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The Importance of Patience in Wildlife Photography
The Importance of Patience in Wildlife Photography
by Keenan Hursh
Last summer I was hiking Middle Teton just outside of Jackson, Wyoming. This is a long and strenuous hike that took me up over 6,000 feet from the valley floor over the course of about 13 miles. Due to the difficulty of this hike, I was debating bringing my camera, I knew it would add significant weight to my pack but decided to bring it along in the hopes of capturing some epic landscape shots.
As it turns out, this was the right call. I was greeted with stunning landscapes around every bend in the trail and over every ridge I ascended. What I didn’t plan for, however, was the abundance of wildlife I would see along my journey. From deer to grouse to pika and marmots, I found myself spending probably too much time photographing wildlife.
As the sun was rising, I came across a gorgeous Dusky Grouse right on the trail. There wasn’t much natural light available, but this curious bird kept perching itself on top of rocks as if it was begging me to take its picture. I got my camera out and began to capture images for the next 15-20 minutes. I was a bit nervous about reaching the top of the mountain in time, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass on. I waited and waited for this bird to hop its way onto an ideal perch with a perfect backdrop and eventually it happened. I snapped a few photos and got the shot. I enjoyed the sunrise with this grouse and continued my journey upwards.
As it turns out, this was the right call. I was greeted with stunning landscapes around every bend in the trail and over every ridge I ascended. What I didn’t plan for, however, was the abundance of wildlife I would see along my journey. From deer to grouse to pika and marmots, I found myself spending probably too much time photographing wildlife.
As the sun was rising, I came across a gorgeous Dusky Grouse right on the trail. There wasn’t much natural light available, but this curious bird kept perching itself on top of rocks as if it was begging me to take its picture. I got my camera out and began to capture images for the next 15-20 minutes. I was a bit nervous about reaching the top of the mountain in time, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass on. I waited and waited for this bird to hop its way onto an ideal perch with a perfect backdrop and eventually it happened. I snapped a few photos and got the shot. I enjoyed the sunrise with this grouse and continued my journey upwards.
I reached the top of the peak at about 9:30 AM after beginning my hike at 4:30 that morning. I took in the views and captured as many landscape shots and panoramic composites as I could. I had the peak all to myself and was surrounded by a crystal-clear blue sky. taking in all the scenery around me, I remained at the summit for over an hour.
At some point, a blur of motion in the direction of my pack caught my eye. A mischievous marmot was sniffing it, probably looking for a snack or perhaps attracted to the sweat that had been deposited on the hike up. I shooed him away and grabbed my pack. As I sat there this curious fellow kept coming back. He would creep through cracks in the rocks and pop up all around me. I was sitting at nearly 13,000 feet on barren rocks and I’m pretty sure this collection of boulders and solid granite was this marmot’s home.
As I observed this animal, I realized he was making his way up toward the pinnacle of the peak. The absolute high point of Middle Teton. I positioned myself in just the right spot, got my camera settings dialed, and waited for this Marmot to make his way over the jagged rocks. When he finally did, I was able to snap a picture at the perfect time and got one of my favorite marmot photos to date.
At some point, a blur of motion in the direction of my pack caught my eye. A mischievous marmot was sniffing it, probably looking for a snack or perhaps attracted to the sweat that had been deposited on the hike up. I shooed him away and grabbed my pack. As I sat there this curious fellow kept coming back. He would creep through cracks in the rocks and pop up all around me. I was sitting at nearly 13,000 feet on barren rocks and I’m pretty sure this collection of boulders and solid granite was this marmot’s home.
As I observed this animal, I realized he was making his way up toward the pinnacle of the peak. The absolute high point of Middle Teton. I positioned myself in just the right spot, got my camera settings dialed, and waited for this Marmot to make his way over the jagged rocks. When he finally did, I was able to snap a picture at the perfect time and got one of my favorite marmot photos to date.
Perhaps this hike wasn’t the typical setting or experience when it comes to wildlife photography but often times you can’t predict when and where you’ll observe wildlife. If there is one common thing that allowed me to capture these two images, it would have to be patience. I was in a rush trying to climb a mountain but because I slowed down and waited for the perfect moment I was rewarded with some great photos.
Patience and Wildlife Photography
Patience is a critical element when it comes to wildlife photography. Animals are unpredictable and can run off in the blink of an eye. In addition, the weather, lighting, and surrounding environment is constantly changing. If you want to tackle all these factors and set yourself up for success, you’ll need to give yourself ample time and learn the art of patience. So, let’s get into the specifics and discuss why you often need to slow down when photographing wildlife.
First and foremost, wildlife photography is all about capturing the natural behavior of animals. Wild animals are unpredictable, move around frequently, and each species behave differently. As a wildlife photographer, it is essential to wait patiently for the perfect moment to capture the ideal shot. This moment can take a few seconds, minutes, or even hours. If you’re photographing a small bird, for instance, it could leave your field of view in the blink of an eye. If you’re photographing a Bison, you will likely have much more time and flexibility as these animals slowly move throughout their environment. Bottom line, animals are unpredictable, and you will have to take the time to work around their behavior.
Additionally, wildlife photography requires a lot of research and planning. If your expectation is to just go out without any direction and get lucky you will likely be disappointed. You should extensively research and intimately understand your subjects before stepping outside. You’ll want to know where you’re most likely to see a specific animal, what time of day and year it’s most active, what plants it likes, what its diet is made up of, and more. If you can identify a location that your subject is likely to visit you can get yourself set up before the animal even arrives, reducing the odds of scaring it off. And there’s a good chance your subject won’t arrive in the area at all, meaning you might have to come back time and time again until you get lucky. Patience is key.
Another aspect of wildlife photography that requires patience is the art of learning how to properly use your gear. From mastering all the settings on your camera to quickly setting up your tripod or monopod and changing lenses, the more familiar you are with your equipment the more time you will spend actually taking pictures. You should know how to quickly and easily change your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO all while looking through your viewfinder. You should be able to quickly swap between lenses, autofocus settings, and stabilization settings depending on the specific subject you’re shooting. Mastering your gear takes time and patience, but once you have achieved this it will always pay off.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of wildlife photography is to respect the animals and their habitats. Photographers need to approach wildlife with care and patience. You’ll need to take your time and be respectful. This means waiting patiently for the animals to become comfortable with your presence. Trust me, they know you’re there. This is also essential if your aim is to capture your subject’s natural behavior. If you have just arrived at the scene your subject might be on edge, ready to flee, or at the very least they won’t be relaxed and comfortable which could lead to less pleasing images. As wildlife photographers we are visitors, and we need to deeply respect the animals we’re photographing and the places they call home.
Patience is a critical element when it comes to wildlife photography. Animals are unpredictable and can run off in the blink of an eye. In addition, the weather, lighting, and surrounding environment is constantly changing. If you want to tackle all these factors and set yourself up for success, you’ll need to give yourself ample time and learn the art of patience. So, let’s get into the specifics and discuss why you often need to slow down when photographing wildlife.
First and foremost, wildlife photography is all about capturing the natural behavior of animals. Wild animals are unpredictable, move around frequently, and each species behave differently. As a wildlife photographer, it is essential to wait patiently for the perfect moment to capture the ideal shot. This moment can take a few seconds, minutes, or even hours. If you’re photographing a small bird, for instance, it could leave your field of view in the blink of an eye. If you’re photographing a Bison, you will likely have much more time and flexibility as these animals slowly move throughout their environment. Bottom line, animals are unpredictable, and you will have to take the time to work around their behavior.
Additionally, wildlife photography requires a lot of research and planning. If your expectation is to just go out without any direction and get lucky you will likely be disappointed. You should extensively research and intimately understand your subjects before stepping outside. You’ll want to know where you’re most likely to see a specific animal, what time of day and year it’s most active, what plants it likes, what its diet is made up of, and more. If you can identify a location that your subject is likely to visit you can get yourself set up before the animal even arrives, reducing the odds of scaring it off. And there’s a good chance your subject won’t arrive in the area at all, meaning you might have to come back time and time again until you get lucky. Patience is key.
Another aspect of wildlife photography that requires patience is the art of learning how to properly use your gear. From mastering all the settings on your camera to quickly setting up your tripod or monopod and changing lenses, the more familiar you are with your equipment the more time you will spend actually taking pictures. You should know how to quickly and easily change your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO all while looking through your viewfinder. You should be able to quickly swap between lenses, autofocus settings, and stabilization settings depending on the specific subject you’re shooting. Mastering your gear takes time and patience, but once you have achieved this it will always pay off.
Finally, one of the most important aspects of wildlife photography is to respect the animals and their habitats. Photographers need to approach wildlife with care and patience. You’ll need to take your time and be respectful. This means waiting patiently for the animals to become comfortable with your presence. Trust me, they know you’re there. This is also essential if your aim is to capture your subject’s natural behavior. If you have just arrived at the scene your subject might be on edge, ready to flee, or at the very least they won’t be relaxed and comfortable which could lead to less pleasing images. As wildlife photographers we are visitors, and we need to deeply respect the animals we’re photographing and the places they call home.
In conclusion, patience is by far one of the most important skills in wildlife photography. It’s amazing what you can do when you slow down, take your time, and properly prepare yourself. Just like the images I captured on my hike last summer, you never want to rush yourself and miss unique and exciting opportunities. I hope this article was helpful and remember to slow down and take your time on your next wildlife photography adventure.
Until next time.
Until next time.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.