1
Morgan Hilker
Discover 101- L
November 15, 2015
Wildlife Photography Safety
Photography is thought of as a relaxing pastime, and a fun activity or job. Many people
have never thought that it can be dangerous at times. Photographing wildlife is a specific type
of photography that can be dangerous. By preparing oneself, it will then be easy to stay safe in
the outdoors. A photographer can take multiple safety precautions in the way they move and
dress, and by reviewing existing laws; then while photographing wildlife the photographer can
make sure that no harm comes to the animal or their self.
Sometimes it may be hard to determine how far away one should stand while taking a
picture of a wild animal. Every animal needs its space, and by invading that space an animal
may feel threatened and try to protect themselves by being aggressive. “Park rangers
recommend always keeping a healthy distance from wild animals, often as much as 1,000 feet”
(Howard 1). Another rule of distance is to let the animals come to you (Howard 1). This rule
most likely applies to non-carnivorous animals but it is still a good tip. Know what distance is a
good distance and be very observant while photographing more dangerous wildlife.
Being aware of your surroundings out on a nature trail or in the middle is a rainforest
can possibly save someone’s life. To some photographer’s, a wandering bear cub in the middle
of the trail, may seem like a cute picture opportunity. However, in this situation there is a high
risk of getting hurt because most likely the cub’s mother is close by and already sees you as a
threat. Paying close attention to the trails and surroundings can help a photograph navigate
2
their route with low risk factors. There are also ways to get to know one’s surroundings even
before you get there. A little research can go a long way.
Knowing the trails before going out to photograph on a hiking trail can make the whole
trip a lot easier. “Research the wildlife you expect to photograph, learning the facts about their
habitats, food sources, and what time of year the babies appear” (Wunderlich 1). This website
by Bruce Wunderlich prompts photographers to seek advice from park rangers about safety and
how to navigate your way around the park. Park rangers are an excellent source of information
and they know to the rules best, although online resources can be just as helpful. Pay close
attention to the park’s rules and regulations and follow them for the best wildlife experience.
Having respect for nature and wildlife while in their habitat is a key component to not
disturbing animals and keeping their habitat cleaner. Respect encompasses everything
mentioned beforehand about distance but also about keeping the habitat clean and as it was
found. Littering is a huge problem and a threat to many animals. If an animal ingests plastic
trash it an be very harmful to the animal and may even kill it. Humans carrying food can even
be in danger if a hungry animal can smell it.
If there are campgrounds at a park and a photographer is sleeping there, they need to
be sure to properly store their food away, to be sure not to attract any unwanted visits from
wild animals that may live near throughout the night. “Biodegradable items such as an apple
core should not be thrown down because it can carry the human scent on it then cause the
animals to associate food with humans (Wunderlich 1). Leaving an area as you found it ensures
that you have not harmed an animal’s habitat by littering or being in an area we people are not
3
supposed to be. “It is so easy to get caught up in the moment…but you must keep safety as
your top priority” (Wunderlich 1).
Many laws prohibit animals being harmed even accidently, while hiking or
photographing them, much like the Endangered Species Act. In Rene Ebersole’s article, “Too
Close for Comfort,” she writes about how many photographers will unknowingly put the
wildlife they love in danger while trying to get the perfect picture (Ebersole 1). On her website
there is a direct quotation of an actual sentence a wildlife photographer got after hurting an
endangered species and its habitat. “…violating the Endangered Species Act, which carries the
maximum sentence of one-year imprisonment, and a fine of $100,00” (Ebersole 1). The
sentence a person gets for violating this act and other rules depends on whether or not the
species is endangered and how endangered that species is.
There are a number of challenges a photographer must face trying to get the perfect
snapshot. One example can be the weather. Researching the area comes into play here as well.
Look at the weather forecast prior to going outside with some expensive equipment that
cannot get wet. Besides chance weather, some photographers challenge themselves by going
into constantly cold or hot temperatures. Artic expert photographer, Corina Hitchcock has
plenty of experience with extreme weather conditions. “Do not expect an award – winning
photo in every image captured” (Hitchcock 1), and “patience is key when photographing in the
artic…be prepared for anything” (Hitchcock 1). These two quotes summarize two main points of
photography and its challenges.
It may be possible to train a dog to sit and stay and to look at the camera at home, but
in the wild, a lion will not comply if asked to stay still, and the same with any other wild animal.
4
Staying far away and unnoticed by the animal that is being photographed is a good way to give
pictures the natural look that makes them so appealing. “Remaining calm and patient is the
surest way to avoid making any stirring movements that will jeopardize your safety in the
animal’s habitat – it will also give you a heightened knowledge of your subject” (Kass 1). Being
patient has shown up again as being a key factor in photographing wildlife. it is important not
to get discouraged by not getting the pictures you want the first day, and if it is a multiple day
expedition then being patient and trying again the next day is a good technique to capturing the
perfect picture.
Sometimes one may not even have to travel into the wild to photograph wildlife. From a
blog called, “Photography in Place,” it explains how pictures of squirrels can be just as good as
pictures of lions (Photography 1). It is definitely high risk reduction being close to home or in
the backyard. In a way, a beginner photographer could take advice from this blog and practice
taking pictures of deer to work their way up to taking pictures of bears and then one day maybe
lions. This blog puts the idea of wildlife photography into a whole new perspective that is
different but captures the same ideas.
Other new ideas and techniques for photography came from photographer, Robert
Wilson. After his 30-year career as a photographer, he realized that if you attach a long distance
scope to a digital camera, it greatly increases the distance a photographer can cover (Wilson 1).
This is one of the more popular techniques used by most photographers today. “Birds and
wildlife, unaware of the photographer’s presence, behave naturally, allowing the photographer
to capture their authentic postures and spontaneous interactions. Impact on wildlife nesting is
minimized. It keeps you safe and them less stressed” (Wilson 1).
5
Another article uniquely titled “Photographing the Unseen,” brings another
photography technique into the mix. Author Sebastian Kennerknecht wondered how to
photograph rarely seen animals. The answer proved to be setting camera traps. Even though
SLR camera traps seem like an easy fix, the process takes a lot of preparation and a
painstakingly long wait-time (Kennerknecht 1). Traps are all about preparation, waiting, and
perfect timing, much like all other techniques of photography.
In conclusion, there are many types of photography to use for wildlife. wildlife
photography takes patience and a lot of practice. A relationship between the photographer and
the animal does not have to be established but it does need to be respected. Mastering each
technique and abiding by all of the rules and regulations leads to a great photography career.
Animals are mysterious creatures and we can better understand them through photography.
6
Bibliography

"Photography in Place." September 30, 2015. Accessed November 9, 2015.
http://photography-in-place.blogspot.com/2015_09_01_archive.html.

Howard, Brian. "How to Photograph Wild Animals (Without Getting Hurt)." National
Geographic. June 5, 2015. Accessed November 9, 2015.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/150605-wildlife-photography-safetyguide-animals/.

Wunderlich, Bruce. "How to Be Respectful and Safe Photographing Wildlife." Digital
Photography School How to Be Respectful and Safe Photographing Wildlife
Comments. August 26, 2015. Accessed November 9, 2015.

Kass, Yair. "7 Simple Tips for Safely Shooting Beautiful Wildlife Photos." 500px ISO.
Accessed November 9, 2015.

Hitchcock, Corina. "Polar Wildlife Photography Tips from an Arctic Expert." Polar
Wildlife Photography Tips from an Arctic Expert. December 18, 2014. Accessed
November 9, 2015.

Ebersole, Rene. "Too Close for Comfort." Audubon, May 1, 2015.

Wilson, Robert. "Digiscoping: A New Tool For Wildlife Photography." Photography
World. June 5, 2015. Accessed November 9, 2015. https://photographyworld.org

Kennerknecht, Sebastian. "Photographing the Unseen." North American Nature
Photography Association. March 10, 2015. Accessed November 9, 2015.