In Pure Spirit

Interested in wildlife photography? Whether you’re a beginner or pro, our helpful guide from experts at Lafayette Photography will ensure you snap award-worthy pictures of these native creatures and critters. 

British Birds

There’s nothing more iconic than images of a Robin Redbreast set against a wintry background. These common birds are easy to find, but why not discover rare British birds for an even more striking photograph.

From dainty Willow Tits to majestic White-Tailed Eagles, you can stalk these super rare subjects to ensure jaw-dropping dramatic shots with every click. 

Scotland is home to some of the most magnificent winged wildlife in the world. So head to the highlands armed with weather-resistant lenses that allow maximum zoom and Panasonic settings to include breathtaking backgrounds. Make sure your camera is blur proof by using a tripod and shooting in burst mode. Choose secluded areas like glens and natural parks and try to blend in by wearing muted colours.

As a last resort, why not befriend a fellow birder who can lead the way to an excellent experience with remarkable birdlife and secure that winning shot. 

Butterflies

British butterflies were born to be photographed. Thanks to their aesthetics and elegant flutter, these special species are a real treat for wildlife photographers everywhere. 

The best time to capture butterflies is early morning or late afternoon. This is when you’ll find them perched upon a plant absorbing warmth from the sun. When approaching the butterfly, be as gentle and lightfooted as possible because they’re super sensitive to vibrations and will depart before getting your picture.

Butterflies aren’t super fast. In fact, their dainty, ethereal movements can be shot on your everyday iPhone. But if you want a more professional feel, choose a digital camera with a fast shutter speed and lie on the ground to capture them mid-flight. 

If you’re one of the lucky people to have a butterfly alight upon your body, then put your camera away and just enjoy the magical moment. 

Squirrels

Red squirrels are rare, so snapping one in their natural habitat is a real feat. These fluffy-tailed animals are super fast, so it’s essential to remain stealthy and give them a wide birth for natural-looking pictures. 

To find British Red Squirrels, head to woodland in Autumn time. A practical tip to attract them is to take some squirrel snacks along, like pine nuts and sunflowers seeds and sprinkle them around as you scour the scene for the perfect picture. Next, use a camera with a fast shutter speed lens which will enable you to keep your distance without startling your subject. 

Timing is everything when it comes to capturing images of squirrels. And waiting is the name of the game when trying to take excellent shots of nature. So, wear comfy shoes and wait for your furry friends to strike a pose. 

Foxes 

Focusing on foxes can produce images of all kinds. Whether dark and macabre or lighthearted and humorous, these cunning Canidae make the best photography subjects. 

Foxes are super easy to find too! Most urban areas in the UK have a wondering fox or two, making wildlife photography a breeze. The tricky part is they only surface after dark, so make sure you stay safe when searching for your foxy pictures. 

Even though you’ll need to edit night images, it’s critical to use lenses with a dynamic range when shooting without light. Otherwise, you won’t have clear, crisp pictures of your Mr Fox. Equally important is the need for reduced noise, so a camera that allows for sensory control will help you get those exciting shots without scaring your subject away. 

British Badgers

Trying to shoot pictures of wild badgers can get a little complicated. Of course, this is excellent news for the more adventurous photographer, but if you’re a beginner, here are some simple tricks to get you started.

Badgers come out after dusk, so head to woodland areas before that time. Getting there early gives you a chance to look out for badger droppings, so you know where to set up, bait and wait. 

If you didn’t already know, badgers are fierce, have an epic sense of smell, and move quickly in the opposite direction if you’re wearing strong scents. Remote photography would be best for these unique animals if you have the specialised equipment. 

To create the clearest, most charming photographs of badgers, always use a wide lens to paint a storybook picture people can invest in. 

In Pure Spirit

What tips do you have for wildlife photography?

This article was written by Faye Lord on behalf of Lafayette Photography, UK and Ireland’s leading photography company since 1880; services include portraiture, corporate photography, graduate ceremonies and historical photography. In Pure Spirit was not paid to host it and received no other compensation.