your Nikon camera out, the one you haven’t used in years, be sure to re-familiarize yourself with the settings and get some practice shots in before your vacation. Experts suggest you brush up on shutter speeds.
Shooting an animal at rest, like the sloth photographed above, who lounged on the same branch at Tulu Azul all day long, will require different settings than capturing those quick moving white-faced monkeys chasing each other through the tree-tops at Casa Pura Vida. Here’s a great overview from an expert wildlife photographer so you can learn more.
It’s all about the eyes
Just as with humans, capturing the eyes of wildlife creates emotion in the viewer. It’s how we connect. Oftentimes, expert photogs will get to eye level with wildlife. While it’s not always possible to catch your subject looking, or get on eye level with those in the tree-tops, capturing the eyes is a great goal to have. All of these frog shots are amazing, but the top two really make your eyes bulge.
Pay attention to the background
You went down to Playa Dominical to enjoy a lazy day at the beach, when suddenly the biggest iguana you’ve ever laid eyes on rushes down the palm tree and then freezes, looking you dead in the eye. But, he’s right in front of a row of parked cars. It’s not the photo you wanted. In this situation, experts suggest considering if a close-up might do the trick. Zoom right in on your scaly subject until you’ve captured every little line, crease and wrinkle on his face. Those tires will fade to black, out of focus in the background.
Anticipate wildlife behavior
To get amazing action shots, you need to be ready when your subject makes a move. If you are familiar with the species you’re photographing, this will be easier. While howler monkeys and sloths tend to sit pretty for the picture, toucans and white-faced monkeys are notorious for moving right when you zoom in. I have noticed the toucans and macaws around my home prefer to stop at specific trees as they pass by. The toucans often snack on a few mandarinas. The macaws seem to select the tallest trees. Knowing where they will stop on a branch and in which direction they’ll take flight again helps you stay one step ahead when you start snapping.
No selfies allowed
In Costa Rica, taking selfies with animals is prohibited. Costa Rica is a world leader in animal conservation and has even eliminated all zoos this year. It is okay to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat however no tourist, or resident for that matter, should take any photos of themselves handling, feeding or holding wildlife. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica reminds everyone, “Costa Rican government guidelines from the Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía do not allow wildlife selfies of any kind.”
“You can visit all the places where animals live and take as many pictures as you wish, as long as you respect their natural behaviors and keep a safe distance,” Animal Rescue Costa Rica states. For the full guidelines, click here.
In addition to the animals and insects around our vacation rental villas, you can also photograph wildlife on most tours. The national parks in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, as well as Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge, are a trio of fantastic options for anyone hoping to capture wildlife photographs on their vacation to Costa Rica.
