Shooting Wildlife 101

Landscape/nature photographer Francis Todd of Franklin offers novices a few tips on capturing images in the outdoors. Todd’s work will be on display at a reception at former Gov. Mike Foster’s home during the Eagle Expo.

• Equipment: Invest in a SLR digital camera with a high shutter speed. Todd suggests Canon or Nikon. You’ll need a minimum telephoto lens of 300mm. “Digital quality is almost as good, if not better, than film,” Todd said. “It allows you to create your own photos. The results aren’t left up to the darkroom.” He also advises buying a 4x teleconverter to expand the lens’ capacity.

• Personally, you’ll also need to develop patience. Getting the right shot can involve a bit of serendipity. “You can sit in one spot and never get any movement,” Todd said. “And on another day, the shot may fall in your lap.” He recounted sitting in a boat watching an egret when, about 400 yards away, an eagle dove into his line of sight. “He was diving like a dive bomber getting ready to unload his bombs on someone.” Sadly, the bird was too far away to catch in print. But Todd was treated to the sight of the grand bird splashing into the water and pulling a fish out with his talons.

• Finally, bring a love for photography and a desire to protect the habitat for the animals you shoot. “A sense of awe is very important,” he explained. “Nature brings us closer to God. Knowing these animals have the same DNA I have … it’s an expression of God’s love.”