What I Wish I Knew When I Started Wildlife Photography

Summary

This video explores three key lessons the speaker learned from their wildlife photography journey. First, they emphasize the importance of proper photo editing to avoid revisiting past mistakes. Second, understanding wildlife behavior is crucial for capturing the best shots. Third, mastering camera settings and techniques, like manual focus and exposure, can significantly improve photography. The speaker also introduces their wildlife photography mentorship program, sharing how mentoring helped them grow and offering to guide others. Their personal growth from past mistakes to current success showcases the value of continuous learning in wildlife photography.

Takeaways

• 📸 Wildlife photography requires a lot of skill and fast learning.
• 🌄 Focusing too much on getting close to species can make you forget the importance of scenery in wildlife images.
• 🦅 Understanding the species' behavior and researching them is crucial for capturing the best shots.
• 🎨 Learning how to edit photos well early on can save you a lot of time and effort later.
• 🐾 Knowing wildlife behavior helps you approach and capture them better.
• 📷 Mastering your camera's manual functions like exposure and focus can significantly improve your photography.
• 📚 The speaker launched a wildlife photography mentorship program to help others grow and improve.
• 🧠 Mentorship was key in the speaker's growth as a wildlife photographer.
• 🚀 The speaker has worked with photographers of all skill levels to improve their wildlife photography skills.
• 💡 Acknowledging the need for growth and learning can lead to dramatic improvements in photography skills.

Q & A

What is the main challenge mentioned in the video for wildlife photography?

Wildlife photography requires a lot of skill and fast learning due to the unpredictability of wildlife and the need to capture the perfect shot in challenging environments.

Why is the scenic background important in wildlife photography?

The scenic background is crucial because it enhances the overall quality of the wildlife image. Without a good scenic shot, the wildlife photo may not be as impactful as it could be.

What is the second key point the photographer wishes they knew earlier?

The second key point is understanding wildlife behavior, as it helps in locating and capturing the species more effectively. Knowing how animals behave makes it easier to predict their movements and capture better shots.

Why is editing such an important skill for wildlife photographers?

Editing is essential because poorly edited photos can detract from the overall quality. Learning to edit well early on saves time and improves the final result, as the photographer doesn't need to go back and fix old mistakes.

How does understanding your camera help improve wildlife photography?

Understanding the camera's manual settings, such as manual focus and exposure, allows the photographer to capture images more efficiently and get the best possible shots, even in difficult conditions.

What are the three biggest things the photographer wishes they knew when starting wildlife photography?

The three biggest things are: 1) How to edit well, 2) Understanding wildlife behavior, and 3) Knowing how to use the camera effectively and efficiently.

What benefit does the photographer mention about having a mentor in wildlife photography?

Having a mentor helped the photographer grow quickly by providing feedback, guidance, and critiques. This support made it easier to improve their skills early in their career.

What is the wildlife photography mentorship program mentioned in the video?

The photographer has launched a wildlife photography mentorship program where they work with photographers of all skill levels to help them improve their techniques, editing, and understanding of wildlife behavior.

How has the photographer’s skill set evolved over time?

The photographer mentions a dramatic improvement in their skills, comparing their early photos to their current ones, which show much better technique, editing, and understanding of wildlife.

What is the photographer's outlook on their future in wildlife photography?

The photographer is excited about the future, looking forward to continuing to improve and learn more in wildlife photography as their skills evolve.