Animals

I have so much respect for wildlife, pet, and any other animal photographers. Animals are challenging.

Wild animals have very keen senses. Most run they they hear, see, or smell anything out of the ordinary. The closest I have got for a "wildlife" picture is this squirrel. So, I think it's safe to say I may not have a future in that field.

Pets are also a pain. People that get pictures are usually shocked at how they photographer can get their pet to cooperate. I know when I try to photograph my pets they will not hold still. When I crouch down to get a good shot, they attack me with kisses. When they do set still, their faces are not in a pleasant expression. I believe dogs have feelings, because I can see boredom and annoyance written all over their faces.

So, how do they do it?
National Geographic has compiled a list of tips for the aspiring wildlife photographer. First of all, you have to stick to it. You may go out for an hour and not seeing anything or not getting a good shot. And that is perfectly normal. Many photographers spend weeks, months, even years trying to get the right shot. The point is too not get disappointed, and be patient. Another tip is to get the right kind of equipment. For many animals, it will be nearly impossible to get close enough for a good photograph without scaring them off. This is where a good lens can help. A high powered lens can take a picture from yards away and seem like your were toe to toe with a wild animal. And the last tip is to not forget the animal's environment. Sure, we all like close ups of animals we could never even see at a zoo, but sometimes where the animal lives is just as powerful. Getting an animal's habitat in a photo can add more to a photo and create a greater more beautiful picture.

Pet photographers have a few tricks and tips of their own too. First of all, avoid the flash. This can harm an animal's eyes and also cause red eye in the picture. Now how do they get them to look so attentive in the picture? They catch them off guard. Pet photographers usually let the pet start playing. Most pets might fall asleep or forget that the photographer is even there. So, when the picture is ready to take the picture they might call their name or blow a whistle. This usually causes the pet to look in the direction of the noise and sit up straight. And just like with wildlife, the key is to be patient. Animals usually don't listen to reason, so you just have to wait for the right shot to happen and keep trying.

“You know, sometimes the world seems like a pretty mean place.' 

'That's why animals are so soft and huggy.” 
― Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes