Animal photography is often underestimated, because it requires a lot effort, patience, and not to mention time. Although this doesn’t mean you will achieve successful shots by simply lasting long enough in the wild.

A large memory card should be included among your technical equipment, so that you only rarely need to exchange your memory, or hopefully not at all. The available enlargement performance in the tele-zoom field should make capturing shots from great distances possible. The camera definitely needs to have a tripod socket. The camera must also above all be very quiet, with a near silent photo release. Even if you scare away the animals only once, it might take hours before any return. Underwater casings are not only valuable for underwater shots, but they also offer quality protection against fog, dirt, sand etc. For walks in the rain weatherproof casings are also very suitable, such as the µ [mju:] 400 Digital from Olympus. So it doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive or professional gear.

Even if you have the right equipment, plenty time and patience, the correct lighting, you still need to find a photo subject to shoot. A good portion of specialist knowledge is helpful in this department. Anyone who knows where and when certain animals appear, clearly has an advantage. It is worth browsing through some specialist literature and asking experts at your destination.

The bright light and fresh green of spring provide the easiest shooting conditions. The photographer can hide themselves in the light greenery of the forest, and still not obstruct their shot. You might have a better or more open view in winter, but the same goes for the animals too. Unless of course the lighting conditions are rather poor, then the open sight will not matter as much. Many people have heard the advice in films saying you should be downwind from your animal subject. This is actually a good idea.

Photos of tiny creatures, such as butterflies or other insects, require a quality macro function and short exposure times. Long focal widths from around 300 to 800 millimetres are indispensable for shooting flying or swimming animals. A fixed mount should make it possible to follow the movements. Shots in water have their own incentive from the extra reflections produced by the water surface.