Steve Winter—Wildlife

Lessons 5–6

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he reaction of people to photographs of baby animals tells us that
there isn’t much difference between how we view people and how
we view animals. We get an emotional connection with the eyes in
photographs of both. We also have emotional connections with the activities
of animals, such as a female tiger playing with or protecting her young.
Wildlife photographers try to forge these emotional connections between
the subjects and the viewers of their photographs for a number of reasons,
perhaps most importantly, to interest the next generation in learning about
animals and to encourage responsible stewardship of the natural world.

Researching Animals
In photographing animals, it’s important to try to understand their behavior
and movement. Learn the times when the animal you’re interested in is
active, when it feeds, and where it sleeps.

Because many wild animals are extremely secretive, you might try using
a remote camera to photograph them. These cameras send out an infrared
beam; when the beam is broken, the camera shoots a photograph. If you use
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where the image will be captured; you want the photograph to look exactly
as it would if you were there and shooting it yourself.

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doesn’t allow the animal to move too much. A trail with a narrow choke
point might be a good spot.

Do research on the animals you’re interested in or talk to scientists or other
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and when certain animals lay their eggs. If you get a chance, photograph
researchers working with animals or animals in a protective facility. Not
only will you learn a great deal, but such opportunities show your viewers
how animals contribute to our lives outside of television or the movies. Any