BrianpSlade

Up Close

'Up Close'...Capturing wildlife headshots -tight close-up portraits-may seem easy at first glance: Just get as close as possible with a big telephoto ...
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'Up Close'...Capturing wildlife headshots -tight close-up portraits-may seem easy at first glance: Just get as close as possible with a big telephoto lens and take the picture.
That certainly works, if all you're hoping for is a simple snapshot. But to ensure that you get a powerful and inspiring image, a little more effort is involved and a lot of patience.
Before you set out to photograph wildlife anywhere, whether simply in a nearby park or on a major photo trek abroad, using your camera should be second nature. Know how to change settings without having to stop and look-this can make the difference between an image captured and an image lost.
Tight headshots mean long telephoto lenses. If you are photographing in a zoo or in a place where wildlife is close and tolerant, a 300mm lens is often sufficient.
For most situations, however, a 500mm lens or longer is the standard. The long lens will isolate your subject and let you focus in on the expression of the animal.
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