Wildlife Guidelines

Guidelines

If you live in the “right spot” photography of natural things can be quite easy in the sense that the subjects you're after are plentiful and it will not take as much work in finding them. Maybe it will only take a tank of gas or a good pair of legs to get where the animals or scenery are. Once you’re there or have found what you’ve been looking for, sometimes our best intentions go out the window and we do more harm than good. Never put the welfare of the animal in jeopardy just to get “that” shot. Remember we are there to record the natural history of the places we live in and there are rules we should follow. I have put together some guidelines that we should all respect when looking for, tracking and photographing wild animals.
Keep in mind that I did not create these rules nor would I want anyone to think that I want credit for the information that follows; some of the rules for being a good outdoorsman were taught to me by my Dad, some of the photography guidlines I found in books or magazines and others I found while researching wildlife photography on the net, others I learned from being out in the field. No matter where they came from they are a guide that we should all follow not just for the safety of the subject but for the safety of ourselves as well.

Remember you are only a guest in your subjects environment, approach them with caution and never get too close to a wild animal, always photograph them from a safe distance. A good photographer will always try not to interrupt an animals natural behavior.

If you are photographing a mother with her offspring never come between them no matter how safe you deem the animal. They will defend their young violently if necessary. This will also cause unnecessary stress to a young animal.

Never feed or bait an animal to get a good shot, this can result in harm to the animal and some times disease or even death to the animal.

Never get to close too a den or nest of certain species as this could cause them to abandon the nest and the young inhabiting it. Do your homework.

Do your research on your subject and learn to recognize the alarm signals and respect this. No matter how tame you think they may be they’re not, they are still wild animal's and may defend their territory if provoked.

When going into any wilderness we change it just by stepping on the ground, we can’t help that. We can though make every effort not to damage or remove plants, life forms, or objects that may hinder the natural progression of a wild place. DO NOT LEAVE BEHIND TRASH!

Finally and this is the most important rule of all, never put the photograph before the welfare of the subject. This rule above all else is what makes a good photographer great.

-----A Thanks To Farmers

----Here is the best tip or guideline. Your best friend in this type of photography is the Farmer; because it will be his or her land that you will have to walk on to get most of the shoots to make up your portfolio. Now here’s the thing, it’s the Farmers land, not yours and you don’t have a right to be on it, so ask. It never hurts to ask and it is much better than getting caught on a piece of land where you’re not wanted. When a farmer or land owner has a No Trespassing sign posted on his land it means No Trespassing, don’t go on the land until you have permission. My rule is this, I will find a spot where I know the shots are and try and find out who owns it. I will then approach the people that own the land and tell them who I am, what I am doing and why. Make sure you let the people know that you are not there to hunt or destroy their property. Most farmers will be happy to let you on their land. And most of all thank them, take the time to find the owners after your shoot and let them know that you appreciate them for trusting you on their property.
The Great Horned Owl page has a link to a Owlet page, baby owls and I would not have found this family of owls if not for a trusting couple who let me on their land and pointed me in the right direction. Thanks Guys!!

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