PHOTOGRAPHING GLOBAL WILDLIFE
Josh Feron
In my experience taking photos, one of the areas of photography I have found most challenging but also most rewarding is wildlife. Taking photos of animals in the wild introduces so many obstacles to overcome in order to get the perfect shot. It could be constantly having to adjust your settings to the changing light, double and triple checking your focus to make sure it’s sharp, or trying to position yourself to get the right composition.
All this happens while you are in nature with often limited ability to move around and photograph a subject who you can’t communicate with and does not care about cooperating. Photographing animals has taken me all around the world. From capturing lions and elephants in Africa, to whales and penguins in Antarctica. These changing climates and subjects introduce even more elements that need to be considered when choosing equipment and settings. It is such a privilege to spend time with these animals in the wild and get a true appreciation of their beauty and power.
There is absolutely some luck that comes with getting a great wildlife photo. Having an animal look at you at the right moment or move in the right direction are things that are completely out of your control. But being ready for these moments and nailing all your settings to get the perfect shot is an incredibly satisfying feeling. Some of the photos I am most proud of are of wildlife, because to get that perfect shot, it puts all your photography knowledge and skills to the test.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 6.