Main image photographed by Janaina Matarazo (c).
Wildlife photographers have to face many challenges as they find themselves in a wide variety of shooting conditions, often for long periods of time. It can be difficult to predict exactly what challenges you will be faced with but having a few handy essentials with you at all times will make improvising easy. Here's our list of top five essentials every wildlife photographer should be carrying their field bag.
1. Monocular or Binoculars
Any experienced wildlife photographer will tell you that much of their time in the field is spent waiting. Hours are spent scouting surrounds and the horizon for the intended subject. It is a lot more comfortable and practical to use binoculars or a monocular for this than your camera. You’ll enjoy a much closer view than your super telephoto lens can give you, which makes it possible to easily spot your subject from an increased distance. You can then plan and action the best approach route to get to an optimum location for shooting without starling your subject. As you’re never quite sure what weather conditions you’ll be faced with, it is generally advised that you look for completely waterproof binoculars or monocular. Compare price, magnification, physical dimensions, weight, and optical quality when choosing the best option for your gear cupboard.
2. Tripod
While a tripod may be a little awkward to carry, it really is a wildlife photographer’s best friend when it comes to supporting heavy cameras and long lenses for extended periods of time. Due to the fact that most of the best wildlife photography opportunities happen during the early morning or late evening hours and very slow shutter speed is needed, a tripod and the stability it provides is a definite essential. Tripods will also help you keep fatigued at bay during the many hours spent waiting and scouting your surrounds, as it keeps your photographic gear ready and waiting at your disposal.
Carbon fibre tripods provide superior vibration dampening as well as more durability while being exceptionally lightweight. It would also be a good idea to try and find one without a centre column as these designs are arguably more stable and can easily be set up and used flat on the ground.
3. Bean Bag
The bean bag is the ideal camera support for wildlife photographers when a tripod simply isn’t practical. They are adaptable and can be used to stabilise a long lens in numerous locations such as over a safari vehicle door, on a wet rock or uneven ground for a low perspective.
4. Lens Cleaning Cloths
With the variety of different outdoor locations and conditions you’ll be shooting in, it’s likely that you will often find that your lens will pick up dust and dirt. Make sure that you have a few lens cleaning cloths with you, each one separately packed in a dust and waterproof plastic sleeve.
5. Right Angled Viewfinder
When going after that low perspective for a more natural looking shot, trying to position yourself low to the ground behind your camera can cause some strain on the neck. A right angled viewfinder will ensure that you no longer have to strain your neck when working low to ground for extended periods of time.
Wildlife photographers of all levels as well as nature enthusiasts should not miss the Wild Shots Wildlife Photography Symposium 2015 for all the latest trends, expert advice, workshops and tales from the field! For more information, see our blog post providing an overview of the Cape Town Wild Shots Event.