Spring Wildlife Photography Tips With A Samsung

Spring is a great season to head out and photograph some British wildlife. 

Here in the UK we have a wide variety of animals that are great photographic subjects at any time of year, but there are some that will suit the season better. Here, we'll run down what's available to photograph in the spring and how best to go about it. 

Do your research

To find out where the local wildlife hangouts are in your area it's best to do some research. Ask around, maybe a local fellow photographer has some tips. Use the internet to your advantage and find the prime location for the animal you want to photograph. If you live near fields, or golf courses that are away from any noisy main roads then these can be prime locations for the timid mammals such as foxes, rabbits, hares and even badgers. Of course, the spring brings great opportunity for bird photography as they go about preparing their nests for the season. 

Take the right gear

It's important when you're photographing wildlife that you have the right kit for the job. At this time of year, dawn is at a more agreeable time but just because it's later doesn't necessarily mean it won't be cold, so wrap up warm and be sure to wear something that will help you to blend in with the scenery when you set up camp. 

If you're photographing on the fields or around local green areas as mentioned above, it's best to pick an edge and stick to it. Consider the wind direction when picking your place as if wild animals smell you they may get skittish. Wildlife photography is all about patience so it's worth taking a stool and perhaps even a hide if you find a spot that you can settle in and get some great shots. 

Kit requirements

You'll need a long lens to be able to capture great shots of wildlife from a distance without spooking or disturbing the shyer creatures like rabbits. A tripod will be handy to set the camera up on, preferably one with a swivel head allowing you to quickly move the angle of the camera for panning and focusing in on the creature. 

Settings

It's advisable to compose your preferred shot before the subject appears, focusing in on the general area that the animal may appear in. A fastish shutter speed will be essential to avoid any blurring but a balance will be required between a wide open aperture which may throw too much of the shot out of focus if you still want some clarity in the surrounding vegetation. As it's spring, why not try and incorporate some spring flowers into your composition as an extra challenge?