Nature may seem overwhelming to photograph, especially on the subject of capturing wildlife. Knowing where to look and what to shoot is half the battle won, but you can take it further as you discover your own style.

Here are some tips for getting great shots of wildlife on your next trip out exploring nature, and how the EOS R’s features can help you achieve the ideal creative shot.

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 240mm, 1/3158 sec, ISO4000

Use a versatile lens

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 24mm, 1/3158 sec, ISO4000

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 113mm, 1/3158 sec, ISO4000

The thing about shooting in nature is ensuring one captures everything near to far, which is why a versatile lens is an important companion for your EOS R camera. Spot a bird, notice a beautiful orchid, or get inspired by the shapes of tree branches - capture these moments and create your own art. Select a versatile lens such as the RF24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM to help translate your vision into photos. The lens has 10x optical zoom in a compact body and superb focusing speed to ensure you get the shot just in time.

 

Pay attention to details

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/5.6, 100mm, 1/20 sec, ISO2000

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 209mm, 1/256 sec, ISO4000

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 218mm, 1/40 sec, ISO2000

Details are important because those are what we usually miss out on when we walk by something or somewhere we are familiar with. Once you pay more attention to your surroundings, you will notice that little quirks here and there that you may not realise existed. A crooked lone branch, a multi-coloured butterfly, or even the ever-changing clouds in the sky. See with a fresh pair of eyes and observe with a photographer’s mind – think of the composition, exposure, aperture and shutter speed before clicking that shutter button.

 

Experiment and try different angles

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 218mm, 1/16 sec, ISO2000

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 218mm, 1/25 sec, ISO2000

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 118mm, 1/32 sec, ISO2000

Shooting different angles of the same subject can give you very different results. Try the top-down approach, or the low/high angle shot to create dynamic and dramatic shapes. Adjust the LCD screen so you don’t have to bend over too high or low just to get a shot. Sometimes, shooting multiple angles can train you eyes to see things differently. Keep trying and you may just find your signature shot.

Look for more low-angle shooting inspirations in Low-Angle Shooting with Canon EOS M10, or have fun with different perspectives just like the ones in Capture Unique Perspectives with the Canon EOS M50.

 

Frame your subjects

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/6.3, 240mm, 1/195 sec, ISO4000

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/6.3L IS USM lens, f/150, 16mm, 1/3158 sec, ISO4000

Framing adds depth and dimension to your subject, and gently guides your viewer’s eyes to the subject you intend for him/her to see. Make sure you consider your foreground carefully (e.g. an edge of a tree trunk, leaves that surround your lens, or even a ray of light with a prism from the side) could bring out the beauty of your subject and makes the photos more interesting to look at.

 

Make portraits

EOS R, EF24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM lens, f/5.6, 24mm, 1/790 sec, ISO2000

Who says you can’t be your own subject when shooting in the wild? Be one with nature–lie down on the grass or set your camera on the ground to get a low angle photo of yourself. Use the vari-angle LCD screen to position yourself and the Canon Camera Connect app to control the shutter, exposure and other functions remotely. You can even download your photos from your camera to your phone!

In nature, observe with a keen eye and amazing shots will follow.

Find out more about the EOS R and let it help you create wonderful stories through photos.

 

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