Why Wildlife Photography is So Difficult

[@colette8022]

I think that the best wildlife photos are taken by people who go back to the same area week after week waiting patiently for something different to happen. You have to appreciate the animals around where you live and even the most common animal can make an awesome wildlife photo. There’s more to wildlife photography than just big cats.

[@zebren9230]

Thats right. I go dayly in the same Forest and make every day different Pictures. Its not about the most spectacular Landscape or animals, its about the knowledge, the routine and that you go out every day if you can. Sorry for my bad English. Im from Germany but i hope you can see my points

[@chadsolomon3501]

I guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I love any tips you can offer me!

[@TomtheWildLife]

Wildlife photography is my passion. I just love that every time you go out you never know what you are going to see. I love the challenge of photographing wildlife as it is not always possible to get ideal lighting or perfect composition so you just have to be creative and work with what you got! Great to see you loving wildlife photography so much Thomas! Can't wait for more!

[@tobiasyoder]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ditto!

[@Adventure.Ed.EcoFit]

There is nothing better than wildlife photography!!! We need to start a movement to get more people into it

[@philelainedang3498]

Wow!! What an episode! The zebra mono photo was brilliant! Loved seeing it cropped in I would have wanted to hear more about your Rhino encounter, the lead up to that moment would have been chaotic, and I’m glad you guys all got out safe I was watching your previous video and my kids walked into our room, they absolutely loved it too! And now I have our kids asking me everyone couple of days when’s Thomas gonna show us the next episode And the way you left us hanging at the end of the video ... gotta love it and I can’t wait for it to air.

[@Adventure.Ed.EcoFit]

I agree, cannot wait and see what happened with the rhino!!

[@oceandrew]

I admire your self awareness and honesty with yourself. Having great kit, great light and gorgeous animals nearby (having spent a small fortune to travel to the location) isn't enough to make compelling wildlife photography. Thanks for sharing your journey of discovery.

[@jazzydebs]

Ooh, what a cliffhanger! Fabulous vlog from such a stunning location. You can hear in your voice Tom just how much the experience is truly breathtaking & so special. Wow! Fabulous stuff....

[@brysonbuehrer]

Hahaha that quick cut when you stuck your tongue out. Too funny!

[@photografiaaustralis2131]

Thanks for sharing Thomas. Stunning image of the Zebras as was the wild cat in the previous vlog. Shooting Black and White certainly enhances the mood and the wild life photos add another dimension to your growing portfolio.

[@mestevep]

Amazing video Thomas! I'm so glad you're sharing all of this with us so we can experience it through your eyes! Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@jwgfoto5419]

I love that the people I follow visit our countries. South Africa and Namibia. Matt Granger was here recently as well. I am glad you are seeing the whole picture of being in Africa. Any shot you get will have an emotional impact on you because you were there. The greatest ones will have an impact on people that weren't even there. I hope you come to the Kruger National Park in South Africa soon as well. Enjoy the rest of your stay here in Africa! PS: I hope we will see some of your legendary landscapes too.

[@davidhschermers]

It is one of the most difficult forms of photography. You are extremely reliant on 1. finding the right animals, 2. having them in the "right" spot, 3. getting them to "model" for you (actually getting going, partaking in an activity besides sleeping, etc.). BUT that is what makes it soon rewarding! As a South African who spends 50-60 days a year in the bush, wildlife photography is tough, but rewarding. That is why I follow Tom, so that I can learn some landscape photography... Thank you Tom for another awesome video!! PS you smashed that Zebra bw pic!!

[@categorille8330]

Oh man, the more I see this footage, the stronger the will within me to go back to Namibia grows. I remember this exact palette of colors, with the dried grass, the blue-pinkish soft morning light, and clear skies. I think it shall be engraved in my mind forever.

[@DaPanda19]

I very rarely comment on videos here on KZbin but when I saw that very nicely contracted picture of those Zebra! and that music just made it so emotionally stunning!

[@Amstel20101]

Thanks so much for showing this and talking about the difficulties along with the amazing encounters. Not being close enough for that shot, but close enough for the whole experience. In wildlife, you have to enjoy nature, skies, the vast open spaces, birds, weather as well as the animals ... because it is about the bigger picture really. Not only photographs and not only the close-ups. For you to address this is worth a lot and it will give new safari goers a better more realistic idea of what to expect and how to enjoy what is given to you. It just made me very happy to see this.

[@lstvphoto]

What an adventure.! Really liked the zebra image! Cant wait to see what happens next!!

[@scotty4418]

a truly moving episode Thomas with a stunning image to finish it off. It saddens me that some members of our species kill these beautiful creatures unlike those you filmed where the process of hunting and killing is as nature intended.

[@APBTPepper]

Absolutely incredible. I'm a professional photographer in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, I've always had a passion for landscapes, but I've worked more with fashion editorials, beach photoshoots... I've left a bit of landscape photography and you've taken that passion back to me. Thanks for sharing your passion for photography, knowledge and congratulations for this trip to Africa, this incredible. The photo with the zebras was incredible.

[@jimhamilton8775]

Loving your safari videos Thomas. Have to say I was expecting to see a macro shot of a black rhino's eye. lol.

[@chriseyrewalker]

Very much agree with how hard it is to get a good wildlife shot. It's ALL about understanding the behaviour and habits of the wildlife and being as prepared as you can be in an environment where pretty much nothing is predictable. But, oh isn't it so much more rewarding when it all works out!

[@Mysteri0usB]

I love it because the best wildlife photos capture an intimate moment between the photog and the animal... atleast thats how my best are. Each one represents a powerful experience

[@Adventure.Ed.EcoFit]

Chris Eyre-Walker I agree so much, getting in touch with behavior is crucial. And videography is even harder!!

[@Adventure.Ed.EcoFit]

axons I agree so much! I do wildlife photography not as much for the photo as I do for the experience of the pursuit!!

[@robertblesse5108]

Wow, fantastic video, Thomas, many thanks! Your shot of the zebra was marvelous. Can't wait for the next video.

[@iamknownot9315]

Again, I say the next David Attenborough. Your videos have a very documentary style format and it is just so beautiful. Please keep continuing to provide awesome content.

[@karlmckernan4476]

Fantastic Thomas, really enjoying all your videos. Inspirational as always!!!

[@JonathanRobsonPhoto]

Fantastic video Thomas. Trip of a lifetime. Appreciate you letting us share it with you!!

[@BenHorne]

Such a beautiful and surreal place. You've done a fantastic job taking us along. I love the square format for the Zebra shot. So cool!

[@wesleydavisra]

you are the man!! love the spirit you bring to your vlogs.

[@user-hz8zd5ky4x]

Can't wait for the next video. It looks incredible there. I can definitely feel and see your style in the pictures you're featuring in the videos.

[@fabfan12]

Crazy how one guy can create an entire travel photography show. Amazing work as always Thomas.

[@andrew_ep_curtis]

Beautiful video! I am really loving these Africa videos. Such an adventure. Also.... the close up of your tongue flicking out was brilliant. I dribbled a little of my drink due to having a little chuckle!

[@allansisson355]

Now that's a great video, Cliff hanger ending. What a beautiul place, and ever knowing what's going to be around the next turn.

[@royottaway9434]

Excellent , looking forward to the next one

[@acunha8]

Ahhhh love the cliffhanger Thomas. Can’t wait for the next video!!!!

[@Orrere]

Damn you Heaton with your cliff hangers!!! - cracking video as always :) enjoy watching all your videos!.

[@markharris5771]

As someone who equally loves wildlife photography as much as landscapes, although I’ll never get the opportunity to see the things you have, I think these are your most beautiful videos to date.

[@MZLPhoto]

Bloody hell, the storytelling in this is amazing. I need more of these videos!

[@ad551vx]

These Africa videos are really fun to watch. Not just great images but I love your storytelling as well. Cannot wait for the next instalment!

[@usamaalshughry4967]

I love the zebra photo. Amazing one! Like your humble and honesty and wish you enjoy the rest of the trip

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Ah what a fantastic video mate, love the insight in to a different branch of photography! And, oh! What a cliffhanger at the end haha! Look forward to the next one man.

[@allandavies1187]

What a marvelous experience for you Thomas. And that zebra herd photograph was first - class in monochrome...

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thomas, I can relate to your frustration of being on a trip like this and trying to come away with a photo that really is dynamic. I visited South Africa little over a year ago, and spent time at the Pongola game reserve and even though I saw a ton of amazing animals when I returned home I felt like I really didn't come away with anything spectacular. This is a problem I often have when I visit a amazing location I am not familiar with for only short time, I always return feeling like I failed to capture a truly spectacular photo. Anyhow really enjoying your Namibia adventure, the Black Rhino experience had to be awesome. Jason

[@brassen]

Absolutely stunning! Namibia is on the same latitude as my homestate here in Brazil so I was hoping you could make some comments or even share some tips on these "non-golden-hour conditions", you know, photographing under the tropical zone and the like. Thanks for the video!

[@dreamcatcher3622]

I may never get to Africa, but you inspire to me to explore my own environment - thank you.

[@94nagendra]

Watching this video for the 3rd time after an year, there's something about Heathon. Simplicity, art and honesty at their best!

[@LeeCase]

What an incredible episode! Thank you very much!

[@FadiHage]

Another Great video Thomas and really nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlanBrockImages]

Beautiful shot! Even though it's a wildlife shot, the lines also give it a very graphical feel as well. All the elements lined up very nicely!

[@sbutler66]

Great cliffhanger, excited for the next installment!

[@leachimkiveling]

Bringing back some memories of our trip to Namibia in 2009. Thank you, Thomas.

[@gwhitt555]

Well said. I am learning the same. Getting that unique shot, the action photo, very difficult and time consuming. Just gotta be persistent. I'll spend hours at it, take hundreds of frames, yet very happy if I get just a few shots worth keeping.

[@marka5964]

great vlog Thomas takes me back to 2007 when I was in Kenya photographing best week of photography I have ever had !

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Hey Tom, thanks so much for the suggested video! :) Very funny to see your endeavours on Wildlife Photography! Looking very much forward to next episode - the trailer does suggest some action is going to happen :)

[@darrenweston8085]

Tom another brilliant vid... my heart was pounding for you with the Rhino charge!!!! Can't wait for the next...

[@rokacsapda]

Fantastic work Thomas as always I love all your videos and inspire me to continue my youtube channel! Thanx

[@DiiZeh_]

Beautifully put together, Thomas! Nice story-telling feeling to it. The zebra image at 11:10 is stunning!

[@DVJ38er]

I'm glad thst you could give wildlife photography a try and even more glad that you can admit it's harder than it looks. I spend so much time wandering around during the late afternoon and evening looking for animals in places I think they will be. When it works it's magical and when it doesn't it was still fun getting out there.

[@mikebennett4922]

yes nice video but im afraid you wont catch much in 1 hour ,travelling and shooting times need to be planned longer, although i did enjoy the video thankyou to Thomas.

[@ianbrown704]

Great Video, I was in SA on a safari last January and got tons of snaps of the big 5 but not a single wall hanger. But like you Tom I just loved being in the solitude of the wilderness.

[@thatbharris]

There's a level of superfluousness to this I didn't enjoy. almost like false jeopardy, but with no jeopardy at all. It's not just wildlife, it's all photography that's about time. The more time and thought that goes into anything, the more thoughtful and intense and emotional the piece or image. The same goes for film, Thomas. Hope you see this!

[@CraigskinnerphotographyUk]

LOVING these Namibia vlogs ❤️

[@anthonyhedger4301]

A great video Thomas, can’t wait to see what you have for us next

[@wigglerise]

Fab Tom. You look to be really enjoying the challenge. Love the Zebra shot, works so well. Can't wait for the next video.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Wow Thomas your life is really moving now. Amazing and great vlog

[@eggnogskills]

Amazing work, as always. Cannot wait for the next video!

[@TheShootingRangeTV]

Absolutely love this video, great job.

[@DuskoR777]

Oh man,i love watching your videos.I can even cook and listen to you in the background.:D Love your production and use of music.But at the end most of the photos you come up with are really good,and that's n.1 reason we are here. Anyway,i'm taking my good old Canon 40D out for a walk and i can tell you all of your videos have been great motivation for me to get out more.Keep on doing good work!Greetings from Serbia!

[@beastman101]

Fantastic video Thomas, I think Namibia has been added to my list of places to go after seeing this! Cheers!

[@5ThingsI]

I've not dabbled with wildlife photography yet but can appreciate the difficulties! Looking forward to the next chapter on the trip to Namibia!

[@kenmunoz8517]

Hey Thomas... So glad to see you were able to humbly admit, that a trip and a kit does not a wildlife photographer make. Each of us has felt like this which is why we hold in such awe, those photographs taken by the worlds greatest wildlife photographers such as “Nick” Nichols, knowing the work they display exudes a lifetime of skill finely honed. Wanna take a real kick in the teeth? Try birds in flight. They’ll make you want to throw your rig away! Keep up the great videos! 👍🏽

[@duncanwallace7760]

The unpredictability of wildlife photography is quite addictive. I spent a month in Etosha in 2016 and loved every moment.

[@The_Gunslinger]

That Zebra shot is amazing. Thank you for sharing your epic journey through Namibia.

[@Kdooley101]

Welcome to my world. I was just in 6 countries in Africa, once again trying to sort out the world of wildlife photography. I love, breath, and live for it. For me, being in the bush is first, if I am fortunate, I also come home with a few winners.

[@ChrisSummers]

I spent 6 weeks in Namibia this year and 4 days in Etosha and while the wildlife sightings were good there, they were different from many other self drive parks like Kruger. Etosha is a huge old salt pan or lake bed. Watering holes are the key for seeing most of the wildlife, you do see animals elsewhere but those are mostly grazers like zebra, oryx and impala. I drove as many of the back roads as I could, I often had more sightings when less cars were around. I also visited some private lodges, in Omaruru and the Brandberg mountains where I saw lots of desert elephants. The advantage to private lodges is they often do game drives, they can go off the roads and they can be out after sunset. All in all I loved Namibia and would go back in a heart beat. Friendly people and very affordable.

[@vishnuskumar1900]

Man..you just inspire!!! Like your video says, if nature doesn't inspire one, probably nothing else would..

[@tGxChief1]

Iam so excited for the pictures ! The zebras 🦓 where stunning :)

[@SohamSarkar17]

Your videos are just a joy to watch.

[@richandgem]

Yes wildlife Photography is hard but so rewarding to watch animals in their natural habitats, it’s all about time and learning about the species, great video

[@paultrunfull3324]

Thomas, well said about the kit animals etc is so true. Having been on safari many times, what you said is so true. I'm still trying to get that shot and maybe always will !

[@anthonysalas9167]

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed your video. Great shots.

[@nathanjogia2758]

whoa the driver had some reactions!! my father was born in Uganda and told me some amazing stories from this country. i have had the privilege to go a 3 times though i was young , But the memories have stayed with me, Thanks Thomas for a great vlog

[@SteveHorn]

Congratulations on the zebra shot. Hard to believe it's hand held. Hope it's acceptably sharp for several crop options (I can't tell viewing on KZbin). It is beautiful. Awesome the one zebra is facing you with three on either side showing their stripes, great timing!

[@justinkellyphotography4396]

How could you leave me hanging like that Tom! Amazing videos you've got so far from Africa. I can't wait to see how it all ends.

[@johnspencer1146]

Very exciting video and anticipation for the next one.

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

For a famous photographer always need wildlife photography that beautiful things just now you had taken all to result. 👍👍, Thank you ever much! Thomas...,

[@robcarr1899]

Fantastic. .... absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

I've only just recently started getting into wildlife photography, and I totally agree - wildlife photography is incredibly difficult! As with landscape photography, it's an amazing experience even if you don't come away with that perfect image you're searching for.

[@FotoHysteria]

Another outstanding video. Loving this series.

[@ceilihmcgrady4125]

Great cliff hanger! I'm dying to see your next video! 😂

[@watfordreacts93]

These videos are awesome!

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

04/09/2022; YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY, THOMAS.

[@nfscorsa100]

Thomas you need to come to our Kruger National Park. Early morning and late afternoon guided game drives and self drives is phanomenal. Abundance of big 5 and other awesome animals. Most southern to mid part of the Kruger National Park is where all the action is. To give you an idea of our beautiful Kruger is to watch Wild Earth here on KZbin.

[@readcastor2977]

This is wonderful. Keep it up Thomas!

[@patio87]

5:45, lmao wtf?

[@jfscapes5330]

Thomas that was a wonderful shot at the end.

[@georgeturner7496]

An awesome video of an equally amazing trip... the best part is, I know what's coming on the next video ;)

[@phooesnax]

A cliff hanger!! Great stuff Tom

[@andykeeble1]

Arghhhh, you are keeping us in suspenders Tom, how can anything compare to being charged by a Black Rhino! 😲 What an experience, many thanks for sharing it with us. Take care and stay safe!🍀👌

[@IFarmBugs]

I agree that wild life is the hardest to photograph, I've sat for hours in the same spot just waiting for the animal to get closer and into a favorable position.

[@GeekyNerdDad]

Great video as always but I’m halfway through and that lip licking has me dying laughing 😂

[@richardpriebe4183]

I did my once in a lifetime safari in 2014... 3 weeks, 4 camps, 3 countries (2 camps in Botswana, one in Zambia, one in Zimbabwe) plus a day and a night in Victoria Falls. I don't know if I came back with any "great" wildlife images, but I have many good ones, and all are memorable photographs that I will prize for the rest of my life.

[@DavidBromley123]

David Attenborough would be proud of some of that cinematography mate! keep up the good work!

[@X_explorer]

Nice vid! I love looking earth, discover and relax...

[@AndyAstbury]

Epic wildlife photography is a lot harder than most people think Thomas, as is epic landscape photography. The two hardest to master requirements of good wildlife photography are composition and subject isolation - closely followed by the tech side of keeping your AF optimized, together with fast enough shutter speeds - they move faster than your average landscape Thomas! If you think that 200-400 is heavy then come out with me to Norway for the eagles next year - bring that 200-400 and a 1DXMk2 - I'll have you on your knees in agony 'pronto' :) :) :)

[@kenmunoz8517]

Andy Astbury I couldn’t agree more... hence my post!

[@kenmunoz8517]

I couldn’t agree more... hence my post.

[@Valadhiel76]

Nice cliffhanger, Tom. :)