Photographing Animals for a Cause

World animal is celebrated each year on October 4, since. It first started in 1931 when a group of ecologists looking for ways to get attention for the plight of endangered animals presented a proposal at a convention in Italy.

October 4 was originally chosen for World Animal Day because it is when most of the world celebrates the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. The day is now set aside as a time to reflect on all of the animals we share this world with, and our involvement with them.

But we should take photographing animals as an opportunity to feature what mother nature has created whenever the possibility presents itself not just one day per year.

Nature photography, in this case the beauty and complexity of the animal kingdom. is often difficult to capture but always beautiful. You should set some days of the moth or year when you research your local wild neighbors and their environment and make preparations to capture worthwhile images that enhance their beauty and showcase nature as its best.

For capturing animal images, you should have among your photographic arsenal a long telephoto or zoom lens that allows you to get in close and focus on individual parts of each subject. Especial care should be taken when recording images of their eyes Even if other parts are not clear, the eyes must be. This is a cardinal rule in nature photography.

A good tripod is a necessity since long lenses such as the ones that you will be using require for the photographer to have a steady hand. Hand holding a long lens is not only difficult but nearly always results in out of focus images or photographs will show movement.

Seek out the best locations, the best time of day as this will be in tune with the feeding and roaming habits of you particular choice in subjects.

However, do not underestimate subjects much closer to you such as your pets. Often they can be easier to photograph than wild subjects. You may not need a long lens and if you show some patience, they may reward you with good images.

For all of your animal pictures try to show a little of the environment and the essence of where they live and how they live. This can be accomplished by focusing on their facial expressions, they way they stalk their prey or catch their food, the way they rest and how they interact with one another.

Pay attention to any obstacles that your subject may be facing such as any elements which are detrimental not only to the animal but to the environment. Factors such as human created trash and pollution, barriers to free movement such as fences, roads and farms.

Aim to capture the majority of your shots in the early hours and late afternoon when the light is softer and the shadows are less harsh. Also, if overcast, this makes for great images as the clouds tend to soften and diffuse lights. Use flash if you need to but do so only to add a little extra light to lighten some areas which may be enclosed in shadows or if your subject is found within heavy brush.