When you’re in the outdoors, it’s important to remember your camera – after all natural wonders are among the most amazing to capture.
Photographing deer well is a skill in itself, however these tips will provide you with some knowhow and help improve your photography.
#1. Position Yourself In A Place The Animal Will Not Be Threatened By Your Presence
This is easier said than done. Deer, like many other wild animals, are not cognizant of the fact that they are in a wildlife sanctuary. They operate under natural instincts meaning that they are very easy to scare. However, if you conduct yourself in a non-threatening manner, you stand a chance to get the pictures you desire. If you can’t be there, trail cameras have come on in recent years and can provide great images – here is a good site with the best hunting cameras reviews.
#2. Acquaint Yourself With The Environment You’re Are Shooting In
While you endeavor in wildlife photography, it is important that you understand the environment you are shooting in. Make an effort to attain even passing knowledge of the position of the watering holes, the movement of the wild animals, and any other relevant information. This information is important as it will help you position yourself in places where there are increased chances of viewing the animals of interest.
#3. Schedule Your Shooting During The Evening
Grazing animals have a tendency of feeding during evening hours when their surrounding are cooling down. This provides an opportune time to photograph deer. As such, ensure that you in position two to three hours prior to the sunset. Being in position means well in advance means that you are settled and in quiet while the deer emerge to feed.
#4. Invest In Telephoto Equipment
More often than not, you will have to use a 70-200mm and 300mm lenses in your photo shoot. Very rarely will you have the opportunity to move in too close to the animal to take photos. Most wildlife photos are taken from a distance. Thus these lenses are more or less your best friend in wildlife photography.
#5. Skip Showering
Living in the wild where deer is prey for many animals means that they have had to adapt to constantly being on the lookout. As such, they have developed a very sensitive sense of smell that keeps the alert of their environment. With this in mind, you should note that the smell bathing products tend to stand out in wild. Skip using cleaning product or a shower altogether on the day of the photo shoot to reduce interference.
#6. Move Slowly When You Are Close To The Animals
Owing to their status a prey, deer spend their entire life under a constant state alert. They are easily startled. As such, when you get near them, or when they get near you, move as slowly as possible. Of critical importance, watch your footsteps while at the same time watching the deer. Moving slowly allows you to discern the reaction of the deer. If you move closer and the deer keep at whatever it is doing, you can push the boundary and move closer. However, if you move closer and you notice that the deer seem concerned, it is probably best to stop there. Better, you should back off a little bit slowly just to de-escalate the tension.