- Take headshots and pictures that show the animals in their environment. To do that, try a 70mm-200mm zoom lens and perhaps a 300mm lens.
- Always focus on the animal's eye. If the eyes are not in focus, you have missed the shot.
- Compose carefully so you don't get a distracting element in the background.
- Wait for the animal's face to be lighted by the sun.
- Use a fast shutter speed, 1-250th of a second and higher to "freeze" an animal's movement.
- Be prepared with ISO 400 film (or set your digital camera to ISO 400) for cloudy day photo sessions.
Photo tips for shooting wildlife
December 15, 2002