Where to Start
Getting into wildlife photography can be a challenging and rewarding hobby. It takes patience, skill, and knowledge to capture beautiful images of animals in their natural habitats. In this blog post, we will provide some tips for getting started in wildlife photography. We will also discuss the equipment you will need and offer some advice on how to improve your skills. So if you are interested in capturing amazing photos of wild animals, keep reading!
One of the best ways to get started in wildlife photography is to find a local group or club. This can be a great way to meet other photographers and learn from more experienced shooters. This is a space where photographers of varying abilities come together and it provides a space to be able to ask questions, receive feedback and can be a treasure trove of helpful tips. Many clubs offer field trips and workshops, which can be a great way to learn about animal behaviour and how to photograph them in their natural habitats. You can also find many helpful resources online, such as forums, websites, Facebook groups and blogs dedicated to wildlife photography.
When you are first getting started, it is important to have realistic expectations. Wildlife photography is not always easy, and it takes time and practice to get good results. It is important to start with small goals and work your way up. For example, you may want to start by photographing backyard birds, and then move on to larger animals.
Equipment & Software
One of the most important things you need for wildlife photography is a good camera. You don’t need the most expensive model on the market, but it is important to get a camera that is capable of taking high-quality images. If you are just getting started, an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera with a kit lens is a good option. As you become more experienced, you may want to upgrade to a better lens or add additional accessories, such as a teleconverter or flash.
Using software that allows you to edit your photos can also play a huge part in taking your photos to the next level. Software such as Adobe Lightroom has many features that you can use to elevate your photos by adjusting the lighting, fixing white balance errors, highlighting the areas you want to be seen and using their advanced colour graphs to bring out certain colours. Using a mix of their many features will lead to creating a style of editing that is uniquely yours. If you’re short on time, there are also many Lightroom presets that can be purchased from photographers who have mastered the art and can then simply be loaded to your preset library to use and tweak. You can also often find free presets that are available to download and use.
Get Practicing
Then it’s time to get snapping! There’s no better way to improve than to practice as much as possible. Get out into nature and photograph whatever catches your eye. Experiment with different techniques and compositions, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The more you shoot, the better you’ll become at capturing those amazing moments in nature.
So there you have it, a few tips to help you get started in wildlife photography. With practice and patience, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images of the natural world. Happy shooting!
If you’d like to come and practice at Gwahumbe, we’d love to have you! Our game reserve is relatively small which makes for fantastic game viewing opportunities. Whether it be from the comfort of your car, on one of our game drives or simply on foot… there’s lots to be seen.
For more info on our Game Drives & Game Walks, Click Here.
For our Day Visitor Rates, Click Here.



