Wildlife Photography Adventures – Photographers Share Their Favourite Encounters
Wildlife has a approach of unusual us, making us anticipate the second, and displaying an array of behaviour, patterns, and experiences which have us smiling behind the lens. Our finest photographs are sometimes unplanned, fleeting, and likewise, somewhat humbling. From African plains to Austrian cemeteries, this assortment of wildlife expertise is compiled with work from the proficient members of The Travel Photography Club.
Each picture displays not solely the fantastic thing about the animals encountered but in addition the endurance, creativity, and respect that go into photographing wildlife within the wild. Please observe there’s one picture of an animal relocation for conservation functions, an vital expertise that contributes to the welfare and way forward for the Black Rhino inhabitants.
Scroll all the way down to discover a wild world by the lenses of our proficient members…
The Experience: Photographing the Elusive Otters of Scotland
Photographer: Suzanne Easton (Website | Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: The otters in Scotland are elusive. It takes time, endurance and planning to see them. They emerge with the tides, searching alongside the shoreline and within the shallows for crabs, fish and octopus. This otter had been transferring alongside the shore in torrential rain for an hour earlier than it arrived near the place I used to be hidden. He got here straight in the direction of me to land his catch and ended up being so shut I might hear every crunch of the crab. I knew he had caught my scent however after a fleeting second of eye contact, he continued to eat as I held my breath.
The Experience: Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan
Photographer: Dorothy Rausa (Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: This photograph was taken at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan, residence to the well-known snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) that soak in pure scorching springs. It was surreal watching them calm down within the steaming water, surrounded by snow-covered cliffs. I waited patiently as they moved out and in of the water, grooming and taking part in. The expertise was peaceable and engaging—seeing wildlife so comfy of their habitat was unforgettable. Tip: Visit in winter for the perfect probability to see them within the scorching springs. Arrive early to keep away from crowds and put on good mountain climbing sneakers for the 25-minute hike to get there.
The Experience: Black-tailed Jackrabbits of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona
Photographer: Lana Froemming (Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: Traveling to the Sonoran Desert in July meant that I had your complete Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to myself. I used to be capable of watch this hare darting right here and there, feeding because the solar began to set. Temps reached 116°F (46°C), however the solo journey to this place was magical as I overcame my very own fears. I like that I can seize these fleeting glimpses with my digicam after which go residence and study in regards to the animal.
The Experience: Wild Dog Sightings in KwaZulu-Natal
Photographer: Nicci Auchincloss (Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: A particular encounter with a pack of endangered African Wild Dogs, seen in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (an enormous 7 reserve), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. After a long time of each having visited this recreation reserve since we had been children, that is solely the second sighting of African Wild Dogs we’ve been fortunate sufficient to see right here. They are Africa’s most profitable predator averaging near an 80% searching success charge. While most abroad vacationers normally go to Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal (particularly Zululand), is commonly missed by abroad (and native vacationers) and has so many recreation reserves providing various kinds of safari experiences.
The Experience: Photographing Wild Hamsters in Vienna
Photographer: Karin and Markus Haffert (Website)
Photographer’s Notes: We took this photograph on the Meidling cemetery in Vienna, Austria, in July within the late afternoon. Usually we {photograph} these cute rodents mendacity all the way down to be at eye degree. They sprint round in a short time and like to cover within the grass. Be affected person and plan ample time if you wish to {photograph} them. Hamsters are among the many most endangered mammals in Europe. That’s why it’s so particular to see them nonetheless roaming freely right here. You also can discover them at Vienna’s Central Cemetery. The finest time to {photograph} them is from April to August, as hamsters hibernate.
The Experience: Documenting a Black Rhino Relocation
Photographer: Casey Pratt (Website | Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: As a part of WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, black rhinos are relocated to new habitats to assist enhance their inhabitants and development charge. With so few left within the wild, each relocation is a triumph, each launch a testomony to the tireless efforts behind the scenes. These are the tales that matter — tales of resilience, dedication, and hope. In a world so typically overwhelmed by loss, it’s a privilege to doc moments like this, not only for the picture itself, however for the affect it could actually have. This was photographed within the KwaZulu Natal area of South Africa.
*To add to this expertise, wildlife reserves round South Africa help within the safety and welfare of endangered species and in some instances, friends are invited to take part and donate to the method. You’ll see an expertise The Wandering Lens founder Lisa had right here in Hoedspruit/Kapama Private Game Reserve, and it’s potential to debate experiences together with your lodge as they might have a contact or an upcoming relocation/notching you’ll be able to pay (which matches in the direction of the conservation efforts) to be part of.
The Experience: Meeting Sea Lions within the Ballestas Islands
Photographer: Dita Arucidisova (Website | Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: One of my favorite encounters I’ve had throughout our winter travels was assembly sea lions within the wild for the primary time in my life. Not solely did I’ve the chance to {photograph} them, however I additionally received to swim with these enjoyable canine of the ocean. This photograph was taken off the coast of Paracas on the Ballestas Islands. It’s a fully stunning spot, and I might like to return in the future and spend extra time photographing the nationwide reserve and its inhabitants.
The Experience: Witnessing the Desert Adapted Elephants of Namibia
Photographer: Lisa Michele Burns (Website | Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: I’d beforehand photographed elephants on safari in South Africa, however wasn’t conscious that there have been herds of elephants within the far north-western area of Namibia which might be tailored to a desert surroundings. They’re additionally present in close by Mali however nowhere else in Africa, and whereas they’re African Bush Elephants, herds on this space can survive for days with out water and have developed traits to assist them survive within the harsh, arid situations. Read extra in regards to the experience right here.
The Experience: Swimming with Whale Sharks in Western Australia
Photographer: Lisa Michele Burns (Website | Instagram)
Photographer’s Notes: The wind was howling as we boarded our boat for a day exploring Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. While the waters of this barren shoreline are usually glowing and calm, for our journey we had been dealt 3metre swells and 25knot winds. Every different tour boat cancelled, however ours went forward, and none the much less, whale sharks had been on the itinerary so I had each finger and toe crossed that I’d get an opportunity to {photograph} these majestic beauties of the deep up shut. Long story brief, I used to be virtually seasick in my snorkel whereas trying to {photograph}, so this is among the solely photographs I managed to seize with my little TG-5 digicam, I had a full digicam with underwater housing ready, however the sea was so tough, we might barely keep afloat not to mention maintain a digicam, the aid once I noticed this picture was immense as a result of regardless of the situations, it was unimaginable to swim alongside such big whale sharks!
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Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 19+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise, or that of contributors, on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.