Usually when asking my students which form of photography they prefer the most, 8 out of 10 times it will be wildlife. I don't blame anyone for loving wildlife photography, because as a subject they are flawless in behaviour and emotion, brilliantly photogenic.
There are however a couple of tips for the beginner enthusiast I would like to share.
(All photographs were taken in the Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa)
Firstly, respect the wildlife and if on a safari with a guide, respect the guide. It is quite understandable that you want the best shot possible, but remember you are limited by what the animal or guide is permitting. For instance, when shooting, use the available light, don't shoot with flash as it will irritate the animal.
Secondly, because you are limited to the animals movements, you need patience and a lot of shots. You can wait for hours to get the right image or you may only have a moment to capture an image. Your camera should always be set to fire multiple shots in a moment, especially when it comes to an animal in motion.
"The light of the body is the eye: If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shalbe full of light." Matthew 6:22 KJV (1611)
Thirdly, capture the eyes, as they are the windows to the soul.
Usually when shooting wildlife you are shooting with a telephoto lens and a wide aperture, leaving you with an extremely narrow depth of field, so if all you keep in complete focus is a small part of the animal, let it be the eye (90% of the time)
Remember to have fun, and if you did not get the shot, there is always a next time.
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