By Anne Violette
You don't need a camouflage suit, hunting gear or a rifle. When we talk about shooting animals, we mean shooting them with your camera. The trick to taking really great animal photos is patience.
There are many similarities between animal photography and hunting. You must sneak upon them so as not to disturb their natural environment. You must wait, wait, and wait some more for the perfect opportunity to present itself. You must not scare them, or let them know they are being pursued.
"There are several highly marketable endeavors you can practice and learn to do with animal photography."
Of course, with photography, the only thing you point at them is your camera and the only thing you fire is your shutter release.
Extreme patience has its rewards. A perfect animal image can be award-winning or highly saleable for greeting cards, calendars, stock photography and countless other uses. Because it is considered so hard to do, achieving that momentous expression of an animal's face is indeed priceless. It can also be personally rewarding.
Aside from the obvious element of patience, there are key elements to a perfect animal photo that can be mastered by practicing with your own family pet. Most of us begin photography as a hobby and a passion. Albeit an expensive hobby, we may try to find a way to make the hobby earn its keep so that we can keep doing it more and more. There are several highly marketable endeavors you can practice and learn to do with animal photography.
Show photography
Have you ever thought of shooting horse shows, dog shows, or any type of event photography? As a young photographer, I was hungry to learn more about the craft. I called every 4-H and equine club in my state to inquire when they would be having a horse show and told them I was an equestrian photographer. This was not entirely true. I was a beginning photographer, but they didn't need to know that. Confidence is key!
You too, can do this. Find a niche that interests you and study photos in trade publications related to the animals you like. For horses, I learned that people won't buy the pictures unless the horse is standing exactly with four feet on the ground and ears up. The rider must have good posture. For show jumping, the horse must be perfectly arched over the fence. In order to do this, you must learn to take the shot as the horse is rising off the ground, not as he is actually over the fence. It all happens within a blink of an eye.
You can arrange to get a list of all of the riders and their emails. Use a service such as Eventpix or Photostock Plus to post the images, so that your subjects can order copies. It's that simple; you must be organized, effective, not shy and have a willingness to make things happen.
Pet pix
For domestic pet photography, similar principles apply. You can make money as a pet photographer but you must first find customers. Church groups, schools, and non-profits are a great place to market your photography.
You can put together a "photo day" for people to bring their beloved dogs, ferrets and other critters. Work out a package for the families. Give the church a percentage of the orders, and keep the rest for yourself. Again... posting the images online will boost sales for you.
Animal photography skills
Let's talk about skills. Taking animal photos is very tricky. Animals do not behave. Wild animals, in particular provide just a fleeting chance that you need to be ready for. Learn how to interact with animals in order to let them trust you and be cooperative. Most people who pursue animal photography as a passion are already animal lovers, by nature.
Research times that the animal of your interest eats, sleeps and plays. Feeding times are a great photo opp because you can get all of them together. Come to know their habitat. A certain bird, for example may be territorial and not stray far from the nest
The photo in Figure A was taken of a wild seal and was a great find.
FIGURE A
Waiting for the right moment is the key to creating outstanding animal photos. Photo by Anne Violette (click for larger image)
I was getting ready for a boat ride and he was sunning himself in a dinghy boat. I'm not sure how he managed to hoist his hefty body into the small boat without sinking, but nevertheless I happened to have my camera ready and climbed into the next boat over.
This seal was very comfortable with me coming into his space. Proceed with caution. I did not want to disturb his nap, but he looked up just in time for me to snap a few great shots looking right at the camera. He almost appears to be smiling.
Whatever you do, don't try to touch the animals; but try to get as close as possible. If you are able to purchase a telephoto lens, it will be the best way to get shots of faces and small details. Use fill flash outside whenever possible without disturbing the animals. The pop of light will bring out an even tone of their fur and the whites of their eyes.
Stock photography
A great avenue for you to market your photography is in the realm of stock images. Stock photography is a photograph which you have previously taken. It can be used for advertising, textbooks for schools, magazine articles, book publications, calendars, cards or for corporate needs worldwide.
The best part about it is that you can sell a photograph that you took a few years ago and make residual income on it depending on the deal you negotiate. Animal photography is highly marketable, especially if you have an image that is unique, romantic or cute.
Check out an agency, such as OzImages. Do research and you will find other companies online that will market your work for you, while you're busy taking more pictures!
If you have a passion for animals and a newfound passion for photography, then you can find a way to intermix the two to make a great living. Once you have learned this invaluable talent, there is a world of possibilities to find a niche as an animal photographer.