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In episode two, we look at how you can get close to wildlife ethically.

Last time

We looked at preparation and the important things to consider before you go. In this episode, I share some of the ways that you can get ‘close’ to wildlife ethically.

Ethics

• Respecting wildlife comes first: never disturb, stress, or change their behaviour.
• Disturbing animals ruins both the shot and the experience.
• Be a “silent guest” in nature.

Understand animal behaviour

• Learn as much as you can about the body language of the animals you are interested in
• Most animals give clear signs that they feel stressed or threatened
• Ideally, use a guide who is experienced and understands these behaviours
• Always listen to briefings before venturing out to see animals

Stealth techniques

• Movement: Slow and deliberate, avoid sudden shifts.
• Clothing: Neutral tones or camouflage to blend with the environment.
• Scent: Wind direction matters (animals may smell you before they see you).
• Noise: Silence is key—turn off phone notifications, use soft footsteps.
• Optional tools: blinds, hides, or natural cover.

Using Distance & Lenses

• Use telephoto lenses (e.g., 300mm–600mm) to maintain distance.
• Cropping in post-processing as a safer alternative to physically moving closer.
• Shoot in RAW and at the largest file size your camera will support

Let wildlife come to you

• Instead of pursuing, pick a good spot and wait.
• Animals behave naturally when they don’t feel threatened.

Your checklist

• Respect animal space.
• Move slowly, dress neutrally, minimise noise/scent.
• Use long lenses.
• Study animal behaviour.
• Patience

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This is episode one of eight, where we will take a deeper dive into how to take great wildlife photographs.

We’re going to start with preparation. Good preparation can make all the difference between a successful shoot and a complete disaster.

Here are the key things you will need to consider:

Research & Planning

• Selecting locations based on season, wildlife activity, and accessibility
• Checking local regulations and protected areas
• Understand animal behaviour for ethical photography
• Passes and documentation

Gear & Equipment

• Camera body, lenses (telephoto for wildlife, wide for landscapes)
• Tripods, monopods, and stabilisers
• Clothing: camo or muted colours, weather-appropriate layers
• Optional: binoculars, field guides, GPS

Health & Safety

• Staying hydrated, packing snacks, and a first-aid kit
• Understanding environmental risks: terrain, weather, wildlife encounters
• Letting someone know your location
• Vaccinations
• Insurance (for medical evacuations, etc.)

Mindset & Patience

• Be ready to shoot and to wait quietly for hours
• Mentally prepare for unpredictable wildlife
• Maintaining ethical distance and practices

Your checklist

• Research the location and species
• Pack camera gear and backup gear where possible
• Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing
• Prepare snacks, water, and first aid
• Mental readiness

Next episode:

Next time, we’ll dive into the secrets of getting close to wildlife without disturbing them. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

For more information:

Check out my PDF “A Brief Guide to Wildlife Photography” for more ideas.

Please remember to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE.

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

Or, if you've been inspired to improve your photography, download my FREE guide to 10 ways to improve your photography today.
10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

If you've had value from this podcast, please help me to continue with them. Most people don't, but if you would like to make a small contribution, how about a coffee? You can buy me a coffee here.

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

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Do you ever feel stuck, endlessly tweaking photos, searching for that 'perfect' look that seems just out of reach? You're not alone. We've all been conditioned to believe in a singular ideal of photographic perfection. But what if I told you that once you understand the truth about the 'perfect shot,' you'll not only take better photos but also find more joy in your photography? Let's discover why.

There are two photography quotes that I particularly like:

Ansel Adams: “There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.”

David Alan Harvey: “Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”

In this podcast, I’ll talk through why I like these quotes and why being too focused on achieving the perfect shot can backfire and stop you from producing anything.

I’ll also talk you through a few exercises. The first is from my online course “Discovering DSLR and Mirrorless Photography”, where I ask you to look at an image that you regard as ‘perfect’ (or as near as, as makes no difference). And look at specific elements, such as lighting and composition. How has the photographer approached these elements, and what makes them work so well?

I also suggest that you take the ‘imperfection challenge’ (and let me know in the comments if you would like me to create a formal challenge for you):

1. Shoot out of focus
2. Breach the composition rules
3. Deliberately use the wrong camera settings (i.e. exposure, iso, etc.)
4. Only allow yourself one-take shots (so no ‘chimping’)
5. Use the worst angles you can find.

Ironically, you’re likely to open up a door into a whole new level of creativity… and how you define your perfect shot is likely to change, too.

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

Or, if you've been inspired to improve your photography, download my FREE guide to 10 ways to improve your photography today.
10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

If you've had value from this podcast, please help me to continue with them. Most people don't, but if you would like to make a small contribution, how about a coffee? You can buy me a coffee here.

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.