Low angle photography provides a different perspective on wildlife

Ever looked at a wildlife photo and felt like you're right there in the wild, face-to-face with a majestic creature, its piercing gaze locking onto yours?

As a budding wildlife photographer, achieving such intimacy with your subjects can be tough.

But by being prepared to get down low and experiment – even if it means getting muddy – can enable you to create some unforgettable moments.

Getting the camera lower

Shooting from a low angle is a powerful technique that instantly conveys dominance, as if the subject is surveying its surroundings from above.

This perspective can dramatically alter the viewer's perception, making even ordinary subjects seem imposing, such as the heron in the following photograph. 

In contrast, photographing from a higher vantage point can diminish this sense of power, as seen in the heron snapshot below, taken from within a wildlife hide.

This technique is a great way to add some variety to your wildlife photography portfolio.

Move to a different position

Compare the two photos of Great crested grebe below.

The first, taken as the bird prepares to swim under a bridge, shows much of its back. Notice also the in-focus water surface behind the grebe. On this occasion it wasn’t possible to get lower as the bridge was the only vantage point.

For this second shot, taken at a local nature reserve, I lay down on the wet grass by the lake's edge. Although the bird is farther away, the side view is visible and the blurred water in front and behind it minimises distractions. 

With my current camera's flip-out screen, I could have shot from an even lower angle. However, the camera I used for this photo didn't have this feature.

Perched on the harbour wall in Craster, Northumberland, I caught a Turnstone foraging for invertebrates among the weed strewn rocks. Even with a long lens, the bird blended into its surroundings, making it a challenge to spot. However, a tiny strip of white belly caught my eye, and on closer inspection, the bird became visible. I wasn't satisfied with this first photograph so decided to move position.

As I walked down to the slipway, the birds flew a short distance away. I settled down and waited for them to return.

The birds soon lost their wariness and drew near. From my seated position I was able to get a much lower viewpoint, this time seeing the side of the bird.

Although my composition was somewhat compromised by rocks in the background, this position allowed me to appreciate these birds' feeding behaviour up close.

Later in the day, I encountered more Turnstones. By laying on the beach I managed to capture one against a simple background, greatly enhancing the photo's visual impact.

Do not disturb

The Birdwatcher's Code emphasises the importance of not disturbing birds, particularly during breeding season, as it can be detrimental and, in some cases, illegal.

To ensure I adhere to this principle while maximising my birdwatching experience, I must strike a balance. This means initially maintaining a safe distance to avoid startling them.

However, with patience and careful movement—keeping as quiet as possible—I can gradually and safely close the gap without causing undue stress to the birds.

By keeping a low profile, I've found that I can significantly reduce my visibility to birds. When they see a human shape above the horizon, their natural instinct is to flee – but if I remain still and close to the ground, I'm often able to blend in and avoid startling them.

This technique proved particularly effective during my encounter with the Sanderling on the beach, captured in the photo above.

By holding perfectly still for an extended period, I allowed the bird to become comfortable with my presence, eventually forgetting that I was even there. As it drew closer, I found myself in an ideal shooting position – so much so that I barely needed to rely on my telephoto lens to capture a compelling shot.

Let’s get technical

Low angle photography requires some thought, but the results can be impressive. Here's a breakdown of some key considerations:

Camera settings

Exposure Triangle: Balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired exposure. Brighter scenes allow for faster shutter speeds, while darker scenes require higher ISOs. Aperture controls depth of field: use a smaller f-stop number (e.g., f/4) to blur the background and create sharp focus on your subject. 

Exposure Compensation: Depending on the lighting, you might need to adjust your exposure compensation to ensure your subject isn't overly dark or light.

Focus: Ensure your camera has a good focus on your subject, especially if it's small or distant. Use your camera's focus modes and magnifier to get a crisp lock on the target. Manual focus can be helpful for precision.

Equipment

You might like to consider the following:

Tripod: A low tripod is beneficial for stability, especially if you're shooting with a slower shutter speed or in low light. It also frees up your hands to adjust other settings or move around discreetly.

Remote Shutter Release: This nifty accessory allows you to take photos without touching the camera, minimising camera shake. It's especially useful for longer exposures. Pressing a button on the remote involves less distracting movement than reaching for the camera to take a photo.

Lens Filters: Filters like a polarising filter can enhance your imagery by deepening the blues, reducing glare, and generally making your colours pop.

Macro Lens: If you're into close-up shots, a macro lens can produce stunning details, especially for small creatures or insects.

Wide-Angle Lens: Consider using a wide-angle lens, which can capture a broader view and help you incorporate the foreground effectively.

Techniques to try

Get Creative with Composition: Play around with different compositions. Try to include out of focus foreground elements (as in the fox photo below) or use leading lines to draw attention to your subject. Think dynamically about how the elements in the frame interact with each other.

Steady Yourself: Use whatever stable surfaces are available to get steady. This could mean sitting on the ground, leaning against a tree, or finding a rock to stabilise your setup. If you're without a tripod, brace your camera against something solid.

Move Slowly: When shooting from a low angle, especially if you're close to the ground, movement can be a challenge. Take your time, breathe deeply, and move slowly to avoid scaring away your subject or causing unwanted camera shake.

Experiment with Lighting: Try shooting at different times of day for varied lighting conditions. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can produce warm, attractive light. 

Practice makes perfect

To get started with low-angle photography, try experimenting in your own backyard - it's the perfect setting to discover the dramatic impact of this technique.

By getting low, you'll be able to capture unique perspectives, emphasise textures, and add depth to your photos.

Practice here, and you'll quickly see how this simple adjustment can improve your photography skills and open up new creative possibilities.

Copyright © 2018- naturewalkswithcarol.com   All rights reserved

Home | About Me | Contact Me | Blog | Privacy Policy