Mastering Animal Behaviour: Understanding wildlife to improve your photography

Wildlife photography is an art that goes beyond having the right equipment or perfect lighting.

-  ANIRUDH IYER

It is about capturing the natural world in a way that evokes emotion and tells a story. However, one key aspect that often sets apart good wildlife photos from great ones is a photographer's understanding of animal behaviour. When you can anticipate how animals will move, react, and interact with their surroundings, you put yourself in a prime position to capture those breath-taking, once-ina-lifetime shots. In this article, we'll explore the importance of understanding animal behaviour in wildlife photography, how it improves your chances of getting better shots, and practical tips for mastering this skill.

Why understanding animal behaviour matters

Animals are unpredictable, and that unpredictability is what makes wildlife photography so thrilling. However, unpredictability also means that without knowledge of animal behaviour, you can miss opportunities for great shots, or put yourself in harm’s way. Understanding how animals move, interact, and respond to various stimuli in their natural environment helps you predict their actions, allowing you to be prepared at the right moment.

Photographing wildlife requires patience, but a deep understanding of behaviour can shorten the waiting time and increase your chances of success while keeping you safe. For example, knowing the feeding patterns of a predator or the flight patterns of birds can help you position yourself to capture those moments perfectly.

Key aspects of animal behaviour to learn

1. Daily routines and habits