Five dangers of wildlife photography (and how to stay safe) (July 2019)

Summary

The video discusses the dangers of wildlife photography and provides safety tips for each risk. The first danger is getting too close to dangerous animals, highlighting the importance of understanding species behavior, respecting animals, and using deterrents like bear spray. The second danger is falling, emphasizing proper footwear, using traction aids, and securing gear. Drowning is the third risk, with advice on assessing water conditions and wearing appropriate gear. Getting lost is also a concern, with tips on navigation, communication devices, and carrying survival essentials. Lastly, the video addresses the risk of encountering dangerous people in remote areas, advising on caution and avoiding risky situations.

Takeaways

• 🐻 Wildlife photography can be dangerous, especially when dealing with large animals like bears or lions.
• 📷 Using long lenses helps photographers keep a safe distance from wildlife, minimizing the risk of close encounters.
• 🦁 Understanding animal behavior and body language is crucial for staying safe during wildlife photography.
• 🛡️ Having deterrents like bear spray or noise makers is important to ensure safety in case animals approach too closely.
• 👣 Falling while navigating terrain is a significant danger; wearing proper footwear and using walking aids like tripods can prevent accidents.
• 🌊 Photographing animals in water can be risky; always assess water conditions, use proper wading gear, and avoid deep or fast-flowing water.
• 🗺️ Getting lost is a real danger in remote areas; always let someone know your plans and use tools like GPS or satellite devices for navigation and emergency communication.
• 💡 Carrying light sources like headlamps is essential, as losing daylight can lead to dangerous situations while returning from shoots.
• ⚠️ Wildlife photographers may encounter sketchy people or dangerous situations in remote areas, so it’s important to stay alert and protect expensive gear without drawing attention.
• 🦺 During hunting season, it’s vital to wear bright colors and make your presence known to avoid accidental harm from hunters.

Q & A

What is the most obvious danger in wildlife photography according to the speaker?

The most obvious danger in wildlife photography is getting too close to dangerous animals, such as bears or lions, though the photographer may appear closer than they actually are due to the use of long lenses.

How can photographers ensure they remain safe when photographing dangerous animals?

Photographers can ensure safety by knowing the species they are photographing, understanding their behavior, going with someone who knows the area, maintaining an appropriate distance, minimizing movement and noise, and carrying deterrents like bear spray or noise makers.

Why is it important to respect the animals during wildlife photography?

Respecting animals is important to avoid causing them stress or fear, which can result in aggressive behavior. It also ensures better photos since the animals will act naturally when they are calm.

What precautions should be taken if an animal, like a bear, is not respecting distance cues?

If an animal does not respect distance cues, it is essential to have deterrents such as bear spray, air horns, or noise makers. In extreme situations, a last-resort plan, like using a firearm or having an escape route, may be necessary.

Why is falling down considered a danger in wildlife photography, and how can it be avoided?

Falling down can lead to injury or damaged equipment. To avoid this, photographers should watch where they're going, wear appropriate footwear, use traction aids like cleats, and consider using their tripod as a walking aid.

What equipment can help maintain stability when shooting in water?

To maintain stability in water, photographers can use a tripod or a walking stick to test water depth and support themselves. Wearing knee-high boots, hip waders, or chest waders with a safety belt is also crucial.

How can photographers avoid getting lost in remote locations?

Photographers can avoid getting lost by informing someone of their location and return time, understanding tidal patterns if near water, avoiding over-reliance on GPS, marking landmarks, carrying survival gear, and having communication tools like the Garmin inReach.

Why is it essential to carry a light source when out in remote areas?

It is important to carry a light source like a headlamp in case it becomes dark before returning. Backup light sources ensure that photographers can safely navigate back even when visibility is poor.

What risks do other people pose in remote wildlife photography settings?

In remote areas, encounters with potentially dangerous or suspicious people are possible. Additionally, the photographer’s expensive gear could attract unwanted attention, so it is important to avoid risky situations and remain discreet with equipment.

What should photographers do if they find themselves in a hunting area while tracking wildlife?

If in a hunting area, photographers should wear bright orange for visibility and make their presence known to avoid accidents, especially since they may be mistaken for animals by hunters.