When you are tracking fast-moving animals with your SLR, I suggest setting it to continuous-servo AF (auto-focus). As you follow your subject, partially depress the shutter button. This keeps focus on the moving subject and when you feel the time is right, press the button. Without this feature, it is a lot more difficult to focus on your subject just before taking the photo. I also suggest using the continuous HS (high speed) setting on your SLR. This enables you to capture a full sequence of movement in a series of photos without having to press your shutter button repeatedly. Depending on the camera you own, your frames per second using this setting can vary. If something is happening in front of you and you don’t have time to adjust the settings on your camera I recommend using the automatic “sports” mode (the universal symbol for this setting is a figure running). This allows you to follow the action and press the button without having to think about what the correct settings are.
If your aim is to photograph small frogs or lizards, it’s best to use the macro setting on your compact camera or a dedicated macro lens on your SLR camera. This enables you to focus at a close distance and fill the frame with your subject. Position yourself as close to eye-level as possible and focus on the animal’s eyes. Then wait for that moment when there is some movement or interaction and quickly press the shutter. With wildlife behaviour you can’t predict what will happen and when it will happen. To me, this is what makes it so exciting and challenging.
Many animals are shy and won’t act naturally in close proximity to humans. You will therefore need to use a zoom or telephoto lens with a decent focal length. If you would like to photograph birds in flight a long lens is again essential. If the budget allows, it is worth purchasing a fast-focusing lens. It will allow you to track the animal much more easily and will give you more chance at firing off a sequence of shots.
If you have a passion for African wildlife, nature or travel photography and would love to go on a specialised small-number, professional African photo safari, please get in touch with Michael Snedic at WildNature Photo Expeditions. You can call him on 0408 941 965 or fill in this Contact Form and he will get back to you ASAP.
