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November 20, 2009 |
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Created and Maintained by: The Photoimaging Information Council |
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by Russ Burden |
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Ask most nature photographers what focal length comes to mind for photographing wildlife and the overwhelming consensus would be a 400, 500, and even 600mm. More than likely, those who make a living at it would add in a 1.4 or 2x tele converter to gain even more magnification. The reasons for this are fairly obvious. Wildlife can be dangerous and the more distance you include between yourself and the subject makes it safer for all involved. Additionally, most animals have what’s known as a Fight Or Flight comfort zone. If approached too closely, the subject will either flee or get into a defensive fight mode. Neither of these situations is desirable. Therefore the magnification factor of a long lens to bring the animal closer and not stress either the subject or the photographer is beneficial. But what about the species that feels comfortable in human presence? What about a situation where an animal accepts your presence? What about a situation where the camera is triggered remotely from afar? What if the photographer wants to include the environment into the composition - so much for the long lens - break out the wides!
While I have had occasion to use a wide angle in up close and personal situations with wildlife, the more frequent reason for attaching this lens is to show the animal in its environment. In the two shots of the birds in addition to the elk walking through the river, the scene in which each is located holds as much importance as the subject themselves. This being the case, the only way to depict the background in the composition is to use a wide angle lens. The exact focal length is determined by how much scenery needs to be included in addition to how close the photographer is to the scenery and animal. The closer in, the wider the lens.  © Russ Burden
Benefits: When shooting with a wide angle lens, a lighter tripod can be used than if the photographer was carrying a long lens. In that the animal is farther away, a slower shutter speed can be used to stop the subject’s movement as its proximity doesn’t reveal as much motion as when the animal is close. This in turn means a lower ISO can be chosen netting a file with less noise. Depth of field is greatly increased due to the wide focal length which allows the photographer to use a wider range of shutter speeds. Shorter lenses are much less expensive than long telephotos. Finally, it’s easier to create a composition more quickly as the photographer doesn’t need to hunt for the subject due to the telephoto’s narrow angle of view.  © Russ Burden
Some subjects are very tolerant of humans and in some locations throughout the US, a subject that may take flight even if you’re in a car, will let you approach very closely as it’s acclimated to human presence. Take for instance the birds in many Florida locations. If I try to approach a great blue heron in Colorado, it flies long before it’s in telephoto range. The same species in the Everglades lets me get frame filling shots with a wide. Another example is evidenced by the accompanying shot of the mountain goat kids. Note the extreme amount of depth of field at a capture made at 5.6. This is due to the inherent depth of field that comes with wide angle photography. Will I ever abandon my telephoto? Of course not. But I will always be found with a wide angle next to me while I’m using it!  © Russ Burden
To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Photographic Nature Tours. Visit www.russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, pick up a copy of my new book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.
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