Warning: How to is a Harrison's guide on how to do something and it does contain personal opinion and bias. Those who have opposing opinions on how to do should look away now.
As someone who has been doing wildlife photography for about two years now. Throughout this time I have learned a lot and feel pretty qualified to write this. A common misconception in photography is you need the best of the best equipment to get good photos, which isn't true. A photo isn't good because of its quality and resolution, it is good because of framing and contrast, as well as other aspects of the photo. I use the cheapest DSLR camera Nikon made two years ago. It isn't even in production anymore, but it does the job. Another incorrect ideology is that it takes an abundant amount of skill to be a photographer. In truth, there is no real skill required in photography and the little skill needed can be acquired over time. You can't really dictate on how someone should do photography; however, there are certain qualities that are necessary to pick up wildlife photography as a hobby. First things first is you need an eye for detail. Some people are born with one, but it can be achieved through learning and practice. What I mean by an eye for detail is being able to notice the major parts of a photo, such as the before mentioned framing and contrast. These are the key pieces that build the foundation for any photo. Another big quality in wildlife photography is patience. Patience is needed both in the field, waiting on the lighting for a perfect picture or going to the same place day after day until everything lines up just right for that image that has been resting in your head, and behind the computer, sifting through hundreds of the same pictures trying to the one that has that slight edge over the rest. The final main quality needed to do wildlife photography is the ability to enjoy it. It needs to be fun to you or else it will be such a chore and will actually affect your work.
We have talked on multiple occasions about your hobby of Wildlife Photography (we also talked about it being a possible career path). You have told me on multiple occasions how much you love it and how cool it is. It is amazing to finally hear more about how you do and what goes into being a wildlife photographer. I hope you continue to follow it as either a passion or a career and it takes you where you want to go. Keep up the great writing and have a great school year.
ReplyDelete- Gabe Poe