Here’s a handout I created for a nature walk/wildlife photography tour I led for the City of Burnaby Parks Dept. recently.
Paul Cipywnyk | @paulcip | cipywnyk.com/blog/
City of Burnaby Parks Wildlife/Nature Photography Walk
Ron McLean Park > Byrne Creek Ravine Park > Taylor Park
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Tips for Wildlife & Nature Photography
- Take lots of photos!
- Carry an extra battery
- Carry an extra card
- Use a monopod or tripod
- Have a friend be a spotter
- Listen
- Take a slow pace
- Study wildlife – read books on birding, tracking, mammals, reptiles, fish, sea life, etc.
- Anticipate where you may see wildlife
- Adjust your camera settings to your surroundings and lighting. For example, use a higher ISO early in the morning or evening, or in darker areas like forests
- Even with Vibration Control, it’s good to keep ISO high enough to ensure a fast shutter speed, particularly with telephoto lenses
- Don’t put yourself into dangerous situations
- Be respectful of wildlife (Search “ethical wildlife photography” online)
- Join iNaturalist to get help with ID, and share your observations
Explore different kinds of habitat
- Streams
- Rivers
- Ponds
- Lakes
- Beach/Ocean
- Forests
- Meadows
- Marshes
- Transition zones between different kinds of habitat are wildlife hot spots
Some good areas in Burnaby
- Burnaby Lake
- Deer Lake
- Barnet Marine Park
- Fraser Foreshore Park
- Central Park
- Local streams
Some good areas in the lower mainland
- Reifel Sanctuary
- Stewart Heritage Farm
- White Rock pier/beach, Crescent Beach
- Centennial Beach
- Boundary Bay
- Check out Metro Vancouver Parks online for lots of great parks
- Check out municipality parks department websites
