Tiger Photographic Tips
Lighting : 
Top
lighting effect is not ideal for photographing wildlife or landscapes; low side
lighting is better for showing detail in wildlife subjects and creates more interesting
shadows in landscapes. So it’s important to make full use of the light at
sunrise and again in the later afternoon. While most wildlife photographs are
taken with the sunlight behind the photographer thereby fully lighting the subject,
it should be remembered that some spectacular images can be taken using side or
back lighting, particularly using the warm glow created at sunrise and sunset.
Exposure : Correct exposure is the key to successful photography
and modern cameras, with their built-in metering systems, go a long way to reducing
the possibility of incorrect exposure. However there are situations where even
the most complex metering system is going to struggle. A good example would be
a white bird on very dark background, the meter is likely to try and expose correctly
for the background, which will over exposure the bird. This is where a good understanding
of your camera comes into play. Most SLR cameras will have a +/- (over/under exposure)
override and, in the situation outlined above, you will need to under expose by
about 1 to 2 stops to ensure correct exposure. The same effect can be obtained
by doubling the (ISO) film speed i.e. 100 to 200ISO, but remember to change these
setting back before moving on.
In any situation where you are not sure
about the exposure you can always bracket. For example if your metering reading
is 1/60th at f8, take one picture at this setting, then two further exposures
at 1/60th at f11 and 1/60th at f5.6, to do this you may have to switch the camera
to manual mode or use the +/- override.
Depth of Field : When
the camera lens is focused to give a sharp image of a
particular
subject, other objects, closer or further away, do not appear equally as sharp.
They can be made sharp by ‘stopping down’ using a smaller ‘f stop’.
The higher the ‘f stop’ number, the more depth of field is available.
It should be remembered that as you stop down your shutter speed will get slower
and subject movement will become more of a problem.
‘Stopping down’
is important when photographing plants, insects and other small subjects as it
reduces out of focus distractions. The opposite procedure can be used to help
isolate your main centre of interest by making background or foreground distractions
go out of focus.
Don’t forget that you can check the depth of field
created by any given ‘f stop’, by using the depth of field button on
your camera, This button allows you to preview the finished image though the view
finder and to make adjustments to your own satisfaction prior to making any exposure.
Shutter Speed : Different shutter speeds produce varying effects
with regard to subject blur and camera shake. Fast shutter speeds are desirable
for stopping movement, such as flying birds and eliminating camera shake. It is
worth remembering that is some situations movement of the subject during exposure
can often result in a pleasing pictorial image.
Composition : The
automation of modern cameras has taken away most of the technical pit falls of
photography. Composition is the tool by which we can express our artistic thoughts
and so demands an active input. It is therefore in your own interest to be fully
conversant with the factors relating to good composition. Many newcomers to photography
tend to produce all their images in a horizontal format, partly because of the
layout of modern cameras which lend themselves to this shape. Remember they work
equally well when turned through 90 degrees to a vertical format.
Changing
your viewpoint can totally alter your image, we get used to seeing everything
from a standing position, by kneeling or even lying down you are going to show
an angle that we are not familiar with, which will often produce a more unusual
result. A wide-angle lens used in this way can create some very interesting effects.
Think
about where you are going to place the main point of interest in your image, avoid
placing your subject in the centre of the frame. If it’s an animal, it needs
room to move or to look into the picture space. A flying bird should be flying
into the picture rather than out of it. Always attempt to get a ‘highlight’
in the eye, as this gives life to the subject. Do pay attention to the horizon
line, particularly in landscapes and avoid splitting your picture in half, think
in ‘thirds’. Zoom lenses have become a great asset by allowing control
over subject size and perspective, with out moving the camera position.
By utilising a range of lenses it is often possible to secure an interesting sequence
of images of an animal. The longest lenses for a close up of the head, through
to a wide angle, which will show the landscape.
Notes : Either
date and or number each film, using an indelible felt tip pen. Then, by keeping
details notes of what you saw each day, you will then be able to accurately caption
your photographs.
Code of Conduct : It should always be remembered
that the welfare of the subject is more important the photograph. Do not go too
close, Do not use flash if it might disturb the subject, Do not make lots of noise.
Do not discard any form of litter. Take only pictures leave only memories!
Tiger Photographic Tips,
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