Why NOT to Chase Wildlife and Achieve Better Images

[@georgedavall9449]

Nearly all Photography, especially Wildlife Photography, is all about patience, and being in the right place at the right time. Most everyone that practices our craft knows this, but for those that do not, and for those that don't ‘Respect’ Nature, it will be a hard lesson to learn. Stalking or chasing Wildlife to get that ‘wall hanger,’ is the wrong approach, and I think this Video is spot on, and illustrates why this is so. Take a look at some of the noted Wildlife Photographers ( Scott Keys included ) and notice whether the subject looks ‘relaxed’ or in their elements, or look ‘spooked’ or like they are being hunted? Setting up a blind, knowing and understanding the habits of the intended subject, is the key to capturing great images, and doing it responsibly. After all, We as Photographers, are guests in their ‘Homes.’ Another thing to think about is not only the safety and sanctity of the animal and their environment, but the safety of the Photographer as well. One should never put themselves in the path of any animal, no matter how good they think the photo might be. I, for one, like to be able to return to my ‘Home,’ in one piece! Imagine if that Elk or a Moose, or similar mammal, feels threatened, decides to get aggressive, or chases down a Photographer. It could end badly. Always enjoy your videos Scott. Please everyone, stay safe and well and Happy Shooting!

[@rdphoto2]

Spot on Remark George

[@georgedavall9449]

@@rdphoto2 Hey Ron! I didn't know You were in the comments! Thanks for reaching out! Have great weekend!

[@barbcullenphotography]

Spot on! I had a similar situation as your friend last fall photographing elk during the rut. It was just my husband and I and we were set up patiently waiting for the elk “to come to us”. A man showed up with his short lens, starts yelling “are you here to shoot the elk?” 🤦‍♀️ he wouldn’t stop talking so we moved away from him. Then we see him out in the middle of the field between us and the elk, who see him obviously because they won’t come out of the tree line. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ So we leave to hike into an area we are hoping the elk are moving too. Turn around… he’s following us. Uhg!!!! He ruined the entire thing. Anyway, all that to say, this episode is well done and well said. Thank you!

[@georgedavall9449]

Thanks for sharing, and sorry for that experience. All it takes is one ‘yahoo’ to ruin if for others.

[@rdphoto2]

People were Camo not to be hidden from the Animals. But to be hidden from other people.

[@rdphoto2]

Scott as always excellent content. We all have witnesses this kind of behavior. There are times we should say something to these people on the scene but, in this day and age do you dare. I have seen this time and time again. Sometimes I wish I would have said something. But most times I just pack up my gear and leave.

[@amendegw]

Scott, Agree with you 100%. Occasionally, I'll use chasers to my advantage... getting into a position where the chasers will put the bird/animal in a good position for my shot. Edit: Just re-read my comment. Want to make sure no one assumes that there is some collusion between me and the chasers.

[@BowlesImages]

Excellent video, Scott. Your comments are right on point - not only is it bad from the standpoint of the animal and other photographers, but almost all the time the quality of image declines when you are chasing a subject. My best experiences are when a subject approaches me - or is so comfortable with me that I'm not the subject of attention.

[@lisamarie7527]

It’s hard to have an intimate experience with a subject, in my experience, when you’re in a group of photographers. Unfortunately it seems that there’s always one person who ruins it for the others. So I choose to shoot mostly alone. I agree with you. It’s worth waiting for the subject to decide where they want to go. Not to chase. Chances are you’ll get that beautiful image you’re striving for if you just let the subject be. Great topic!

[@Adam-qs5ir]

I experienced this yesterday. Was at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. Unfortunately there's a 10 mile drive loop where you get most access to the wildlife, but instead of spotting from a distance most of those present will drive right up on the location. An example is a Bald Eagle I spotted from 100 plus yards away. This large SUV pulled up at like 30 mph directly under the tree he was perched in.

[@Bruce_S763]

As always, these subjects Scott chooses to discuss have so many shades of gray. I haven’t been photographing birds for long, but have seen various incidents. I think most of them are just a result of personality type. Like tailgating. Some people are wired for instant gratification and can’t help themselves. Myself, I’ve scared off small birds trying to just move the camera to the side a few inches to clear a background. I always take note of when and where I’ve seen the animal and know there’s a good chance if I make the effort and return later, I’ll get another shot at a shot. No use chasing. Great video. This type of conversations do always gets me thinking!

[@joanneabramson2645]

One of the joys of photographing with a 500mm lens is that the animals could care less about my being there. Adding a TC 1.4 you can grab a bird from even further away. There is no comparison between a photo of a calm bird versus a stressed bird.

[@paulvalerio3887]

Hi Scott, Chasing doesn’t work. Even butterflies on a row of Zinnia flowers will not do well being chased. If you sit down, reducing your presence and improving your angle, they will calmly land right in front of you. However, if chased, they spend about 1 nervous second per flower then flee. IMHO if an insect can be affected by being chased of course species of higher cognitive skills will be buggered by it. Good Video!!

[@georgedavall9449]

What a good comment Paul. I have been guilty of doing this in the past. 😔 I love butterflies! Some of the best shots I’ve captured have been with luck and patience. I love to photograph bees as well, and I try not to be intimidating to them as they buzz around the azaleas. So I use a longer lens, from a distance. It is quite the challenge, and everyone should try it, as it can improve one’s Photo skills! 😊 Stay safe and happy Shooting

[@michaeldugas7932]

Your photo's are beautiful and thank you for helping me get better images! I was photographing Eagles on the ice near open water and noticed a guy with a Kayak with a camera approaching the Eagles. He got way to close and ruined my chance of getting any photo's. another time I spotted a Bobcat from the side of a road in a hole in a dead tree, the Bobcat saw me but did not look disturbed, at times he would close his eyes so I waited until he opened his eye's to get a shot. A car pulled up and the guy got out took a few pictures and got on his phone and about 5 minutes later 4 other cars pulled up, and the people were making noise and getting to close and the cat was gone in a flash. When ever I see anyone Taking photo's of wildlife I never approach them.

[@thebinpustey6497]

Great topic! I think situations can differ, depending on the subject/animal. I use my discretion, and often try ‘strategic’ positioning…like getting ahead of their trajectory and waiting! Once in a while however, I’ll have a bear coming straight at me through the trees, and I realize I picked his trajectory TOO accurately!

[@19Photographer76]

Here in Oregon, photographers like the first group could be prosecuted...great capture of the Coyote!

[@christopherleecowan]

Great discussion. Unfortunately I have been guilty of chasing the shot. Nowadays I am happy just seeing and enjoying wildlife as I travel. At least I know they are in the area. I agree it takes great patience, planning and luck if you want to capture wildlife shots the right way. I almost always have a camera with me but I don't always have the right lens for the subject. I am not a dedicated wildlife photographer I just love photography. Love your content by the way thank you for your thoughts.

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

Hey Scott. Very usefull video. I love to search for animals instead of just wartung. Greets Stefan

[@liamseels4497]

Great content man! Very informative and impactful! This is such an interesting topic and I love hearing your thoughts on it! I will definitely start implementing more patience and waiting instead of chasing during next photo outings!! If I can do something to make the wildlife more comfortable and less stressed with the addition of getting better photos then I definitely will😂😁

[@larryrudnick1519]

Great points. The guys chasing the elk in the beginning just don't get it - not that I think the 800 lb elk was that stressed, but they were making it move into an area that was not the best photographically. I understand they may not have had the time to wait (or were simply too impatient) for the animal to move into a better spot but its obvious that your client likely got the better image.

[@wismokey]

Great topic. I let the subject come to me or I can maybe crop but never chase. I teach others the rule, "Do no harm". I photograph loons a lot around here and the rule by loon groups is to get no closer than 200 feet but even better is to learn subjects' body language and vocalizations to determine the situation. Too many times I see people chasing the birds to get that certain picture. With that, I still do not chase. We have elk in my area too and I see many people attempting to get too close to the elk, which can turn dangerous. I try to set examples a gently make suggestions but I must be careful about how I do that as some do not want advice.

[@BowlesImages]

Loons are tough. Nikon Ambassador Michelle Valberg has developed the technique of using a 2x TC on a 500mm or 600mm lens to photograph loons from a canoe for exactly the reason you mention.

[@wismokey]

I don't use a TC but grop instead. Image quality will be about the same. I use a fishing kayak so I can get close to the water level. I think Michelle uses a kayak but sits up higher on a seat.@@BowlesImages

[@thescouser8629]

Fully agree. Wait for the animal to come to you. My main argument would be that the behaviour changes when they come to you. Ie mountain hares put their ears back when nervous which translates to the viewer. Also hate photographing with others. This year we had an influx of Scandinavian short eared owls near the beach. Someone turned up with a dog and threw their ball into the bushes to flush the bird out so their friends got a shot. I’m not argumentative but………

[@ericspink6849]

I have gotten to a point where I am no longer going to get aggravated about other people being in my “photo space” so to speak. I will go to things like a Sandhill Crane Festival where I am with lots of other birders and photographers and just enjoy that experience for what it is. If I really want to dial in without human distractions that put pressure on a subject, understand I am going to have to strategize where and when I can get that best experience.

[@BillFerris]

I'm in the, "be patient and wait for the animals to come to me," camp, as well. Just last month, I was treated to some great photo ops with a gray fox, some American kestrels, a northern harrier, and a roadrunner all because I was in a spot and they came to me. I'm typically out alone with my camera. However, when I'm visiting a national park that is frequented by large numbers of photographers, I do try to conduct myself in a manner that doesn't stress the animals and doesn't deny another photographer an equal opportunity to make a good photo. When I happen upon a photo op, I'll first check to see if a ranger is in the area. A ranger will set the example for what's the safe distance to be from the animal. I'll also assess where the majority of people are gathered. Most folks want to maintain a safe distance out of respect for the animal and concern from their own safety. I'll then observe the animal(s) to get a feel for how comfortable they appear to be. If they're behaving in a manner suggesting they're nervous or feeling pressured, I'll assume they'll eventually move away from the crowd. If there appears to be a good location a ways off, I'll relocate there and wait/hope for the animal to come to me. Sometimes, I get a good photo op. Sometimes, not. I'd rather come away from an op with no keeper photos but feeling good about not being a disturbance than with some borderline images but feeling guilty about stressing the subject. There's rarely a perfect answer but if a photographer conducts themselves in a manner that is respectful of the animal and other people, that's all we can ask.

[@ryancooper3629]

Personally, I have zero interesting in shooting around other photographers. At least those who I don't know. Like if I'm out working with a team, that's one thing, but standing in a crowd of tourists instantly kills my desire to be there. I think the hard part for me is def the patience. I constantly want to feel like I'm exerting agency and skill in improving my odds so it is really tough to wrap my head around the idea that the best option is to sit down and not move for hours hoping to get lucky. It cuts against every aspect of my being even though I logically recognize it obviously is the best choice. I'd also add that for the shot comparison of the two flying birds at the end. I'm not convinced that is so much about the bird being less stressed, both are flying, both in roughly the same direction, the second shot doesn't look particularly stressed by you or it would be flying away, not perpendicular. Its just one you captured the bird just as it is taking off so the body position reflects that. Its also an example of better lighting doing better lighting things. Better background doing better background things. And better glass doing better glass things.

[@beckyb4948]

It's such a no-brainer! With one behavior, you'll get hundreds of shots of tails and rumps (speaking from experience). With the other you'll get several keeper shots. And frequently, once the animal decides that you're not a danger, its curiosity may prompt it to sidle up and check you out. This is true of so many species, from large mammals to birds (more experience speaking.)

[@halteske6475]

Yep, Just this year while photographing Great Grey Owls people would crowd the ditch where the owls were trying to hunt instead of standing on the opposite side of the road and giving them space to feed. I’ve been there many times before and if you give the owls the space they will catch voles at 20ft from you, but you need to give them the space to do what they need. I mean these people had 400 and 600 mm prime lenses, They didn’t need to crowd the birds.

[@vintermane_2728]

I had a similar experience when I was out for elk after the rut. Everyone was shooting from their cars or behind their cars shooting, while this man parked his car and approached the largest bull. He ended up pushing all the cows out of the area & as a result, the bulls left as well. He had a long lens, too. At least a 500 mm. Worked to everyone else’s advantage because the elk left in the direction of the rest of us, but there’s no way that guy got good shots & the shots he did get, the bull had to have been visibly annoyed. I also can’t imagine being that person and knowing you’re the reason no one can get a shot.

[@rdphoto2]

Cell Phones and Social Media have played a big part in this kind of behavior. When I am out shooting in Cades Cove and people start behaving in this way I would love to say something but I know they will just ignore me. So I turn my camera towards them and start taking their photographs much like Barb did in the images at the beginning of this video.

[@mikedavis1110]

I agree one shouldn’t chase the animal and should use a long lens to the image. Yes one should get close enough for the image but not to put yourself own safety jeopardy. I have been in similar situations with Elk in NC and the photographers are in the field trying to get the photo and don’t even back up after being told by other photographers! Not mention there signs out saying give the Elk space! It will effect ones photo for the animal is aware your presence, but you are at a safe distance that isn’t threatening to there immediate safety. Yes one could say the Elk in NC are familiar with people, but one never knows when they will bolt or attack.

[@Hunterdog-pm1wl]

Love these videos! Great topic

[@ericsmith9777]

From a wildlife photographer's perspective, the video is bang on !! Unfortunately, with so many weekend warriors out taking pictures, what you speak of Scott, is becoming the norm. No experience with their subjects, gotta get the shot, don't care about anything or anyone else. Sad really !! I'm fortunate to live in Alberta, Canada, with 3 National and some Provincial parks nearby. Target off season, go early in the morning, and when the crowd/s show up....."Hasta La Vista Baby" !! Nice image (by the way) of the coyote, all because of using knowledge of what it might do. So much better than a going away shot !! If you are ever in the neighborhood, drop by. Cheers, ericrsmith9

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks so much!

[@cguerrieri4866]

Sold on not chasing. No comparisoon in the quality of photograph

[@allenfutrelle9090]

We have a area in eastern North Carolina where it is quite easy to photograph wild black bear. We also have more than our share of idiots that show no etics, nor morals toward being a photographer. They will literally chase towards a bear to get "the" shot. The place is well known and is famous for the bear presence. The people ...ugh!!

[@cguerrieri4866]

Ouch! Painful to see. And yes, it has happened to me. And it is a pia

[@slawre23]

Sometimes, I wonder if it's a feeling of having to rush. Instead of a desire to be patient and become part of the environment, they may feel they have to rush to different spots to find wildlife in the time they've given thenselves.

[@WildlifeInspired]

possibly

[@MrCat-rk9ir]

Its really hard not to touch the topic of ethics on this subject. I used to go with a new friend but he was not ethical at all. He shakes the tree to get a good shot of the owl, chase the animals around, trespassing areas, all that to get a good shot. It was really uncomfortable to go birding with him. Let's just say our friendship did not end well. It was short and regrettable.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Yes. I think it's obvious but I just wanted to try to show those thsy chase that it's just a bad idea for the results. Ya see. Those unethical people probably won't be reached by telling them what they do is bad for the animal. They know that they just don't care. Hope that makes sense.

[@MrCat-rk9ir]

@@WildlifeInspired I absolutely agree that the best photos are usually the ones when the animals are behaving as if it did not see us or bothered by our presence.

[@nwcs2]

It’s a lot more “adventurous” in Cades Cove with bears.

[@TheWildlifeGallery388]

I've said it before the worse people I run into while Photographing Wildlife are other so called Wildlife Photographers - These 3 things you're talking about will be on full display when you to places like Rocky Mountain National Park - a place I love - but by the end of a week there shooting I'm ready to leave because of the people and how they behave while interacting with the Wildlife. - there They will push in for a photo while 100 others are lined up waiting to get one themselves. - I too, find a good spot, with the light I'm looking for and wait for my subject to appear, I've never had any success trying to push in - these animals make a living knowing their surroundings.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I worry that those places will be fewer and fewer

[@donnamcknight056]

5 years ago I was in New York photographing Snowy Owls..I couldn't believe a guy was inching his way with a cell phone he got within 15 feet of it. we were watching from our SUV.. knowing these birds flew thousands of miles to get here, they need to rest a eat I couldn't take it any more and had to say something to him, with that he ran over to us and started screaming at us..I know this bird he yelled it trusts me.. needless to say rangers were called end of story for him. I felt sorry for this bird totally disgusting behavior on his part! Yes it flew!

[@HokKan]

You should make a distinction between chasing vs approaching with good field craft. Both are approaching and getting closer to the subject, but they are entirely different things. I think it's perfectly fine to close your distance as long as you have good field craft, and obviously, literally "chasing" (running after the subject) is not good field craft.

[@rdphoto2]

Interesting term. "Good Field Craft!" I would like to hear more about this. I have seen rigged photographers move around in field of deer or turkey to get a better angle but, keeping their distance from the subject and not closing their distance. Is this what you mean by Good Field Craft?

[@HokKan]

@@rdphoto2 getting close to the subject without them feeling uncomfortable.

[@RandumbTech]

I appreciate your take, but can assure you the people who actually need to hear this message are not tuning in. Some people just suck and we just have to accept that and move on.

[@WildlifeInspired]

That is true and it is life. People tune in to what makes them feel good about what they do or believe in.

[@hubertcole1645]

Not only cringe but angry … unfortunately in today’s world “it is me no matter the damage I cause”.