When I first started out on this wonderful journey, I, like most felt a little “Gear Envy” and as such was constantly striving to purchase a newer camera, a longer lens, upgrading to professional equipment all because I felt that was how I would get better shots.
Social Media didn’t help as everywhere you look you see perfect polished images of subjects seemingly filling the frame which must have been achieved by purchasing the absolute best gear out there.
DO NOT fall into this trap.
Fieldcraft is the answer, now you’re never gonna be able to get closer with good fieldcraft, if say your bird is in the middle of a lake so this won’t cover all scenarios but will certainly help and hopefully stop you racking up credit card debts in a strive of excellence.
So what is Fieldcraft? Fieldcraft is the art of understanding wildlife and its natural environment, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without disturbing them. It involves patience, observation, knowledge of animal behaviour, recognising signs of wildlife activity, understanding wind direction and using natural cover to remain concealed. A bit of camo never hurts too ;-)
Good Fieldcraft isn’t just about getting closer for that perfect shot; its about respecting wildlife, minimising disturbance and capturing natural behaviour in its true environment.
The better your Fieldcraft, the better your photography - because the best wildlife encounters are earned not forced.
And best of all this is all free, get out in nature, spend time on your local patch, observe the behaviours, learn the craft and I guarantee your / photography will improve.
A bit of Camo can help