Settings For Wildlife

Consider the camera techniques needed for effective results

Once you’ve gathered your gear and sussed out the best places to photograph the native fauna, the next step is to get practical and start shooting. Of course, specific camera settings will vary widely depending on the subject and time of day, but the same basic principles apply.

Semi-automatic shooting modes enable you to adapt quickly while retaining some control. Choose Shutter Priority for subjects on the move, or aperture Priority for those that are grazing or immobile. Exposure compensation is useful in overcoming tricky lighting situations, such as backlit birds against a bright sky, but you can also intentionally underexpose images to generate creative silhouettes.