How to Get Into Wildlife Photography | A Beginner’s Guide to Capturing Nature’s Wonders

It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of getting into wildlife photography. When you see dramatic shots of exotic creatures in faraway locales, starting your own journey as a wildlife photographer might seem insurmountable.

But it’s worth remembering that photography is one of the most accessible and welcoming hobbies out there. It’s for everybody.

No matter where you are or what equipment you have, you can start your wildlife photography journey today. And you certainly don’t need expensive gear to take great photos, though a few basic accessories—like a quality camera strap—can be real confidence boosters.

From working with simple equipment to learning to see the wildlife in your own backyard, here are some easy steps that can get you on the road to exploring wildlife photography.

You don’t need us to tell you how important it is to approach the wildlife you love with due respect and caution. But it bears repeating. Ethical photography practices help keep the environment safe, and they may very well keep you safe too, which in an intergral aspect of getting into wildlife photography.

It’s always important to not disturb animals or habitats in the pursuit of a great picture. Moving slowly and quietly will avoid spooking animals and putting them under undue stress. It’s also beneficial to you, as you’re likely to capture more candid photos by not startling your subject.

There’s no way to overstate the importance of keeping a safe distance from wildlife. In addition to common-sense safety, check for any distance regulations in places like National Parks. Also, be sure to carry essential gear and clothing for traveling in wild areas, such as bear spray where needed, and don’t stray off-trail in unfamiliar territory.

As always, be mindful of your impact on the ecosystem and avoid litter. As the old saying goes, “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.”

Getting into wildlife photography doesn’t require expensive equipment or voyages to distant destinations. There’s nature everywhere, often in the most unexpected places. One of the keys to getting started is learning how to see the wild side in your own backyard.

Everyday encounters with local wildlife can be easy to overlook as mundane. But these moments also provide the perfect practice ground. Try to see the squirrel in your bushes and the robin on your windowsill in a new way.

Small creatures, birds, and plants in your backyard can be captured using just a smartphone, opening the door to a whole world of possibilities. Modern smartphones have surprisingly great cameras and offer the ability to experiment with angles and lighting in a low-stakes setting, an easy answer for how to get into wildlife photography.

Wristlet Keychains to Deck Out Any Wildlife Photography Set Up!

Documenting what you see and photograph can help you start to observe patterns and behavior, which builds the skills to photograph animals in wild environments.

Ready to take your photography journey beyond your backyard? A short walk or drive outside your doorstep opens up a wealth of possibilities.

Taking your camera or phone on your daily walks around the neighborhood can open up many photographic possibilities. Be on the lookout for birds, squirrels, insects, and even interesting plant life.

Local city parks are great places to hone your photography skills further. They’re often home to a surprising diversity of wildlife as well. You might spot ducks, turtles, seagulls, butterflies, and all sorts of other creatures in urban parks.

Take a pocket-sized notebook or maintain an open document on your phone so you can jot down details. Take note of where you saw a certain animal, or what time of day offered the best light.

State and national parks offer tremendous opportunities to really immerse yourself in nature and start capturing the shots you’ve always wanted to capture. Some of your greatest photography adventures can begin right here!

Do your research. Planning a photography trip to a national or state park will yield greater dividends if you’ve done your homework. Learn about what kinds of creatures live in your chosen park, how conditions differ by season, and how to beat the crowds to enjoy the wildest experience.

Park photography pays off best if you maximize your time. Get moving before sunrise, and stay out past sunset to capture the widest range of moments. Long days will also help you avoid feeling rushed.

From grand landscapes to close-ups of critters, there’s a lot to take in at a national or state park. But don’t forget to enjoy your time there. Spending time simply enjoying the surroundings will help you get the most out of your visit, and may also inspire some unexpected photos.

Every photographer aspires to upgrade to their dream camera (and then their next dream camera). But you can also be sure that all your favorite photographers started out on whatever cheap camera they could get their hands on. These days, affordable equipment is the best it’s ever been.

Focus on composition and natural light to get the most out of your smartphone camera, and avoid the temptation to go overboard with filters and editing. Modern smartphone cameras have many options when it comes to focusing and adjusting light settings, so try some experiments to get to know your phone’s capabilities.

Even the most basic and affordable digital cameras are great testing grounds to expand your use of zoom, setting adjustments, and creative angles. Playing with aperture settings and shutter speed opens up a world of possibilities.

Want to try out some higher-end equipment? It’s wise to borrow gear from friends or rent equipment before making big purchases.

Getting great wildlife photos isn’t just about having the right gear or being in the right place at the right time. It’s also about understanding the creatures you’re photographing. The more you know about animal behavior, the better your chances of capturing those rare, intimate moments that make for truly extraordinary images.

Before you head out to photograph a particular species, take the time to research its habits. What time of day is it most active? Does it follow any specific routines, like feeding or grooming? Understanding these patterns can help you anticipate where and when you’re most likely to get a good shot. The more prepared you are, the less you’ll have to rely on luck.

One of the most important skills you can develop as a wildlife photographer is the ability to recognize signs of stress in animals. An animal that feels threatened or uneasy is not only less likely to behave naturally, but it’s also at risk of harm. Learn to spot behaviors that indicate discomfort, such as excessive movement, vocalizations, or a change in posture. Respect these signals by giving the animal space and time to relax, which will ultimately lead to better, more authentic photos.

Many animals have seasonal behaviors that can provide incredible photo opportunities if you know what to look for. Migration, mating rituals, and even molting periods can all result in unique photographic moments. Research the seasonal patterns of your target species and plan your photography trips accordingly. Capturing these moments requires patience and timing, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Understanding animal behavior is not just about getting the shot—it’s about doing so in a way that respects the creatures and their environment. Always prioritize the well-being of the animals over the desire to get the perfect photo. By staying patient and observant, you can capture amazing images without disrupting the natural world. In the end, the most powerful wildlife photographs are those that reflect a deep respect and understanding of the animals they portray.

Patience and mindfulness are two hallmarks of a great photographer, and they’re some of the hardest qualities to master. Wildlife photography is sometimes associated with fast-paced adventure, but the best shots are often born out of stillness and calm, even in a fast-paced environment.

Slowing down often leads to better, more thoughtful photos. As an exercise in patience, try not to move from a single place. Instead of tracking down your subjects, stay put and photograph only what naturally comes into view.

Being fully present in the moment is essential to truly capturing the essence of wildlife. This is the quality that allows many photographers to create images that make viewers feel like they are really there in the scene. It can make the difference between being part of nature and an observer of it.

Not every shot is going to be perfect. In fact, chasing the idea of a “perfect” photograph will only lead to frustration. Instead, try to find something to appreciate—and learn from—in every shot.

Photographers often discover a real sense of community around their chosen passion and pastime. You might discover that there are more like-minded shutterbugs in your neck of the woods than you realized.

Find inspiration from photographers in your community or online who share your local environment. Check out local photography clubs, workshops, group meetups, and photo walks, or simply reach out to people in your immediate or extended circle on social media.

Participating in community walks or meetups focused on nature and wildlife photography is a great way to meet your fellow photographers. Many long-lasting friendships have started with chitchat about depth of field and focal length.

If you’re having trouble meeting other photo buffs in your local area or simply want to expand your horizons wider, look into online photography communities. You’ll find plenty of like-minded folks on forums and platforms like Reddit, Flickr, and Instagram.

Your journey as a wildlife photographer is unique and personal—no one else can see the world exactly as you do. It’s not about capturing the best or the most perfect photograph. It’s about showing the world as you see it.

You’ll experience setbacks and frustrations along the way. But there will be breakthroughs and moments of incredible beauty as well. Embrace both, and keep moving forward. As long as you continue exploring, learning, and capturing the beauty of wildlife wherever you are, then you’re making progress.

Still unsure about the steps you’re taking as a photographer? Share! Nobody likes to work in a vacuum, and social media makes it easier than ever to share your progress with your community and with the world at large.

Some of the greatest wildlife photographers in the world regularly share their experiences via platforms like Instagram, and you have the opportunity to add your voice to that conversation. Be sure to tag @wildtreeco with a shot of your National Park camera strap!