People often ask me what camera gear do you use for your nature photography? For those who plan on taking the plunge to nature photography I would highly recommend purchasing a digital single lens reflex camera. This will allow you to choose from a system of lenses that will work for the subject and environment you of your choice. Choose one of the Major brands by going into a local camera shop and try more than one on for size. The camera should feel comfortable in your hand. All the major controls should be easily reached by the flick of a dial or rotation of a wheel without too much trouble of effort on your part. Avoid purchasing an SLR body with a plastic lens mount even if it takes you out of your price range. Remember you are purchasing into a system and there is a strong likely hood in time you will want to upgrade to a better lens. Specialty lenses that are well suited for photographing subjects from great distances can be a lot heftier in size and weight. Over time a heavier lens could compromise a plastic metal lens mount.

So which brand should I choose? Some cameras and lenses are better suited for outdoor work. Try to thinks ahead, what kind of shooting will you be doing. If your subjects will mostly be birds you will be out shooting in all types of weather. A weather resistant body will allow you to shoot in varied conditions and in my opinion would be a smart move regardless of your subject. Keep in mind equipment is not the answer to everything. The most valuable asset a Nature Photographer can have at their disposal is the power of observation.

Humbug you might exclaim. What on earth do you mean power of observation? If you had the best camera gear in the world but no idea how to observe your subject, the camera gear would be useless. The art of observation is crucial, know and observe your subject in its natural environment. Be sure to have a basic idea of your subjects biology. Being forearmed can save you countless hours in the field so be prepared. Know the pattern of behavior of your subject, this comes from observing it in the field. Pay particular attention to observe food sources that may be specific to your area. In my opinion there is a certain Zen to Nature Photography. One must respect the subject and environment they wish to photograph. Those who merely pursue Nature Photography from a technological or mechanical approach perform a disservice to their subjects and the environment.

Some of you may be content with back yard photographs of birds’ flowers and bugs near or around your home. Then again some of you may in fact yearn to take their photography to another level by photographing Wildlife subjects in national parks, preserves or in wilderness areas. Realize as soon as you strap you camera gear on you bear a responsibility for the safety of your subject and others who are also enjoying earth’s abundance. The funny thing is I have know a few people who ignored this concept only to find out later the universe does not forget those who ignore this principal.

Remember learn as much about your intended subject as you can. If you hit a road block speak with a biologist who is an expert on the species you intended to photograph. When a wildlife subject feels threatened or irritated by a Photographer, it poses a danger for the subject and the photographer.

Several years ago while my wife and I visited Yellowstone National Park. I had struck up a conversation with a Park Ranger over dinner. The Ranger had initially commented about my camera gear, within a short time we were chatting away. The Ranger spoke of a recent incident where a photographer evidently got too close to a large male buffalo. It seems the novice photographer was so caught up with the capturing of his images he failed to notice his flash was stressing the buffalo.

The end result was a novice photographer being hauled into an emergency room several puncture wounds and broken ribs. Wildlife that experiences obtrusive and stressful human encounters can continue to be a problem down the road for everyone. The bottom line is even experts can be taken by surprise.

Take the case of Michio Hoshino an experienced wildlife photographer who was photographing grizzly bears in Kamchatka Peninsula in Eastern Russia. Hoshino had plenty of experience with bears and was a first class photographer and outdoorsmen. He was attacked and killed by a grizzly as he slept in his tent. This tragic loss is a sober reminder of how unpredictable predatory wildlife can be even with years of experience under your belt.

- Always carry pepper spray in bear country.
- Never approach an animal carcass, as it is likely a food cache.
- Watch for signs of stress in you subject, ears flattened out or bristling of fur.
- Avoid approaching bird of prey nests as you could cause nest failure.
- Huffing of breath spells trouble with many species of wildlife.
- Always plan ahead, if are unfamiliar with the terrain or area hire a guide.
- Observe patterns of behavior.
- Observe and take note of indigenous food sources of your subject.
- Remember no shot is worth risking the well being or safety of any wildlife subject.
- Make as little impact on the environment as possible.