Photographing wildlife can be a rewarding and awe-inspiring experience! From camera settings to clothing options, discover tips for safely capturing Alberta’s wildlife in stunning detail, while keeping animals and yourself safe.

Hi! My name is Marcel Kirchner and I am an Alberta Parks Ambassador. In my free time you can find me travelling around the province to the many provincial parks. I enjoy camping, hiking, and searching for breathtaking photos of the landscape, wildlife, and the night sky. My recent passion has been bird and  wildlife photography and capturing the many species that call Alberta Parks home. Read on for some tips capturing photos of wildlife in Alberta Parks.  

Respect Wildlife and their Habitat: 

Respect for wildlife is paramount when I'm photographing animals and birds in Alberta Parks. I always stay 30 metres (3 bus lengths) from large animals and 100 metres (10 bus lengths) from bears to avoid stressing or disturbing animals. I observe their behaviour from afar, allowing them to act naturally in their environment without interference. I remember that my priority should be to enjoy and capture their beauty without disrupting their lives or habitats. 

Female elk. Settings: 300mm F/4, ISO 250, 1/500 sec 

Familiarize Myself with Camera Settings: 

Before heading out to photograph wildlife, I familiarize myself with my camera settings and gear to ensure I am prepared to capture the best shots. Depending on the lighting conditions and the behaviour of the animals, I adjust my settings accordingly. I shoot with a mirrorless camera, so make sure you know the best settings for your own gear.  

• Aperture: A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field, which helps to blur the background and bring focus to the subject. 

• Shutter: A faster shutter speed is ideal for capturing birds in flight or animals on the move. 

• ISO: A low ISO maintains image quality and reduces noise. I only increase the ISO in low-light conditions. 

• Continuous Shooting Mode: Continuous Shooting Mode allows me to capture fast-paced wildlife action with precision. 

• Silent Shooting Mode: Silent Shooting Mode doesn’t disturb the subject I’m trying to capture with unnecessary noise. 

Osprey with fish. Settings: 300mm F/4, ISO 250, 1/2500 sec 

Clothing Considerations: 

It’s easy to find yourself in various weather conditions when out photographing wildlife. Here are some key considerations that I like to follow before heading out: 

• Opt for greens, browns, greys, or muted blues that match the natural surroundings. I avoid black, white, and bright colors, as they stand out and alert wildlife (especially birds) to my presence. 

• Select soft, quiet materials to avoid rustling sounds that can scare birds away. 

• Choose light, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable, especially in warm weather. 

• Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures and maintain comfort. 

• Wear clothing with plenty of pockets to keep essentials like a phone, keys, or extra battery pack easily accessible. 

Proper footwear for wildlife photography depends on location, prioritizing waterproofing, non-slip soles, and comfort for varied terrain. Look for lightweight, breathable boots for general use, high-rise waterproof boots for mud and river crossings, and potentially waders for deep water environments. 

Use Telephoto Lenses: 

To maintain a safe distance from wildlife and capture detailed shots from afar, I equip myself with a telephoto lens. Telephoto lenses with focal lengths ranging from 150mm to 600mm are ideal for wildlife photography, allowing me to focus on distant subjects while maintaining a safe distance. 

Male Elk. Settings: 150mm F/2.8, ISO 5000, ½ sec 

Capture Natural Behaviour: 

I focus on capturing the natural behaviour and interactions of animals and birds in their habitat. I am patient and observant, waiting for the right moment to capture authentic and compelling shots. I avoid disrupting their activities or altering the scene to get a better photo, as the beauty of wildlife lies in their natural behaviour. 

Plan My Shots: 

Before setting out to photograph wildlife, I plan my shots and research the best locations and times to spot specific species. I consider factors such as lighting conditions, time of day, and the behaviour patterns of the animals to optimize my chances of capturing memorable images. I also make sure to check the AlbertaParks.ca for advisories and trail reports. 

Common Loon. Settings: 300mm F/4 with 1.7x teleconverter, ISO 1250, 1/4000 sec 

Photographing wildlife can be a rewarding and awe-inspiring experience, offering me a glimpse into the natural world's beauty. By adhering to Alberta Parks' regulations and safety guidelines, maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife, and using appropriate camera settings, I can capture stunning images of Alberta's wildlife while ensuring their well-being is preserved. I approach each photography session with care, patience, and a deep appreciation for wildlife and their natural habitat, allowing me to create impactful and memorable images that showcase the harmony of nature.  

So get out there, be safe, and have fun! I’d love to see what photos you capture so reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook! Remember, the only bad picture is the one you didn’t take! 

Marcel Kirchner
Follow Marcel on Instagram @dragons_snaps