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10 - WILDLIFE

Shooting wildlife is like fishing; you need to have the patience of a saint. Just make sure you have the camera ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Getting the perfect footage is often a matter of luck: being in the perfect place at the right time. It is easy to get frustrated, but remember you cannot control the wildlife; you have to let it come to you.

Keep a camera close at hand and ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. If you have to fumble with a bag or lens cap, chances are you will miss the moment. If shooting with a DSLR, use the lens with the longest possible zoom, because it’s unusual to get very close to wildlife. When you spot animals in the distance, the eye will zoom in on them and exaggerate their size, but they will be significant on the sensor when you watch your footage back.

Even if you’re travelling independently, joining a tour to see the local wildlife is an option worth considering, and often it’s the only way to catch a glimpse of your target species. You’ll benefit from having a knowledgeable guide or naturalist who will point out the animals and direct the vehicle or boat to areas of recent sightings. Always remember to respect the animals you are filming: you are in their environment.

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