A photographer doesn’t have to go deep into the woods to get photos of wildlife. Backyards, local parks, roadsides, lakes and rivers, and cemeteries all provide ample opportunity to take photos of wild critters. Wildlife photography can be as simple or complex as one wants to make it. Birds, deer and small animals that one sees on a regular basis can often be photographed from the “back porch.” Others, like bears, and mountain lions, are more likely found after a hike into their habitat. We won’t concern ourselves with those.
Equipment does make a difference, but one can use whatever they have. Long lenses and zooms are handy as they allow the photographer to close in on the subject. The lenses I use most for wildlife are a 28-300mm and a 150-600mm zoom on full frame Nikon bodies. Also, a tripod, monopod, or other method to keep the camera steady while using slower shutter speeds can make a big difference in the quality of a photo..
While I’m not a wildlife photographer, I do enjoy shooting photos of the animals that wander close to home.
Bird feeders can bring a variety of feathered subjects within the range of the camera, and can even be placed right outside of a window to allow viewing from inside the home.
The photos in this article are examples of wildlife photographed at home, or in readily accessible locations close to home:
Love your animal pictures. Is that turtles on that log? Havent looked at all your pictures but I will. I really enjoy your work. I posted a few of my flower photos on facebook.
Thanks. I’m glad you are enjoying the photos. Yes, those are turtles on a log. You can’t go wrong with flower photos. I should take and post a few.