Capturing the perfect wildlife picture can be an exciting and rewarding challenge. All the skills needed to hunt a particular animal are equally as valuable to the wildlife photographer.
Although photographs are inedible, they can be just as rewarding as the meal had at the end of a successful fishing trip or hunt. It's a similar feeling to capture an animal on film as compared to harvesting one. Like hunting, the goals you set for yourself should drive you to do what you had previously believed to be impossible. As with most things in life, the more challenging a goal you set for yourself, the bigger the reward at the end of its completion. For example, try photographing the birds you commonly see in your feeder, afield. I bet you will feel more rewarded, and value the photos over ones that took less work.
Wildlife photography is all about enjoying and sharing the beauty of the outdoors with others. People who spend a lot of time afield may find they lose some of the awe created by the beauty of nature. By slowing down enough to observe the scenery that surrounds you, the ability to enjoy and record what is being seen is greatly increased. While hunting and fishing, you can become so preoccupied with what you are doing, you may forget to look around and appreciate what you are seeing. I recommend taking a camera afield on all outings, not only to photo a catch or harvest, but to capture your experiences to reminisce over and share with others.
The educated outdoorsman has quite an advantage in the wildlife photography department. One’s understanding of routines, habits, and habitat of the quarry intended to be pursued are utmost in being a successful wildlife photographer. For the non outdoors person, the road to wildlife photography can be a bumpy one. Understanding how to approach and find wild plants and animals must first be mastered before one can expect to regularly photograph them. I'm obviously not talking about abundant and easily observable animals such as geese, but fox, weasel, porcupines, and owls would for sure apply. Quantities of research must be done by the inexperienced to pursue such species. Experienced outdoorsmen know, porcupines eat and live in the pines, while fox are rodent eaters and are most likely to be found near fields and bushy areas. Little pieces of the puzzle make all the difference while attempting to hunt or photograph wild animals.
Wildlife photography contains several variables that may negatively impact the quality of your pictures. I've found that lighting tends to be one of the most common factors that may limit your success rate. Because your eyes are able to adjust to changes in lighting conditions, you may perceive a scene or an animal as being perfect to capture, while the camera may require additional or less light to get a quality picture. Rain and water have forever been the nemesis of anyone attempting to take outdoor photos of any type. Besides the damage caused to electronics, rain can fog up a camera lens making it impossible to get clear images. The cold can also cause electronics to malfunction. I recommend on cold days to store the camera in a case with a couple hand warmer packets, this should keep the camera functioning properly all day. Visual obstructions are the most common deterrent in capturing clean wildlife photos. Unlike guns, cameras require an almost completely unobstructed view of the subject to get a quality photo, while once sure of your target, you may pick a small hole in the brush to make a good shot with your gun. Because of these factors, I find it harder to capture an animal on film than to harvest it.
I had been trying for several years now to get a picture of a Baltimore Oriole, with no success. The Oriole is a member of the ictend blackbird family, and ranges from Wisconsin to Maine and south central Mississippi, and northern Georgia. They winter as far north as Mexico through Central America to South America. This bird received its name from the fact that the male's colors resemble those on the coat of arms of Lord Baltimore.
The final factor in taking a great outdoor picture is luck. I was fortunate enough to catch the Oriole pictured eating insects off of the crabapple blossoms in my back yard. As with hunting, wildlife photography requires the most important of skills: Luck.
Good wishes and get that perfect outdoor picture.

Questions or comments about this article may be sent by email to Sheldon at sheldonsoutdoorbusiness@hotmail.com.