How to Take Pictures of Wild Animals

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If you're going on safari and your idea of shooting wild animals involves a camera and some pictures, we can help.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Camera
Telephoto lens
A 2x Teleconverter
Tripod
Backup camera body

Warning: Wild animals can be extremely dangerous. Never get out of your safari vehicle to get closer to an animal just for the shot; try using a longer lens.

Step 1: Research possible animals

Do a little research to find out what type of animals you will most likely encounter. Faster animals call for faster lenses.

Step 2: Select the lowest possible ISO

When you arrive at your locations, grab your camera and select the lowest possible ISO for the current lighting conditions.

Tip: Speed is the most important thing to consider when shooting moving animals. You may need to sacrifice a bit of "noise" by selecting a higher ISO that will allow you to shoot with the fastest speeds possible.

Step 3: Mount the lens and teleconverter

Mount your telephoto lens and teleconverter.

Tip: A 2x teleconverter doubles your focal length, meaning a 200mm lens becomes a 400mm lens. It also reduces your lens speed by an equal amount.

Step 4: Steady your camera

Steady your camera or use a tripod to prevent any unwanted camera shake.

Step 5: Compose the shot

Compose your shot.

Step 6: Set the speed and aperture

Set the appropriate shutter speed and aperture.

Step 7: Focus on the area

Focus on the area.

Step 8: Wait for the animal

Now wait patiently for whatever animal you're looking for, tiger, squid, Triple-Bellied Reverse Golden Finch, or whatever.

Step 9: Refocus and shoot

When you see the animal, re-focus and begin to shoot. Get as many shots as you can, since it might be difficult to tell whether or not you've gotten the shot until after the fact.

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[nessi96]

That boy/girl/bunny annoys me.

[xDuetx]

then why do you watch, Negative Nancy?

[sinmiedoacreer]

Or whatever...

[spacexplorer100]

since when did a bunny attack a person??

[SakabatoAngel]

i took a picture of a pokemon!

[xWonderbolt]

@eleetgamer hes

cool

[TheRealMe15]

@nessi96 that's cause you're a sad little white man.

[11dogsrule11]

dude. you people say no shit for the camera. but when they dont mention it you get pissed and say like... so i don't need a camera then?

SERIOUSLY NO PLEASING YOU GUYS

[quarterhorse631]

no shit you first need a camera!

[Katantunoro]

@xDuetx You just told em good.

[KnightsbridgeAce]

Good video