BetterPhoto Q&A: Animals, Pets, & Wildlife Photography

Learn tricks for pet photography and how to shoot wildlife photography in this section. You can also check out this Wildlife Photography article for additional tips and tricks. Want to learn more about how to shoot wildlife photography? Take Jim Zuckerman's How to Photograph Animals & Wildlife online photography course.

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  24 Questions
Replies
Last Activity
 
  Zoo Photography
I'm VERY new to the world of photography, and I'm having a blast learning from all the wonderful people on BP! We are heading to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium this week, and I was wonder...
10
August 21, 2008
 
  Taking Better Bird Photos
I like to take bird pictures ... which lens would be best? The problem is the birds are afraid and far away. What is the best technique? My Camera is a Canon EOS 400D. Thanks!...
16
January 03, 2008
 
  Best Lens for Wildlife Photography?
I need to purchase a lens for wildlife photography, and wondered if anyone had used the Canon 400mm F5.6 lens? Would the 300mm F4.00 + 1.4 teleconvertor be a better buy in terms of quality of pict...
24
May 28, 2007
 
  Shooting Rabbits (With a Camera)
Has anyone been able to get a shot of a wild rabbit (jack, cottontail or whatever) in which the animal looks like it doesn't have a care in the world? If someone has, could you tell me how you...
27
January 31, 2008
 
  Pet Photography Tips and Tricks
I was asked to do a pet photo shoot, which will be held at a Senior Living residence. I am planning on taking two lights with umbrellas. We will have two scenes for them to choose from - photos w...
4
October 03, 2006
 
  Zoo Photography Tip
I just wanted to share something I learned the other day at the San Diego Zoo, even though I think a lot of you probably already know this. If you have to shoot through bars, the best way to do it...
19
July 27, 2006
 
  Places To Get Great Animal Pictures
After browsing through some of the galleries here at BetterPhoto.com, I'm amazed at some of the great photos of animals, exotic and local. I am an 'amateur' photographer. I absolutely ...
18
January 31, 2007
 
  My Cat Shuts Her Eyes
I bought my first digital camera. The cat shuts her eyes when the flash goes off, even from a distance. The camera has a red, laser-like "focus" light. Could this be the problem? The cat never d...
15
January 03, 2006
 
  Field Trip to the Zoo!!
I'm going to the North Carolina Zoo next weekend. I have a 28-90mm and a 75-300mm lens. Should I lug around both or just take one of them? Also, what kind of films are good for this, vivid c...
11
July 06, 2005
 
  Pet Photography: Ideas for Backgrounds
A friend of mine wants me to take some pictures of her two doggies. Does anyone have any good ideas of places to take them, like the park, etc.?...
8
May 14, 2005
 
  Photographing Animals: Catchlights in Eyes
When shooting animals, I try to avoid "dead eye" with no catchlights. Some photos, however, look great without them. Are catchlights essential? What about a terrific photo with good eye detail b...
3
May 05, 2005
 
  Animal Pictures: How to Photograph in Low Light
How can I get sharp images of lions at dusk without flash reflection from eyes? I changed ISO to 400, too grainy. I shot with a Canon Eos 10D, 100 - 400mm zoom, image stabilized, and monopod....
7
April 05, 2005
 
  Photographing Wildlife: Lens Question
I am going to shoot wildlife at Triple D and in South Africa . I need to get a 300 or 400 lens for my Nikon D70. I have the 70-200mm VR. which is fabulous but just doesn't get me close enough. ...
4
April 06, 2005
 
  Photographing Farm Birds
I have a friend who cares for ornamental birds: pheasants, chickens, etc. He would like me to take some pictures of them. I'd appreciate any and all tips, as I've never tried anything like ...
8
March 16, 2005
 
  How to Shoot Those Big Nose Dog Faces
I'd like to take photos of my own dogs with the look of all those calendars, etc., out there. They have a huge nose. When the dog gets real close, it is kind of fuzzy. Is it done with a wide...
1
November 28, 2004
 
  Taking Dog Photos Without Eye Glare
I'm taking Christmas pictures of my puppies. But I can't keep from getting eye reflection. How can I avoid getting the reflection from there eyes?...
3
February 15, 2005
 
  Best Speed Film for Shooting Wildlife?
What is the best ASA or ISO film for shooting wildlife in cloudy lowlight atmosphere and in dense forests?...
3
October 31, 2004
 
  Lesson #1: A Wildlife Guide
The following five places are locations that I’ve been to and highly recommend. Each has its own features and advantages. Yesterday I had surgery to my head and am instructed to keep a low profil...
2
July 13, 2004
 
  Lens for Wildlife Photography
I am an amateur photographer that enjoys taking pictures of wildlife. However, I am realizing that I may need a longer lens. I currently have a Minolta Maxxum 9 with a 75-300mm and a 50-500mm lens....
4
June 29, 2004
 
  Shooting Photos of Moving Horses
I was just needing some information on taking pictures of horses while they are moving. I've been taking people pictures for years now, but not animals, which is quite different. I went to pr...
5
May 28, 2004