12 Practical Tips for Wildlife Photography

Introduction

Wildlife photography can feel intimidating, especially when you are not using professional-level camera gear. But here is the truth: you don’t need a $5,000 lens to take amazing wildlife shots. With the right techniques and gear, you can already capture powerful, eye-catching images of animals in the wild.

Over the past decade, I’ve travelled to more than 35 countries, where photographing wildlife is always at the top of my list. As a former board member of an animal welfare organisation that operates the largest animal hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, where over half the patients are wildlife, I have learned not just about photography, but also about animal behaviour, safety, and ethical practices.

This guide shares 12 practical tips for wildlife photography, whether you are shooting with a mobile phone, a compact camera, or a mirrorless or DSLR setup. These tips are universal – they are what I personally use, no matter the gear in my hands.

If you want to take stunning wildlife photos without the stress (or the price tag), you are in the right place.

1. Focus on the Eyes - It’s All About Connection

When it comes to wildlife photography, sharp eyes make all the difference. The eyes are where the emotion lives. Whether it’s a curious orangutan, a cautious wombat, or a soaring eagle, if the eyes are in focus, your photo instantly feels more powerful and intimate.

It is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to create a connection between the viewer and the animal, regardless of what type of camera you are using.

Here is how to do it on any device:

Mobile/Point-and-Shoot: Tap directly on the animal’s eye on your screen to lock focus. This works especially well with animals that are close or still.
Mirrorless/DSLR: Use single point autofocus mode and manually position the focus point over the eye. If your subject is moving, switch to continuous autofocus and track the eye as best you can.

📸 Pro Tip: If the eyes aren’t in focus, it doesn’t matter how perfect the lighting or background is; your photo will feel flat.

➡️ Want to practice on a surprisingly expressive animal? Head over to my guide, “Where to See Wombats in Australia,” for some great spots to test your skills.

2. Less is More - Use Negative Space to Highlight Your Subject

Sometimes, the most powerful wildlife images are not the ones filled edge to edge with detail, but the ones with space to breathe. Negative space (the area around your subject) helps draw the eye exactly where you want it to go. It adds a sense of scale, calm, and focus, especially when photographing wildlife in busy or natural environments.

Rather than zooming in as tightly as possible, try pulling back just a little. Leave space above, below, or beside your subject to let the animal stand out on its own.

This works beautifully on all camera types:

Mobile: Use wide or 0.5x lens modes when possible to include more sky, water, or natural surroundings.
Compact or DSLR: Step back or zoom out slightly to reframe. You can always crop later—but you cannot re-create lost space.

📸 Pro Tip: A lion framed against a wide-open savannah or a bird perched against a clear sky often creates a more striking image than a full-frame close-up.

For a masterclass in simplicity and story, check out Ami Vitale’s work. Her use of space and storytelling through composition is world-renowned.

3. Master the Rule of Thirds – With a Twist

The rule of thirds is one of the most basic composition tools in photography and for good reason. It helps you move beyond “dead centre” shots and create more dynamic, balanced images.

But here is the twist: when photographing wildlife, position the animal so it has space to “look” or “move” into.

Here is how it works:

Imagine your frame is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically (most cameras and phones let you enable a grid).
Place your subject on one of the vertical lines, rather than in the centre.
If the animal is facing to the right, position it on the left third of the frame and vice versa.

This simple shift gives your photo a sense of movement and story. It feels more natural to our eyes and helps the viewer anticipate what the animal might do next.

🦓 Real-World Example: When photographing wombats at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, I used this technique to frame them walking across the wetlands. By giving them “room” in the frame, the image told a stronger story of their journey.

➡️ Want to see where I captured some of these moments? Check out Where to See Wombats in Australia.

4. Blur the Background – Bokeh Makes It Beautiful

Ever wondered how professional wildlife photos get that soft, creamy background that makes the animal stand out so clearly? That effect is called bokeh, and it’s one of the most effective ways to make your subject the star of the shot.

What is Bokeh?

Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photo. It helps isolate your subject from distracting background elements, such as trees, branches, or distant tourists, so your viewer’s attention stays right where you want it.

How to Achieve Bokeh (No Matter Your Gear)

Mobile: Use “portrait mode” to simulate background blur. It works best when you are close to your subject and the background is far behind it.
Point-and-Shoot/Mirrorless/DSLR: Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number like f/2.8 or f/4) and zoom in slightly. The closer you are to the subject and the farther away the background is, the stronger the effect.

🎥 Example in Action: Brian Skerry’s underwater wildlife photography shows how powerful bokeh can be even underwater. His images often feature sharp subjects floating in soft, colourful backgrounds, drawing the viewer’s eye immediately to the marine life.

📸 Pro Tip: If your background is too cluttered, use bokeh to “clean it up” and focus only on what matters.

5. Always Be Ready – Wildlife Waits for No One

Wildlife doesn’t send a calendar invite. It appears when it wants to and disappears just as fast. That’s why being prepared at all times is one of the most important habits for any wildlife photographer.

This means two things:

Be ready for the animal.
Be ready for the environment.

How to Stay Ready for Wildlife Moments:

Keep your camera or phone easily accessible, not buried in a bag.
Leave your camera on, with the settings dialled in for the light conditions.
Use a wrist strap or neck strap if you are moving between locations.

Weather Prep is Just as Important:

Always pack a small waterproof cover for your gear (even a ziplock bag for your phone works in a pinch).
Carry a microfiber cloth to wipe off lenses or screens.
Protect yourself too – hat, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent go a long way.

🎒 Travel Essentials: We never leave for a wildlife trip without our Survival First Aid Kit. It’s compact, practical, and has come in handy more times than I can count.

🔌 Bonus Tip: Do not get caught with a dead battery! We always travel with Power Banks but make sure you understand rules around flying with them. Check out my guide: Can You Take a Power Bank onto a Plane: 8 Important Tips.

6. Use Silent Shutter or Live Mode

The sound of a camera shutter might be satisfying to you, but to a wild animal, it can be startling. In many cases, that subtle click is enough to send your subject running (or flying) away. That is where silent shutter or live mode comes in.

These settings minimise or eliminate shutter noise, helping you capture more natural behaviour and more photos before the moment passes.

How to Use It:

Mobile phones: Most phones already shoot silently by default. But double-check your volume/mute settings just in case.
Mirrorless cameras: Many models have a built-in “silent shutter” or “electronic shutter” mode. Activate it through your camera’s shooting menu.
DSLRs: If silent shutter is not available, try “Live View” mode – this reduces mechanical noise by using the screen instead of the viewfinder.

📸 Pro Tip: Silent shutter is also perfect for photographing shy or easily spooked animals like birds, deer, or smaller marsupials.

Not only is this better for your photo, but it’s also better for the animal, too.

7. Get Down to Their Level

One of the simplest ways to make your wildlife photography more compelling? Change your angle.

Photographing animals at eye level (or even lower) creates a stronger sense of connection and realism. It makes your viewer feel like they are right there in the moment, not just looking down on a scene from above.

This is especially powerful for:

Ground dwellers like wombats, meerkats, or Komodo dragons
Animals that blend into their environment (getting low often reveals more contrast)
Creating photos that feel more cinematic or immersive

How to Do It:

Mobile or Point-and-Shoot: Crouch, kneel, or lie flat if you can. Use your screen to compose from ground level.
DSLR/Mirrorless: Flip-out screens make this easier. If not, just get low and take multiple shots to ensure framing.

📸 Pro Tip: Getting low also improves stability – your elbows or knees make great natural tripods.

➡️ Want to try this in the wild? Read my post on Where to See Komodo Dragons: Your Indonesia Guide. Getting low (at a safe distance) was the key to capturing some of my favourite shots on that trip.

8. Know Your Subject’s Behaviour - Patience Pays Off

Great wildlife photography isn’t just about gear or timing; it’s about understanding your subject. Even a few minutes of observation can help you predict where an animal will move, how it behaves, and when the perfect shot might happen.

This doesn’t mean you need to be a biologist. But learning to slow down, watch, and wait will dramatically improve your results.

Why It Works:

Animals often repeat patterns – feeding, grooming, resting.
Birds return to the same perch. Elephants follow trails. Wallabies tend to hop in arcs.
Knowing this gives you the upper hand in positioning and preparation.

How to Start:

Observe before you shoot – especially if the animal is relaxed and not in motion.
Look for signs of movement direction, body language, or vocal cues.
Stay still. The less you move, the more the animal will trust you, and the more natural your photo will look.

🦘 Pro Insight: My experience on the board of an animal welfare organisation has taught me that calm observation is often the most respectful and rewarding approach. Animals are not props. They are individuals with rhythms and reactions we can learn from. Read my post on Ethical Animal Tourism.

9. Use Natural Frames Found in the Environment

Framing is a classic composition technique, and nature provides plenty of opportunities to do it beautifully.

Look for branches, leaves, rocks, or even shafts of light that naturally frame your subject. These elements not only draw the viewer’s eye directly to the animal but also add depth and context to the scene.

How to Spot Natural Frames:

Take a second to scan your surroundings before shooting.
Use overhanging trees or leaves to create a foreground border.
Shoot through grass, fences, or even cave openings to add interest.

This technique works just as well on mobile phones as it does on DSLRs – it’s all about positioning, not equipment.

📸 Pro Tip: Use natural frames to hide distractions. If there is a tourist in the background or a man-made structure, a leafy branch or tall grass can help cover it while improving the photo.

This technique encourages you to interact with the landscape and think creatively, something that can turn an average photo into a truly memorable one.

10. Take LOTS of Photos - Then Pick the Best

In wildlife photography, your best photo is rarely your first. Or your tenth.

It is totally normal to take dozens – or even hundreds – of shots to get one image that truly captures the moment – the light changes. The animal moves. You blink. That’s why pros rely on volume, and so should you.

Embrace the “Spray and Pray” (Within Reason):

Use burst mode or continuous shooting when the action starts.
Even if 90% of your shots are unusable, you might capture a split-second gem.
Review your photos later; if you check too soon, you might miss something great.

🐿️ Real Talk: While photographing chipmunks and squirrels in Canada, I took over 150 shots just to capture one perfect moment of a squirrel. Was it worth it? Absolutely. This also means you usually need more than one memory card. Read my article on The Best Memory Card for Travel.

For a fun reminder that even the wildlife can have off-moments, check out the Comedy Wildlife Awards. These hilarious entries prove that wildlife photography is as unpredictable as the animals themselves and that sometimes, the “bad” shot ends up being the best one.

11. Turn Off the Flash - Let Nature Do the Lighting

Flash photography and wildlife rarely mix well.

A sudden burst of light can startle animals, disrupt their natural behaviour, and ruin an otherwise beautiful moment. It can also create harsh shadows, unnatural colours, and red-eye, all things you definitely don’t want in a wildlife photo.

Why Flash is a No-Go:

It can scare off your subject before you get another chance.
It flattens your image, removing the natural depth and mood created by sunlight or shadows.
In some regions or reserves, using flash near wildlife is discouraged or even banned.

What to Do Instead:

Disable flash on your phone or camera before you start shooting.
Shoot during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, beautiful light.
Adjust your ISO and exposure if the lighting is low – modern cameras and phones handle it well.

📸 Pro Tip: A naturally lit photo, even if slightly grainy, always feels more authentic than one blasted with artificial light.

💾 Extra Tip: If you are shooting in low light or using burst mode, you will fill your memory card fast. Make sure you are using a card that’s fast, reliable, and fits your gear. Here are 6 Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Memory Card for Travel.

12. Steady Your Camera - No Tripod, No Problem

Sharpness can make or break a wildlife photo, and camera shake is one of the most common reasons a shot falls flat. But you don’t need to lug around a heavy tripod to get crisp results. You just need to know how to stabilise your camera with what is already around you.

Easy Ways to Steady Your Shot:

Use natural supports: Trees, rocks, fence posts, or even your knee make great impromptu stabilisers.
Hold your breath: Especially during slower shutter speeds, holding your breath while pressing the shutter can reduce motion blur.
Tuck in your elbows: Create a triangle with your arms against your body for added stability.

Travel-Friendly Gear:

If you also enjoy capturing wildlife video on the go, these compact tools are great stabilisers for action footage and quick clips, even if you’re moving:

While these are primarily designed for video, we find them useful for capturing dynamic moments when still photography isn’t enough, or for creating reels or stories from your wildlife encounters.

Bonus: Get Inspired by the Pros

One of the best ways to grow as a wildlife photographer is to study the work of professionals. Not to copy, but to understand how they use light, space, angles, and timing to tell powerful visual stories.

Here are three sources of inspiration that I turn to often:

🐘 Ami Vitale

A Nikon Ambassador and National Geographic wildlife photographer, Ami’s work captures both the beauty and the fragility of wildlife. Her use of light, composition, and cultural storytelling is a masterclass in purpose-driven photography.

🐋 Brian Skerry

Renowned for his stunning underwater wildlife photography, Brian’s work reminds us of the power of patience and precision, especially in challenging environments. His ability to use bokeh and natural light underwater is next-level.

😂 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Because not every shot has to be serious – these images prove that even “mistakes” can be magical and that wildlife photography has plenty of room for humour, heart, and surprise.

📸 Pro Tip: Follow photographers you admire on social media. Seeing great wildlife photography in your feed keeps you inspired, motivated, and always learning.

Conclusion

You don’t need expensive gear to take stunning wildlife photos; you just need to be intentional, observant, and ready. These 12 practical tips are the exact ones I use, whether I’m photographing wombats in Australia, chipmunks in Canada, or elephants in Sri Lanka. And I’ve used them with everything from my mobile phone to my mirrorless Nikon setup.

What matters most is not what’s in your hands, but how you use it.

Remember: great wildlife photography is about respect – for the animals, for their environment, and for the story you’re capturing. When you take the time to focus on composition, patience, and preparation, your images will reflect that care and connection.

If you’re heading on a wildlife-focused adventure soon, don’t miss my guide to The Best Camera for a Safari in Sri Lanka.

And if you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with a fellow traveller or tag me on social media in your own wildlife shots – I’d love to see them.

FAQs: Practical Tips for Wildlife Photography

What is the best time of day for wildlife photography?

The best times are early morning and late afternoon – often called the golden hours. The light is softer, wildlife is more active, and your photos will have a natural warmth that is hard to replicate at midday.

Can I take good wildlife photos with a phone?

Yes! Many of the tips in this article work perfectly with a mobile phone. Focus on composition, lighting, and timing. Features like portrait mode, burst mode, and gridlines can help you capture professional-looking shots with your phone.

Do I need a tripod for wildlife photography?

Not necessarily. You can stabilise your camera using trees, rocks, or even your knees. However, if you are planning to shoot in low light or with a long zoom lens, a compact tripod or stabiliser can be a helpful addition.

Should I use flash in wildlife photography?

No – flash can startle wildlife and ruin the natural atmosphere of your photo. Instead, adjust your ISO or exposure, and shoot during times when natural light is most flattering.

About the Author: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.

I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.

Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.

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About: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.

We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.

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