National Geographic Masters of Photography

(nextflipdebug2) #1

kind of straightforward pictures are what you like, by all means, shoot them.
But photography is also about how you think—how you see the world and
perceive things. You may get more interesting images if you try to stretch
your imagination and creativity.


Telling a Story in Pictures
When you’re creating a story with pictures—even if it’s only a few images—
make sure it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Try a long shot that sets
WKHVFHQHWKHQJHWLQWLJKWHURQ\RXUVXEMHFWVDQG¿QDOO\VKRZWKHFOLPD[
RI\RXUVWRU\²SHUKDSVKXQGUHGVRIELUGVLQÀLJKW,QWKHPLGGOHEXLOGXS
your story with shots of the surroundings, including other people who have
come to view the wildlife. And don’t forget to try different techniques in
your photographs; use a remote or put the camera on a tripod and try various
time exposures.


Using Remotes with Wildlife
Photographing animals often requires different kinds of remote cameras.
Some remotes operate with a simple cable release, while others are radio
controlled. You can also set up a camera trap, which is a location with a
remote camera that sends out an infrared pulse or beam. The camera and
ÀDVK¿UHZKHQVRPHWKLQJEUHDNVWKDWEHDPLQRWKHUZRUGVWKHDQLPDOWDNHV
its own picture. Remotes are useful for showing animals up close but still
EHKDYLQJQDWXUDOO\²QHVWLQJIHHGLQJ¿JKWLQJDQGVRRQ%XWNHHSLQPLQG
that you don’t need expensive remote systems to get a good picture. Many
times, you just need to be in place with a camera and ready to shoot.


Finding Subjects
(YHQ VPDOO ]RRV DQG RWKHU FDSWLYH IDFLOLWLHV KDYH LQWHUHVWLQJ ZLOGOLIH WR
photograph. Look for wildlife rehabilitators in your area; these are facilities
that care for wild animals that have been injured or orphaned. Be sure to
visit the nursery at rehabilitation facilities. Museums and nature centers may
also offer access to wildlife. Sometimes zoos or rehabilitators have animals
that are habituated to humans, such as birds that have been used in bird
shows. You can get much closer to these animals to photograph them without
startling them or scaring them away. With the help of a handler, you can
often take your time and light the scene carefully. At the zoo, try using a long

Free download pdf