Wildlife photography is one of my favorite ways to connect with nature. And over time, I've found using a wide-angle lens can be a perfect fit for capturing animals in their natural habitats. While these wide angle shots are often associated with landscapes, this format can add a dynamic perspective to wildlife photography, especially when working with wide, sweeping environments. It is not often that wildlife presents itself where a telephoto lens is not required, but when the opportunity arises don’t be afraid to use that 16-35mm. I find particularly when photographing elephants these lenses work really well.
Let me walk you through how I approach wildlife photography using a wide-angle lens.
Things to Think About
Using a 16-35mm or similar allows you to present a broader context, especially when photographing wildlife in large, open spaces. This format helps show not just the animal but its relationship with the environment.
The Settings
If you are like me and in Africa, a tripod isn’t going to happen. So, you will need to get the shutter speed high enough to avoid camera shake. (That is a speed where you can get sharp focus.) The downfall of a fast shutter speed may require a higher than normal ISO. If ISO gets too high, you will get noise. Just remember there are many software applications out there that do a fantastic job of removing the noise. Next, you need an aperture that will convey the look you are going for. If you want tack sharp throughout the entire image, you will need a small aperture. (I would say f/11 or higher.) If you are looking for a focus on the animal and a blurry background, you will need to open the aperture to blur the background. (I like f/5 or lower depending on the conditions. The other factor to consider on depth of field is how close the animal is to the background. The closer the critter is to the background the more you need to open up that aperture.)
Composition and Patience
A good environmental wildlife shot needs careful composition. I observe how the animals move and interact with their surroundings before I start shooting. Patience is key and keep shooting. I usually set my camera to continuous shooting mode and focus on the animal’s eye. Timing the perfect scene can be very difficult but once the animal approaches where I think is the perfect shot, I start shooting. Don’t be afraid to move positions, refocus and capture more shots. Sometimes just moving slightly in a different direction greatly improves the shot. In continuous shooting mode, I often capture a gesture or movement I did not expect and discovering that in post is always a thrill.
Environment images also require solid basics in composition. Look for natural leading lines, like rivers or paths, that can guide the viewer’s eyes across the image. Positioning the animal using the rule of thirds helps create a visually engaging scene that isn’t overly centered or static.
Telling a Story Through a Wide Lens
At the heart of wildlife photography is storytelling. By its nature, a wide-angle image allows you to tell a bigger, more complete story. You’re not just focusing on a single animal or subject but on the wider environment and how the wildlife fits into it.
Whether it’s a herd of wildebeest crossing the Masa Mara or a lion lounging in the shade, the wide angle draws the viewer in and makes them feel like they’re standing right there, observing the scene in real time.
Capturing wildlife with wide angle lenses offers a unique way to showcase the natural world in its full glory. If you’re inspired to showcase this stunning perspective, visit srampelbergPhotos explore my work. For any questions or more information, feel free to contact me!
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