National Geographic Masters of Photography

Lessons 5–6: Steve Winter—Wildlife

Nature Photography Tools and Techniques

We all have camera bags full of gadgets, but we don’t always use all the

tools we have. These tools include different cameras or lenses, as well as

different ideas and techniques we’ve learned. For example, try using a wide-

angle lens when you would typically use a long lens or practice panning

a scene. Trying something a little different can often make an ordinary

situation extraordinary.

Lighting is as important in photographing animals as it is in shooting other

subjects. Try lighting a frame in such a way that the borders are dark. Also,

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at dawn or dusk, when the sun is low in the sky—to capture shadows. You

might even try over-lighting the bright areas of a photograph to achieve

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When you’re photographing animals, it’s natural to focus directly on the

subject, but it’s often better to pull back a little bit and show some of the

environment where the animal lives. Also, get down on eye level with

animals, just as you do when photographing children.

As you’re shooting, don’t rely on editing your photographs later at the

computer. You will make yourself a better photographer if you compose the

scene carefully in the frame of the camera. Look for natural lines in your

images and don’t cut off any elements that will make an image seem out

of balance.

under sedation. And it’s great to see the main scientist with his ear on

her belly listening to the heartbeat of the cub, as she’s pregnant. To move

around while they’re doing all the medical workup on the animal is vitally

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editor has not seen before. ... There’s my photograph. Something a little

bit different. And always coming back to the eyes.

under sedation. And it’s great to see the main scientist with his ear on

her belly listening to the heartbeat of the cub, as she’s pregnant. To move

around while they’re doing all the medical workup on the animal is vitally

LPSRUWDQW²DQGWR¿QGQHZZD\VWRVKRRWVFLHQFH

+H\HYHU\WLPH,ZDONRXWLQWKH¿HOG,KDYHWR¿QGVRPHWKLQJWKDWP\

editor has not seen before. ... There’s my photograph. Something a little

bit different. And always coming back to the eyes.