SHOOT WINTER WILDLIFE
Unlock your knowledge of photography and learn animal behaviour to capture awe-inspiring moments
Achieving the perfect winter wildlife shot can be a challenging task that demands patience, skill and perseverance. Waiting for hours in the freezing cold isn’t exactly a photographer’s dream scenario; however, once you’ve pressed the shutter and got the perfect photo, all those difficulties are quickly forgotten. During the winter months, some creatures are more active than usual. As food is scarce, they’re drawn out of their hiding places, making this the perfect time to see them. In addition, the environmental changes often give us a better view of the animals. Bare branches, trees and bushes allow us to spot wildlife more easily, and also to frame the animals with fewer distractions.
Winter wildlife photography is a thrilling experience that not only gives you the opportunity to observe and understand animal behaviour in a way that few other activities can, but will also help you become a better photographer. Facing freezing temperatures poses a unique set of challenges, so we must also consider the impact of snow on our gear when choosing the correct exposure. Furthermore, we need to locate the places inhabited by our chosen wildlife, and make every effort to remain as unobtrusive as possible, in terms of both our appearance and our behaviour, so that we don’t disturb the animals.
In this guide we’ll outline some of the best methods for spotting and capturing winter wildlife through your camera lens, while also sharing advice on how you can protect and weatherproof your equipment.