Putting the Camera Down

Wildlife photography can be exhilarating — capturing that perfect shot of an animal in its natural habitat is one of the most rewarding experiences for any photographer. But let's be real - it can also be incredibly frustrating!

Branches, twigs and grass always seem to be getting in the way!

The long hours spent in the field, the selfish animals that don’t cooperate, the lighting that never seems to be just right — sometimes it feels like the perfect shot is always just out of reach and that mother nature is taunting you on purpose. Just remember that, when you're on the verge of frustration, it might be time to put the camera down.

It sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? As a photographer or someone who has paid for and looked forward to a photo safari, you’re trained to always be ready and your instinct says to shoot everything and never give up. But sometimes that pursuit of the perfect shot can become a barrier to enjoying the experience itself. When wildlife isn’t cooperating or the conditions aren’t ideal, there’s a temptation to push harder, get more frustrated, and miss out on the very reason you’re out there in the first place: to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Your camera screen may show something disappointing, but don't forget a quick edit can be mind-blowing

Stepping away from the camera allows you to reconnect with the environment around you. It’s in those moments when you stop focusing on the settings and asking why the darn camera isn’t doing what you want it to do, that you might notice the subtle details — the way the light dances on the leaves, the rustle of a bird in the trees or the playful behaviour of animals that you would have otherwise missed if you were still focused on the camera in your hands.

Taking a break can also help to reset your perspective. Often it’s when you least expect it that an animal will appear or the perfect lighting will emerge. By stepping away from the camera, you allow yourself the space to be present. The frustrations of the shoot (or lack of) fades, and in its place a sense of presence and appreciation for where you are – and what a privilege it is - takes centre stage.

Focusing issues during low light can easily make you want to throw the camera away!

Sometimes, the best memories come when you stop trying so hard. So next time wildlife photography feels like an uphill battle, consider putting the camera down for a moment. You might find that, in that moment of separation from photography, you end up capturing something even more meaningful than a perfect shot.