Half the battle of wildlife photography is actually getting out there, spending the time to increase your opportunity for wildlife sightings and gaining more confidence with your gear and subjects.
I’m an Aussie now living in South Africa. It’s been quite a journey getting to this point but my passion for animals has always been the constant.
I’ve been involved with many wildlife conservation programs in various countries and used to be a volunteer wildlife carer/rescuer when I was still based in Australia. I specialised in reptile rescue and rehabilitation but work with all animals including bats, birds and mammals too.
Photography came later after I started taking photos of my pets. I enjoyed it so much I started educating myself more about the technicalities of photography.
2. How and when did you realise your passion for photography?
Before committing to photography full time I had a career as a graphic designer and then art director for almost a decade. It was a gradual process, and I still consulted as an art director for many years at the same time. It’s always challenging to go it alone, without a regular paycheck, but it was the only way to truly dedicate myself to wildlife photography, that was over 17 years ago now.
I didn't study formally, instead, I went out and practised and made mistakes and learned along the way. Initially I started a pet photography business and then transitioned into wildlife full time. I also then started filming and that is the bulk of my work these days, wildlife documentaries.
3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?
My best advice for young aspiring photographers and cinematographers is persistence. There is no better advice I can offer while things like networking and knowing your gear and practising are all essential elements at the end of the day what's going to get you the opportunities and the work is to stick with it because then you'll still be working at it when most other people have given up.
Become familiar with your gear ... this is absolutely key and is only possible with practice. I recommend beginners focus their learning on one aspect at a time so they don’t get overwhelmed and confused.
3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?
My best advice for young aspiring photographers and cinematographers is persistence. There is no better advice I can offer while things like networking and knowing your gear and practising are all essential elements at the end of the day what's going to get you the opportunities and the work is to stick with it because then you'll still be working at it when most other people have given up.
Become familiar with your gear ... this is absolutely key and is only possible with practice. I recommend beginners focus their learning on one aspect at a time so they don’t get overwhelmed and confused.
Try to thoroughly understand one component, such as Aperture, or Shutter Speed, or ISO for example and then move onto the next component until all the pieces will come together and you will clearly understand how each element works together and affects the other.
Half the battle of wildlife photography is actually getting out there, spending the time to increase your opportunity for wildlife sightings and gaining more confidence with your gear and subjects.
Take advantage of the wildlife around you ... that may be your garden, local park or even somewhere more wild.
4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
I'm sure we've heard it all before, patience is vital, but so is understanding animals and their body language, but even more importantly I feel is your attitude and energy towards those animals because that will always comes through in your work.
Half the battle of wildlife photography is actually getting out there, spending the time to increase your opportunity for wildlife sightings and gaining more confidence with your gear and subjects.
Take advantage of the wildlife around you ... that may be your garden, local park or even somewhere more wild.
4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
I'm sure we've heard it all before, patience is vital, but so is understanding animals and their body language, but even more importantly I feel is your attitude and energy towards those animals because that will always comes through in your work.
If someone is truly passionate about wildlife then you will find the patience needed to capture truly beautiful images. That's because you understand what a privilege it is to be in the presence of that animal whether you're taking photos or not.
Lighting is vitally important, as is framing, but when it comes to wildlife photography and filming, understanding and interpreting your subjects body language is our most important skill. This allows us to predict the animals next move and therefore frame accordingly. It also helps us to decide whether to hold a shot or track with the animal, important in telling a visual story.
5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?
I didn’t set out to earn my living working with wildlife; I was simply happy to spend as much time as I could with animals and learning as much as I could because it interested me.
Wildlife photography and filming is very difficult to break into, and I was photographing animals and wildlife professionally for over 10 years before I had the opportunity to shoot for some bigger names in the wildlife industry, including National Geographic.
Don’t give up. That’s what will set you apart from all of the others trying to do the same thing. I’ve had to make many sacrifices on my journey and it’s still very hard work being a freelance cinematographer always working to find my next project. If you truly are passionate about your work then the sacrifices are worth it.
Wildlife photography can be a really great creative outlet. Be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat and ultimately enjoy yourself. Have patience with yourself just as much as with the wildlife. I know a lot of people get frustrated with their gear or missing shots or learning the technicalities of photography but that takes time and practice so be gentle with yourself and try to enjoy the process.
6. Which is your favourite book and why?
Depending on what location I’m working in, a field guide about the local wildlife and tracks.
Lighting is vitally important, as is framing, but when it comes to wildlife photography and filming, understanding and interpreting your subjects body language is our most important skill. This allows us to predict the animals next move and therefore frame accordingly. It also helps us to decide whether to hold a shot or track with the animal, important in telling a visual story.
5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?
I didn’t set out to earn my living working with wildlife; I was simply happy to spend as much time as I could with animals and learning as much as I could because it interested me.
Wildlife photography and filming is very difficult to break into, and I was photographing animals and wildlife professionally for over 10 years before I had the opportunity to shoot for some bigger names in the wildlife industry, including National Geographic.
Don’t give up. That’s what will set you apart from all of the others trying to do the same thing. I’ve had to make many sacrifices on my journey and it’s still very hard work being a freelance cinematographer always working to find my next project. If you truly are passionate about your work then the sacrifices are worth it.
Wildlife photography can be a really great creative outlet. Be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat and ultimately enjoy yourself. Have patience with yourself just as much as with the wildlife. I know a lot of people get frustrated with their gear or missing shots or learning the technicalities of photography but that takes time and practice so be gentle with yourself and try to enjoy the process.
6. Which is your favourite book and why?
Depending on what location I’m working in, a field guide about the local wildlife and tracks.
- Shannon Benson
Blog - Shannonwild
- Interviewed by - Nishad Kinhikar
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