Wildlife Photography: Which is Better - Planned or Opportunistic Shooting?
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Wildlife Photography: What's the best way to approach your wildlife photography? Should you plan meticulously with a specific image in mind.. or should you go with the flow and be more opportunistic? Whether it's taking the camera with you on a regular walk, or planned shooting from a set up hide, there's pros and cons for both. Do let me know which your preferred approach is - in the Comments Box below.
Filmed with Canon M50 and 15-45mm lens
Equipment: Canon 1DX Mark i; Canon 500mm f/4 Mark i lens; Canon 400mm f/5.6 lens; Induro CT404 tripod. In this video you can see me using a Red Squirrel hide, in the Yorkshire Dales, operated by Paul Fowlie.
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I am a opportunistic shooter/birder that’s the charm of this hobby, like going out fishing… you never know what you’re gonna get… and that’s very appealing to me.
I'm definitely an opportunistic bird shooter. Honestly, I enjoy the hunt. Every one in a while I capture a new species that way. I'm planning more bird and wildlife shoots for the next while, now that fall foliage is just about gone.
I’m definitely an opportunist photographer. I wander and see what there is to see. I don’t plan much, except picking the location that I wander! Different places for different times of year. Migrations, wildflower blooms, weather. Where the sun rises or sets! I shoot with the Canon RF100-500, that can shoot landscapes and macro-ish. If there are no birds, then I may look at insects, flowers, or mushrooms! I try to pay attention, slow down and look! There is just so much to see!
I usually prefer to walk around or even drive from place to place, but yesterday I set up a feeder and perch in my front yard (garden) and today I got great shots from my porch of a bird I've been pursuing in the forest for months.
So far I am exercising the opportunistic style because I live in the city and my options to encounter real wildlife in my walks are limited. On the few times that I reach the outskirts of the city I do see small birds (which are very difficult to photograph with a 70-300mm lens) and almost nothing else. But I definitely am interested in the subject and I do my best to capture whatever I can and read about them. Not only do I do photography but I learn as well. 😃
Hi Paul more opportunistic for me I go for a walk if I get something great if I don't I'm not bothered. To be honest my photography is going more landscape and buildings as I took up painting when I retired a couple of years back and now tend to paint my own images so that's my planed stuff and wildlife when just going for a walk but it's surprising when the two seem to combine. Until next time take care and stay safe my friend.
I am definitely an opportunistic photographer - just do not have the patience to spend hours waiting in a hide. I guess it is different if it is your profession to get certain photos, rather than a hobby for personal satisfaction.
I will sit in a hide if that's what it takes to get an image but I much prefer to go for a walk and hope something good happens. I to had a out of the blue encounter with a Stoat once. Managed to get few images which I was pleased with.
Beautiful place and great tips Paul👍👍you give insights into photography...regards,Kavita
I can usually only manage one walk a day so it has to be the dog walk, plus photography - so everything is extremely opportunistic with a spaniel always a few yards ahead of me! Having said that I have photographed a good variety of bird and animal life from kingfishers to peregrines and mice to deer over the past few years since I got a decent camera and lens. Not totally perfect shots by a long chalk, but I'm in it for the fun, not to make a living from it - and I always have enough quite nice images to have made into a calendar for myself for the next year! ;) Really enjoyed your video as always. Just the right length, little bit of humour, lots of good advice and tips, and some gorgeous images thrown in too!
Thank you Mr Miguel. Excellent video as usual.
I do both. When I walk around I often get new ideas, and I see places where I can go back and then sit and wait, possibly in my tent. For walk around I use a 100-500, when in a hide mostly a 500mm F4.
Hello, for the past 2/3 years I've been mainly opportunistic. These days I'm learning how to plan shoots !
I think there are indeed pros and cons to both methods indeed!
One day back in the Summer I went out specifically with red kites and buzzards in flight in mind but came back with the most amazing selection of skylark images, including one which landed on hawthorn when I had the sun behind me. I also got a bonus muntjac in the golden hour just before sunset. She knew I was there and obligingly looked right down the lens. On another occasion I headed into the woods looking for jays with no luck. While sitting on a log enjoying the moment a nuthatch appeared and became braver as I clicked away. I'm very much an opportunist photographer at this stage but it has taught me how to change camera settings very quickly to suit the opportunity. I've only just started carrying a little selection of seed, nuts and dried mealworms to tempt birds down to branches close to my temporary feeding stations. To me it is as much about enjoying my surroundings as getting 'that image.' I really appreciate your videos and tips on setting up. Many thanks.
Enjoyed reading that, thanks Philip. Skylarks.. I would love a good image of one.!
For me the answer is ‘yes’. I’m not going to limit myself to one or the other.
It's always best when the wildlife comes to you. Remember, We are part time hunters (With Cameras) and they are full time animals.
Another great video Paul I do most of my photography walking around with my dog who's been trained not to go after birds I do know what kind of birds will be in the area but it's up to mother nature to show me what is great part of the fun of Photography for me
Thanks again Paul for your thoughts on this. I enjoy the walks every weekend so I’m definitely an opportunistic photographer but I do decide in advance what my target species are for the day and then if others are around I will shoot those. For me, stationary hides have there place but I’ll use them only 1 out of 20 trips out. You’ve given me some ideas thought, like specific weather conditions, that I hadn’t considered, so thanks for that!!
Good tips Paul. Thnx. Most of the time i go out for a walk, with my gear. But not with a plan. I always got my macro-, 70-200- and a 16-35 with me. With a heavy tripod aswel. It’s a good exercise for me. It’s always a surprise seeïng a shot. And selden i come home with none.
Great Video! I was waiting and searching for a video like this for a LONG time.
Glad I could help!
Hello Paul. I, for the most part, am an opportunistic photographer. In the Spring, though, I will utilize planned outings to photograph waterfowl. Very much enjoy your videos.👍👍
I find that a balance of both is essential for getting photos to be pleased with, sometimes its very effective going after something and planning a type of shot of a species. This can be really useful for learning about that species and individuals of that species and gives you one type of valuable experience. However opportunistic shooting can bring a different experience and can really bring some of the best photos and a real variation within your photography. They are both very valuable but the ratio of which to which is dependent on the photographer. Even if you end up sticking to one of the other, I definitely think its worth trying different things as its vital in establishing a photographers skills and preferred styles.
Very much agree with your thoughts here Tristan. Thank you.
Do mine mostly walking my dog through the nearby countryside. Have this year joined a local nature reserve. Use a Fuji XT3 with a 55-200mm kit lens, so limited but had some canny results. 📷
Great stuff, Paul. Wise words from a ‘seasoned pro’. I am more of an opportunist, maybe because I have had more success that way. Loved your image of the red squirrel. Thank you.
Both are good. Planned is great for the expected result. Unplanned is good for surprise results. Do both for a healthy balance. Thanks for the tips Paul. Love the video’s.
HI! Another great video paul. 👍💪
Hi Paul, I prefer the more planned approach myself as well. Although going out for s walk with my camera is also good fun, Cheers Steve.
Great stuff Paul! I really enjoy both. I just love to get out with my camera and capture the wonderful world around me. Photographing from a blind reminds me of when I used to hunt and sit in the woods for hours taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Keep up the great work!
Hey Paul. I actually prefer the spontaneous opportunist trips. Every time I plan, it never goes to plan haha. Cheers friend.
I feel a greater sense of achievement when going down the opportunistic route although as a novice it does have its challenges (2020 Was my first venture back into photography in 10 years). I have taken on your recommendation's and advice following on from a couple of your previous projects and I think that would be a great way to start building up skills and a portfolio. Thanks for the informative and helpful videos mate. I appreciate the efforts gone into them.
Thanks James. I understand that. I hope you keep enjoying your photography
Hi paul great video once again, i tend to go for the opportunist method but with a little pre-plan shoot. i love shooting Jays in natural surroundings but with a natural perch set -up and peanuts for food, this seems to give me a high shot percentage.
A good discussion Paul ! I must admit I usually have a subject in mind but often return to plan b . Just been on two different sorties Ham wall for the Great white egret and the Dipper at Watersmeet North Devon ! Lucky to see and video both ! Happy days ! This luck can not last !!
As you know Paul, my photography is largely dictated by my health so pre planning as much as possible-so I have a two pronged approach.
Firstly is a workshop focussing on specific species-I have the kingfisher one booked with you and I have been to Paul's hides photographing red squirrel as well.
Secondly is visiting a place with a decent chance of getting a variety of species such as Bempton or a local reserve. This gives me the best of both worlds; a chance to get out and take photographs wile giving me somewhere to park my backside when I need to!!!!
I don't really take camera gear on walks, by the time I get set up the bird is usually half way back to Africa for winter migration.
The thing I DO enjoy though-and this goes for wherever I photograph is simply being out in nature and enjoyig the experience.
I tihnk you described that very well Graham. As you say, enjoying the experience.. that's so important. I'm trying to appreciate that more.
I am an opportunistic wildlife shooter. I have been enjoying getting out for long walks with my camera and capturing the animals I come across. I have noticed that most people will walk right by birds and other animals without even seeing them. I have been surprised to find a juvenile green heron, a weasel, a family raccoons, and on three different occasions, a barred owl. I live in an area where great blue herons and bald eagles are surprisingly common.
I got some very good pictures of elk by researching and finding that a city park about 40 miles from home that has a large herd there every morning. On weekends there are always several photographers but during the week I am often the only one there. Being a city park the herd is used to people being near. Being an old farm lined by trees you can still get good angles that make it look like a forest meadow.
Thank you for sharing Jeff. Sounds a good location for the elk.
Hi Paul, I don’t mind sitting in the hide and setting up a feeding station with a perch to get the shot but I suffer with itchy feet and like to roam and see what comes along, sometimes you get that perfect shot other times a total blank, but isn’t that what it’s all about just enjoying the moment.
Looking forward to your video 👍🏻
Cheers Alan.
Oportunistic...but with some species you need to plan it i.e. badger
Sungguh luar biasa.. 👍
Aye Up Paul,
I do both, also sometimes going for a planned shoot but nothing turns up, so I end up having a walkabout to see if there is anything else to capture! Nice vistas and locations for this video. If you had had some sunflower hearts in your pocket when visiting that 'screen' Rob probably would have come to you for grub 👍
I know that feeling, getting itchy feet. Yeah, the robin would have come on my hand no probs.
I enjoy both planned and unplanned. I STRUGGLE with mid-day shooting. In other words, I would like to do more since I usually shoot in mornings but that rapidly changes to mid-day in which the light isn’t as good and there’s obviously fewer birds (and other wildlife). I live in Colorado and enjoy a variety of birds/wildlife and weather conditions. Can you point me to a video you have done on this or are you planning one?
I understand totally. Mid-day is really tough so I generally avoid it if sunny. In strong sun you may want to try shooting towards the light and using fill-flash if possible. Cloudy though is fine. I did do a video on mid day shooting for butterflies.
At a guess less than 10% of my portfolio is a result of opportunistic photography. By far the majority is based on local knowledge, subject research and researching the prevailing conditions (from weather to light). Opportunistic photography has produced some of the most interesting shots but planned shots are by far thee better use of time.
Sounds excellent.
very cool tips, thanks! any thoughts on access via boats, like canoes?
I've never really thought of that.. but in some places I guess so!
@@PaulMiguelPhotography well pop over to Switzerland if you feel like shooting here sometime and we'll take my boat out. 👍
Another great video Paul 👌for me I like to plan a project! Like today wanted get Robin in first snow and did from a hide and got some nice shots👍but always have eyes open for other wildlife! What sd cards do you use and what size gb?
cheers mate. Ooh.. cards. Dunno. Wait.. they're sandisk extreme. Biggest I have is 64GB.
Hello there, my dear namesake. What a coincidence! Talk about synchronicity... Today was my first day of opportunistic photography in months now (edit: I just checked and I bought it in early October so it's only been a month but it really felt like several months at least). Ever since I bought me a pop-up hide after discovering kingies in my area and immediately getting enamored with them, I've been focused exclusively on getting my dreamed up kingy portrait. It very quickly turned out, though, that unlike your UK kingies, their Polish cousins are not as eager to cooperate (I am recalling Mike Lane's video where the kingy showed up on the perch after a whopping... 3 min). It was a disaster... Every single stint was completely futile. Even though I could often hear kingy flying around, he would never land where I needed him. It got to the point where I got really frustrated and felt I was no longer deriving any joy out of my wildlife photography. After the whole Saturday spent in the hide, today I decided I was not going to take the hide with me and only took some camo net. After 30 min lying on wet sandy patch by the river, even that seemed too restricting so I went on my merry way simply roaming the countryside. I haven't felt happier in monts :D I was so fixated on kingies that I literally forgot how enjoyable those opportunistic photo excursion could be. I also photographed more birds within those several hours than within this entire hide-only 1,5 month period.
When you sit in the hide with a small 10x10 inch window, you really don't stand much chance of photographing anything. If you succeed, it is mostly luck, sure some preparations on your part are necessary but it's 90% luck. Gosh it felt liberating!
You described that beautifully! Unless pretty much 100% guaranteed, any hide set up is a gamble. It takes time.. and that time could be used doing something else. Shame the kingies didn't work out.. but you seemed to enjoy the alternative. Yes, Mike Lane's kingfisher videos, brilliant.
I feel opportunistic is much closer to the real thing: wilder, with more adrenaline and more variety. Sitting in a hide is for conveying the beauty of nature while opportunistic is more about the essence of nature.
Thank you Vlad. I appreciate that.
Thanksyou for making this video, would you mind telling me what beanbag your using there? The one with the shoulder strap 5:22
It's a double beanbag from wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk
@@PaulMiguelPhotography thankyou for taking the time to reply :)
@@Jakst3r you're welcome.
Opportunistic photography only makes sense ...
Great content as usual. Paul please help me if you want. I use sunflower seed without success, only bird who coming to feeder is great tit. What kind of seed i need for blue tit, robin, wren...?
Thanks a lot and best wishes for you!
King regards from Serbia!
How nice to have a viewer from Serbia. Love your country! Sunflower hearts are very popular. For robins and wrens I would try more mixed seed - maybe with mealworms in. Also a bit of cheese can be good.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thank you so much Paul. Wish you all the best in new year and please visit Serbia again!
The more I walk and shoot, the luckier I get.
In my honest opinion, I enjoy the walking adventures for my wildlife photography. Hides are fine too sometimes, especially if it’s raining hard. I don’t like taking pictures of birds on feeders has it doesn’t come across to me has natural. 👍🏻