Photographing wildlife from birds to bears has been a humbling experience. Wildlife photography is one genre where just showing up is only a fraction of a successful photograph. Of course, like other niches, there is planning, but wildlife requires specialized gear (read: expensive) and more than just getting the subject in the frame.

I have learned, after many mistakes and just average photographs that, that there are some variables that if you take the time to incorporate into your photographs, you images will be stronger and have an emotional connection with the viewer. So what are these variables? (Time for me to insert my disclaimer: These are just my thoughts, an mine alone. Your may agree or disagree and that is fine. This is just what I have found that has allowed to move my photography forward.)

1. Time

Unlike any other genre, wildlife will require and demand time to make stronger images. Keep in mind that more time will equal more successes as well as more near misses or failures. It is all part of the process. This time element will be applicable to all the other variables as well.

2. Watch the Background

This is one that will instantly improve your photographs. However, this is why wildlife photographers shell out of upwards of $16,000 for lenses that are primes. To eliminate cluttered backgrounds and distractions. Think of the background as your canvas and what you put on the canvas should be front and center not competing with other elements. A poor background can diminish the story and emotional response with your subject.

3. Light

This one kind of goes without saying, but it is literally the the paint for your background canvas. Without it, the photograph lacks punch, emotion and definition. In my early days of wildlife photography, I would often not consider this and just take what came along instead of thinking the light through and being proactive about it to better tell the story.

I will often get pushback on this one hearing things like “I can’t do anything about the light“. My answer is always, yes you can. Try backlight, sidelight, go out early, go out late or the one no photographer wants to hear, just put the camera down and wait for better light.

4. Wait for peak of action

This one, as does the other variables requires time and patience. Wait for them to do something interesting to enhance the story. Here, knowing basic biology helps when capturing peak of action. Chances are that if it interested me, it will also interest your viewer. Just hold on taking the photograph until the subject exhibits a behavior you are looking for.

5. Look for interaction or connection

Better wildlife photographs create a response or create emotion. Want to grab your viewer, give them a subject with a nice background, good light, something with peak of action and an emotional connection and this will dramatically improve your photographs.

These 5 things have carried over into other areas of my photograph like landscape and even into aviation photography. As a result, although still learning each and every time I pick up the camera, my craft has advanced as a result of what wildlife photography has taught me.