Closeup photography is the hardest yet the most exciting wildlife photography. Agreeably, nature photography, unlike other types of photography require a lot of proficiency and skill especially when you must deal with animals and birds. Seeing your subject through the lenses in a perfect angle is, however, the desire of every photographer. To capture that badge winning close up shot you will need a telephoto lens of about 150mm.

In this guide we will put you through the whole process of photographing your subject right from approaching to the point where you position yourself for the opportunity and lower the shutter.

How to position yourself closeup photo

Close up images are better than long range images because they capture more beautiful and detailed images. At closeup you will be able to capture birthmarks and body patterns in your subject.

Firstly, its important that you note that human interfering with wildlife in natural habitat discouraged. Always ensure that your position don’t deter your subject before or after taking your pictures. To achieve the best position, whether through off-road driving or walking closer to your subject, you will need to apply a few techniques amongst them.

• Ensure the subject is feeding. When your subject is feeding its easier to approach without being noticed as the head is down focused on the food. Keep your eyes on the subject as you walk or drive closer. If your subject get alarmed and looks anxious patiently wait until they look down again. Be aware that the first stimuli is a warning that your subject is on high alert. Be extra cautious.
• Go for morning game drives or walk safaris. Animals are less anxious in the morning than during daytime hours. In the morning animals are also focusing on searching for food.
• Approach your target from downhill. If you are seeking to photograph an animal in elevated ground we recommend that you approach from downhills animals are able to easily spot intruders approaching from above.
• Move slowly. When driving or walking closer to your subject don’t rush move slowly and when you are walking move in zigzag.
• Make sure you are approaching against wind directions. Some animals are quite sensitive to scent and approaching towards wind direction could blow the scent to your subject.
•  Let your guide direct you. This is especially when you are off- roading. Your tour guide must be having a wide knowledge of the wilderness and can put you in the best position to take your images. Importantly, the driver is also supposed to protect small animals, bushes and drainage patterns from being disrupted and altered by the wheels of your Landcruiser. In some parks there are demarcations on where you can/ cannot go off-roading. Just follow

Which is the best position to take your photo

With a short range zoomable lens of up to 150mm, ensure you a few yards  from your subject. Notably, getting too close can deter your subject. At this point find the best position moving slowly in a low profile. The position you pick must give you a great eye focus on your subject and must keep the direction of light on your back when facing the subject. Before you take your photo ensure that you have turned off the burst mode. Although burst mode enable you get multiple images at a go, the shutter sound could distract your subject when at close range. You should remain on ground level or lying on your belly as you check your subject through the lenses. Take the shot when satisfied by the angle.

 Importantly, you must not always get very close, especially when you are off-road driving. Its important that you are contended with the point you are able to get the best shot with the safety of your subject and environment in mind. If you are driving, we recommend that you use zoom lenses and get the best cropping.