A Practical approach to Wildlife Photography - Here's what I've Learned

Today, I go over 10 practical lessons that I've learned over the years and head out to photograph rabbits and other Wildlife along the marshes. I think we are quick to approach Wildlife Photography with a sense of heavy expectations, and I want you to enjoy and find fun in creating your own art with what I have learned so far.
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[@prestongrindle]

As usually well said and done. For the last few weeks I haven’t been in the most photogenic areas for my taste, but forced myself to go out and photograph something. I e had to stay in one place waiting for mail and payday, so had to play the cards I was dealt. These type of videos from you are what lights the fire under my butt when I get lazy and push it off. Thanks man and keep it coming.

[@KevinNordstrom]

That's my whole goal and purpose. To inspire everyone to get out into nature. Thank you Preston for the kind words. We don't always come away with a great photo, but there's so much more to photography than an image. Take care my friend

[@scottwedell5072]

I think that's how blue herons cool off

[@KevinNordstrom]

Really? That's totally interesting, Scott. You're probably right. It's been near 100 degrees the last few days.

[@Marleydia]

Wow, I learn something every time watching your videos. Just googled it and it’s called “gular fluttering”. I will have to look out for this!

[@KevinNordstrom]

I'm learning as well lol 📸

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

eagles do it as well.

[@markkelly3739]

I’d also say be an expert in your area. Sometimes you don’t need to drive for hours or exotic areas, wildlife can be found in local parks or other areas even in the city.

[@terryroth2855]

Good one, Kevin. There is a lot of fishing and hunting intertwined within my photography, all of which have their place. Keep up the nice work here.👍👍

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Terry

[@jackstutts6439]

Well said Kevin. I think you and I share some of the same viewpoints about this hobby we have. Personal satisfaction with your images, and just getting out in nature, is what it's really all about.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Jack and yes, the experience is what it's about. Take care.

[@waynekphoto]

Man did I need this video. I have been stuck in a terrible rut for the last few years. Talking about your local area really hit home for me. I love the park that's right by my house and it's full of wildlife to photograph. This really helped my perspective on that aspect of shooting. Great video and thanks for the pep talk!

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Wayne. Many more camp coffee photography talks to come. Hope you get outside to your local park. 📸

[@gaucphotography]

Good encouragement video. Agree, the enjoyment of nature should come first. Skills are developed gradually by practicing locally and frequently. I enjoyed the video…

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thank you

[@MichaelQPowell]

I wholeheartedly agree with most of your points, Kevin, and your emphasis on the joy of the experience. I especially liked your discussion of the dangers of comparison--it will kill the joy and motivation more quickly than almost anything if we let it. In case you are curious, I believe the dragonfly you photographed was a Halloween Pennant, one of my favorites.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Michael. Yeah I'm not that great in wildlife identification. Hence why I sometimes do species book reads here on the channel lol. Thanks for the kind words. 📸

[@davidbarr9475]

Yes my friend we are always learning for sure. And nobody's perfect. Example this morning bald eagle came out of nowhere gliding along the water he was fairly close and I locked on him with my r6mk2 and started firing away. Only to realize later I was only at like 300mm on my 100 to 400 L2 what a bummer. I think I'm going to start going out with my 135 f2 and leave the big boy at home. Something different. Great ideas my friend.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Yeah that's a bummer. Always next time. Thanks David. Hope you can get out with that 135.

[@JeffandLeslie]

Good stuff Kevin. Can't say I disagree with anything you said.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Jeff

[@kenwiberg6517]

After almost 50 years with camera in hand, I have yet to try and create art - this is a way for me to conserve and retain moments in time since as humans, memories fade with age and when you have an image to view, it will re-invigorate the situation that you saved on that day in the past.........for me, it's never about art........ to each their own........

[@KevinNordstrom]

Great insight. I think there is a place for everything. Happy shooting, Ken 📷

[@PhillipWingettPhotography]

Great advice here! I’ll definitely be coming back for more!

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Phillip

[@waynerm002]

Great video Kevin! Love the info, great points on the genre.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Thanks Wayne

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Good stuff Kevin, enjoyed this one.

[@MurrayVader-xp8iv]

I love this video. Its great and what you say is where we are all at if we will admit it. Being able to always have something new to learn for our whole life is agreat gift from God. Everyday learning something new about Him, something new anout ourselves, something new about photography. I learning boat load from your videos every time i watch one. Thank you.

[@KevinNordstrom]

thank you for the kind words my firend

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

I learned real quick the less I bring the better off I am, I end up sticking a lens on my camera and lug the rest of it to never get used or I get stuck in a rut of choosing what I want to use and then lose my chance.

[@KevinNordstrom]

I feel ya on that one.

[@zadnitsa]

Good words

[@MooseHenderson1]

Hello Kevin, just started viewing your content, also a wildlife photographer on youtube. Good job including your style and thoughts in the videos, not easy in wildlife photography to do good videos a the wildlife are not interested in us doing videos.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Hey brother. Been watching your travels as well. I agree. Most want to see gear and not the whole camping and photography adventures leading up to the photos but you know what, I'm ok with that. The right people will join along. Keep up the great work over on your channel

[@MooseHenderson1]

@@KevinNordstrom thank you, I agree, we need to do our thing and not chase KZbin

[@peterbalchin1216]

hi kevin, what would you say was more important in wildlife photography ? reach or sharpness.

[@KevinNordstrom]

Reach with an in focus image.

[@KevinNordstrom]

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[@Chris_Wolfgram]

On my last cross country birding road trip, I took 12,000 shots. After culling through them about 4 times, 60 eventually made it to my Flickr page. I'd say 1 really good shot, out of every 200 shots taken, is about typical for me. About processing, something I see often, is from guys who believe "straight out of the camera" is natural, and everything else is cheating > not understanding that especially with RAW shots, these files are typically undersaturated and use less contrast, than the scene or subject really had, and it's being left up to the photographer how much of that captured digital info they want to use. So for the guys that don't understand this, they end up with a bunch of really flat, lifeless shots ! It should be a crime to undersaturate a Painted Bunting 😀 lol

[@Marleydia]

What I’ve learned…respect the animal. Don’t stress your subject to get a photograph. I really hate to see photographers disregard the wellbeing of the wildlife. I’ve also learned NOT to take the shot at times and just experience the moment. Sometimes the light or background isn’t quite right. For me, it takes lot of self control to not press the shutter and just watch! It cuts down on computer time too. I would so much rather be outdoors rather than processing!

[@KevinNordstrom]

I fully agree Kellmar. Well said.

[@R-Photos]

first

[@KevinNordstrom]

🥳