Dramatic Insights Vol. II: Animal Photography

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Welcome to the latest edition of Dramatic Insights!  This week we are pleased to be highlighting some stunning Animal Photography along with tips from some top of the line photographers right here on DeviantArt!  So grab a cup of tea and join in the fun!

:bulletorange::bulletorange:   Wanted: Landscapes, Skycapes, and Waterscapes!!!  Our next edition of Dramatic Insights will focus on Scapes of a Kinds!  If you would like your work to be considered for this exciting article just comment on the current blog at Dramatic-Photography  :bulletorange:
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:icondramatic-photography:  

Dramatic-Photography was created to showcase high quality photography with a special flare for the dramatic!  Our membership is open to everyone and we have a lot to offer talented photographers including the opportunity to be featured in an issue of Dramatic Insights, Daily front page features, and valuable exposure.  

Dramatic Insights will be a regular event featuring Dramatic-Photography members selected work along with insights into their world behind the camera.  ;)

:star::star:   We appreciate your support and please fav this article.  :heart:

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Special thanks to the Dramatic Contributors to this Edition:  Each photographer was asked a question about their work and selected up to 5 images to showcase here.

:iconsharonleggdigitalart: :iconalannah-hawker: :icono0oluxo0o: :iconvelvet-paw: :icono0wda0ominako: :iconadamsherratt: :iconjaydoncabe: :icongolden86: :iconkeldbach: :iconcmac13: :iconallerlei: :iconajpastor: :iconkiarasart: :iconmnmlicious: :iconquaddie: :iconatelierkunz: :icondeingel: :iconsalemcat: :iconsmileandgrace::iconsquirrelflight-77:

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:iconsharonleggdigitalart:

Each photographer needs to know their equipment, so when faced in quick decisions, they can make them quickly enough to get 'that' capture. Know the animal's behavior; know the area you are in and have the right lens/lenses for the job.

Eye of the Beholder by SharonLeggDigitalArt Flirty Momma by SharonLeggDigitalArt Freedom by SharonLeggDigitalArt Oh, Danny Boy by SharonLeggDigitalArt Regal by SharonLeggDigitalArt

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:iconalannah-hawker:

My 3 tips for animal photography would be:

1. Never photograph looking down at the animal, always eye level or looking up!
2. The eyes are the most important part of the piece, so make sure you focus on them!
3. Keep trying and make sure you enjoy it!:)

The Great Escape by Alannah-Hawker Ocelot. by Alannah-Hawker Hey Dad by Alannah-Hawker Foxes by Alannah-Hawker Bald Eagle by Alannah-Hawker

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:icono0oluxo0o:

Here are 3 things that I deem important when shooting animals.

1. Eye Contact, when shooting any kind of domesticated animal I think its important to make as much eye contact with the animal as possible. It gives anyone that is looking at the shot and instant connection and more emotion is shown in the eyes then even more so than body language.

2. Color, I think this is going to sound hard but shooting pictures of animals has the same characteristics as people. You need to make sure the colors are true and the back ground you’re shooting them in gives you enough contrast to keep your image from looking flat.

3. Lighting, Animals have a lot of different skin types from hair, Smooth, Rough, and so on. You have to watch the exposure of the subject at all times. Most of the time you will find a lower exposure works best for animals with a shine to there coat or Long hair. Light tends to eat those fine hairs up and will leave your animal looking like its having a bad hair day.

Here are my Images
My Good Side by o0oLUXo0o Relaxed by o0oLUXo0o SF Car Thief's by o0oLUXo0o Nap Time by o0oLUXo0o Gull Power by o0oLUXo0o
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:iconvelvet-paw:

You asked me about tips for animal photography. Before I start, I'd like to say some general things you should have in mind when you work with animals.

Taking photos of animals is different from taking photos of humans, because you can't tell them how to pose or what to do, so the most important thing you need for animal photography is patience. Animals can be a great subject to photograph but you always have to keep in mind that they are living creatures and your photos will only turn out good if you respect them. Here are 3 things you always should care about when you photograph animals.

1 NEVER use flashlight. It hurts the animal's eyes and also it will scare it. All you reach is that the animal will hide or walk away.

2 Be on eye level with the animal and focus it's eyes. Go down on your knees, sit on the ground or even lie on the ground if it's necessary. This way you will have the best chances get beautiful shots.

3 Watch the animal and try to read it's body language. The more you know about it's natural behavior, the better you can be prepared for the right moment but still always be ready for something unexpected. Don't try to get their attention, just pretend to be invisible for them and you can portrait them the way they really are.

Big Ears, Bright Eyes by Velvet-Paw Childish Behaviour by Velvet-Paw Princess Sweet by Velvet-Paw Passion in his Eyes by Velvet-Paw Out of Eden by Velvet-Paw

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:iconsquirrelflight-77:

I think the 3 most important things to remember when photographing any living creature is respect for the creature, respect for the environment and safety of yourself and your equipment.  No shot is worth hurting yourself or your subject and of course we all know the heartache that would come with a broken camera or lens due to an avoidable incident.  :)

Color me Green by Squirrelflight-77 Lion by Squirrelflight-77 Birdie by Squirrelflight-77 Gingie by Squirrelflight-77 Callie Kitty by Squirrelflight-77


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:icono0wda0ominako:

Hello!!  Here are my 3 tips..

1) Have patience!! You'd be surprised at the kinds of great photos you'll catch if you take your time and sit at an exhibit (Or at home, a farm, etc) for a while.

2) Try to avoid pictures through gates if your wanting a clear shot.  I know through my experience on going to Zoos and taking photos that when you’re taking the shots, from the LCD screen it looks like they turn out good until you bring the photos up on your computer.  Having a photo of a monkey with blurred gray lines through it's face isn't the greatest thing in the world.

3) Try getting to Zoos and other exhibits as early as possible.  The animals come out more early in the morning since it's cooler, plus you won't have a ton of people almost bumping into you and walking in front of the lens =]

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:iconadamsherratt:

For me, one of the most, if not THE most important tip for photographing animals, is to catch the eyes.  The eyes give the photo its emotion, and allow the viewer to see what the animal is thinking.  We can't relate to animal faces, but the eyes never lie!

Secondly, either try to catch the animal in context e.g. it's natural environment.  This isn't always possible, especially for animals in captivity.  In these cases it is often best to focus in close, don't try and get the whole thing in frame.

Lastly, some of the best animal shots are where we can see a human characteristic in there, something that we can relate to.  This often gives an element of humor to the photo.

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:iconjaydoncabe:

My 3 'tips' or things you think are important for photographers to know when photographing animals are:

1: Keep the 'eyes' of the animal pin sharp if shooting a close up of the face. This helps give DEPTH to the photo.

2: Don't just shoot one photo and hope for the best, shoot a heap, because the animal will likely move, without you realizing it. I usually shoo a multitude of frames.

3: Don't be afraid to crop your Animal Photos, Sometimes it's best to focus on the character of the animal, rather then what’s around it.

Monkey Business HDR by jaydoncabe Seagull Party by jaydoncabe doggie Beach Dante 4 by jaydoncabe Baby Monkey by jaydoncabe Cadbury by jaydoncabe

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:icongolden86:

1. Be patient. Dogs and other pets can be amazing in theirs peaceful moments. Wait until they feel comfortable with your camera

2. Try to search the best light to show their beautiful eyes' sparkling an amazing fur. I really love golden hour.
Shoot without flash!

3. Catch the joy of playtime! Use toys, run and swim!!!
I really love change my point of view!

:thumb34868949: :thumb99725776: :thumb156384621: :thumb172639438: :thumb53529379:

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:iconkeldbach:

Hi, here are some 'tips' or thoughts about my approach to animal photography:

It's not easy to be a wildlife photographer when you live in a small and densely populated country like Denmark, and further more live in an urban area where ducks, gulls, swans and an occasional heron are the only wild animals you're likely to encounter. So of lately I've turned my attention to the Copenhagen Zoo, which is only an hour's ride by train from where I live. The zoo was founded in 1959 and is a very modern and animating one, with a wast and stimulating environment for humans and animals alike.

Now, I know that zoo photography is not considered as genuine or authentic as real wildlife photography, and of course that's true, but you shouldn't underestimate the challenges and opportunities a good zoo has to offer. First of all, you have the chance to get real close to a large variety of exotic animals from all over the globe - without having to hide for hours or days in a small camouflage tent. And in many cases the animals behave in much the same way as they do in the wild. Only within a smaller and confined space. But that alone doesn't guarantee that you automatically will get some great animal shots. You still have to be very patient and also you're faced with some different challenges than in the wild.

First of all, it's important to keep bars, wire netting, and other man-made objects out of the frame. To avoid that, you should use a relatively long telephoto lens - about 200 to 400mm. Also pay close attention to what's in the background. To get a decent shutter speed, you'll need as much light as you can get. I always check the weather forecast beforehand to ensure that I can shoot handheld without getting (too) blurred images. Alternatively, you can use a tripod if needed, but personally I find it too cumbersome to carry along.

Many zoos have some kind of an artificial rainforest (often called tropical house, butterfly house, etc) where you'll have some excellent opportunities to shoot butterflies, birds, lizards, frogs, snakes and other exotic kind of animals. For that purpose you'll need a shorter lens - about 100 to 200mm. Even a macro lens can be very useful here. In many cases you'll also need to add some fill flash, since there's often some rather dark areas in such a 'rainforest'. And again you'll need to be patient. Don't hunt the butterflies, but position yourself close to some flowers and let the 'prey' come to you. You'll be rewarded.

Apart from patience, you also need a bit of luck. Just as in the wild, the big cats, like lions and tigers, tend to sleep most of the day, so you'll need to be in the right place at the right time to get a good action shot. The same goes for hippos and bears. Check back often to see if some action is about to happen, and also take note of when the various animals are going to be fed. That's usually a good time to get some interesting shots.

Affection by KeldBach Fearless Cub by KeldBach Final Yawn by KeldBach Sun-Baking by KeldBach Owl Butterfly Macro by KeldBach

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:iconcmac13:

For the past several years I’ve spent my summers hunting for humming birds in the mountains of New Mexico.  In real estate the primary issue is location, location, location.  In the pursuit of humming bird images I’ve found the primary issue is patience, patience, patience.

sitting pretty by Cmac13 fly catcher by Cmac13 lets do lunch by Cmac13 mid-air 6 by Cmac13 face to face by Cmac13

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:iconallerlei:

1. Don't be afraid to run around exhibit with animal! :D
2. Go as low as you can - photos "eye to eye" are the best!
3. When animal is sleeping, come back after one hour - usually it's awake and ready for some game! :D

I luv this baaaaall by Allerlei Sleeping grandma by Allerlei Wanna share with them? by Allerlei Fighting flamingos by Allerlei Young cloud by Allerlei

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:iconajpastor:

I'm not a professional at taking animal shots, but I do enjoy it.  Here are three things that I've found to be helpful when taking pictures of animals.

1. Use a telephoto lens.  This would mainly be for wild animals that would otherwise run away when startled.  For other cute animals such as pets it's fun to use a wide angle lens or even a fisheye (it's cute when they get their nose really close to the lens.)  Anyways, if you're serious about animal photography use a telephoto lens.  You're able to get closer to the action, yet at the same time stay far enough to be safe from any danger.  Not only that, but by keeping the distance you allow the animal to be in their comfort zone and are more likely to get them in their natural behavior.

2. Adjust the shutter speed in order to catch live action.  Animals do spontaneous things and without a quick shutter you may lose out on the action.  Perhaps you might want to up the ISO if you're shooting under low light.

3. Try to capture the emotion of the subject through their eyes.  I guess this works for humans as well, but especially in animals.  Many animal pictures you see capture their emotions through their eyes.  I guess because it is human nature to look at the eyes.  We connect with each other and determine feelings through the eyes.  Animals have feelings just as much as humans do!

Nibble by AJPastor Humming Silhouette by AJPastor I've Arrived... by AJPastor It's Me by AJPastor Curious by AJPastor

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:iconkiarasart:

Here are my three tips.

1. If you want to go photo hunting for animals in nature (say, in your next door forest): avoid the mid day hours because they all hide. Be silent, don't bring a dog and listen carefully to any little sound. 90% of the animals you hear before you can spot them.

crab eating raccoon 1 by KIARAsART wild baby mouse 2 by KIARAsART

2. Zoo animals: Bored of that sleeping lion photos everywhere? Yeah! Wait for something to happen! Go before the zoo closes. Do not always choose the same animals! More chicken and walruses! Not _always_ wolfs foxes and tigers! Chose your motive because of it looks great, not because it's cute ^^. Diversity!

duck hero by KIARAsART At your side by KIARAsART


3. Educate: Know what you are showing! Know about the population status/ special things about the animal/ the location/ or maybe the age of a baby animal --> and note it in your comments.

young eyes 2 by KIARAsART

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:iconmnmlicious:

Here are my tips:

- Animals are usually quite far away from you, so what you're going to need is a tele lens (at least 100mm, better 200mm or even 400mm) You can use a tele converter to expand the focal length of your lens, but be aware that the image quality will suffer and the autofocus of your camera might not work with a tele expander.

- You'll need to be patient, whether you're shooting animals in the zoo or in wildlife. Wait for the right moment to come, don't just shoot quickly and leave.

- Animals also tend to move a lot, use a very fast shutter speed for good results (usually around 1/400 of a second) Don't be afraid to use high ISO values to compensate the short exposure. (Be sure to always shoot in RAW, that way noise won't be a problem anymore as you can easily reduce it without damaging the image too much)

Tongue by mnmlicious Red by mnmlicious Vulture by mnmlicious Monkey by mnmlicious Duck by mnmlicious

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:iconquaddie:

Tips:
1/Learn your cameras quirks and strengths, its no good trying to take a shot that is beyond its capability as you will get disheartened quickly and there is no fun in that ...

2/Putyourself out, the best shots are quite often not in the most comfortable or easy locations...or even at sociable times of the day.

3/Practice, Practice and Practice some more then those effortless-looking shots will come more often ..

Airbrakes. by quaddie Hello Blue.. by quaddie On Silent Wings. by quaddie Cirque de Tigre. by quaddie Watcher. by quaddie

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:iconatelierkunz:

Now for the advice on animal photography:
I always try to make the animal's character visible in my photography. And I love to catch them doing something funny, touching or very human. :D

1. First of all I take LOTS of photos. I may have about 300 pictures on my camera when I come home from the zoo but 5 of them are exactly what I wanted. You can always do some postwork on the computer - like adding contrast and saturation. You can also crop the image to the right size. But the most important thing to look for while taking the photos is the pose of the animal and the light.

2. You need patience to get good pics of animals. I often spend quiet some time with an individual animal to get to know the way it moves and acts. This way you'll also know when the animal does something very untypical or extraordinary! Those are the moments I try to capture.

3. I found the light just before sunset the most attracting in animal photography. (but thats just my opinion ;P) Try to capture the animal on a contrasting background with the light on their back. It's very important to check if your white balance on the camera fits the light conditions. You might want to adjust it before taking the photos. That helps a lot to prevent overexposed photos on a sunny day or colourless photos on a rainy day.

Cheetah doing some yoga by AtelierKunz The hunter by AtelierKunz Prisoners by AtelierKunz Hey, who stole my breakfast by AtelierKunz Did you say I'm ugly.... by AtelierKunz

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:icondeingel:

Well, I think that the most important to have a lot of patience and love of nature.

Tired baby by DeingeL So Delicious by DeingeL Muskrat by DeingeL Little smiling bird by DeingeL The Carefree Childhood by DeingeL

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:iconsalemcat:

Here are some of my thoughts on photographing animals:
  
The number one thing I would have to say to any one interested in photographing animals is to have a strong sense of Ethics, Always, above all else, Show Respect!
   Be careful not to disturb, stress out or scare an animal out of it's nest or it's habitat just so you can get an "action shot". Scaring an animal away from it's habitat can cause it to abandon it's young. It is extremely difficult for any young animal to survive on their own in Nature. Always leave nesting birds alone!
   Don't ever get too close or corner a wild animal, you never know how that animal may react. Do your homework before you walk out your door. Make sure you know how close you can safely get without harming the animal or yourself.
Always remember, The welfare of any animal that you are photographing is far more important than the photograph you are trying to take. Don't ever feel that you must get "that perfect shot" no matter what the cost!
When photographing wildlife, the longer the lens you have, the better.
   The time of day that you shoot is also very important. Early morning is best. I find within 2-3 hours after the sun rises and 2 hours before sunset are the best times.
   If you enjoy photographing birds, do what I did. Put a bird house/feeder next to one of your windows. This works really well especially in the summertime. I’ve gotten some excellent photos this way and I didn't have to suffer in the humid Louisiana heat to do it! :D

Red Bellied Woodpecker by SalemCat A Very Curious Seagull by SalemCat Young Red Bellied Woodpecker by SalemCat The White Peacock by SalemCat Who Can Resist a Ritz by SalemCat

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:iconsmileandgrace:

And things which I consider importance for animal photography are:

1) Natural Surroundings: as nature make the best studio for the animals

2) Calmness: so that animals won't sacred away.

3) Patience: for the photographer to wait and wait and try and try for a good shot

4)A good camera with a good telephoto lens (or a cam with a high zoom) so that photos can be made without much disturbances to natural environment.

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:w00t:  Special Features  :w00t:

:thumb174524156: Rat I by SecretNocturne:thumb179492665: The nuts destroyer by stellanigra:thumb162479834: Ike by xMiss-KittyCat Yellow eye by MarcelHieber Frog on a Feather by YaoiTeachings101 Ready for take off? by AoifeMcMahon:thumb87497312: Sometimes you have to be left. by Elleonnass Concentrate Kitten by MicWits101:thumb179726270: Do I Bite Those by siannajmj Moeve by MarcelHieber Lounging Meerkats by MicWits101 Touch You by Vixxeen Sheep by Aerohana Horses, dead or alive? by stellanigra brothers by VastandInfinite:thumb178564443: Grey Heron by AoifeMcMahon :thumb179487556:
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If you are looking for more wonderful places to view and display beautiful animal photography that I hope you check out these two affiliates of Dramatic-Photography.  :nod:  

:iconcrazy-4-animals: is an animal arts group that showcases all types of animal arts. We accepted most skill levels of work within reason. So if you like animal arts then this is the group for you.  

:iconbabyanimals: From all walks of life, baby animals come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and other characteristics. However, one thing can be said of all baby animals. They are all cute!  This group focuses solely on baby animals during their most adorable stages of life.
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