Technique
An Introduction to Wildlife Photography Take a walk on the wild side with this guide to photographing animals
I f you’re feeling inspired by the previous article and want to try your own hand at working with wildlife, there are a few things to consider before you disappear off into the undergrowth. Wildlife photography is a discipline that many creatives have committed their lives to mastering. As well as good imaging technique, practitioners need to learn fieldcraft, study the behaviour of their subjects and – above all – acquire the patience of a saint. So, whether you’re headed out on safari or popping down to your local nature reserve, here are some settings, techniques and considerations to help you get started in the world of wildlife photography. What Makes Wildlife Photography Different? In wildlife photography, you never have control over your scene. Animals won’t wait for you to adjust your settings or move into better light, so the discipline centres on being ready to react when the critical moment occurs. Many species are naturally wary of people, meaning you’ll often be working at distance with longer lenses. Others can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly, leaving little time to compose your image. And lots of wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, when available light is more limited. For these reasons, wildlife photography places particular demands on your choice of equipment and the way you set it up. Responsive autofocus, fast burst shooting and effective image stabilisation can all help you react to fleeting moments, while a little preparation before you head out allows you to focus on observing your subject rather than fiddling with settings.
14 FUJIFILM Focus Magazine
September/October 2026
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