Top Ten Traits Of Great Wildlife Photographers

How many of the top ten do you have?

Over the decades, I’ve watched, learned from, and shot with countless fantastic wildlife photographers. In that time, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten traits I see from the best shooters and I want to share it with you. These are the traits I’m always trying to practice when I’m out in the field capturing wildlife images and I hope it helps you as well.

Check it out – seriously, these ten traits are the fastest way I know to take your wildlife photography to the next level. (And a big “Thank YOU” to everyone who shares these videos with their friends and online communities!)

PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).

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This entry was posted in Opinions, Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife.
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Nihang
Nihang
1 year ago

I used to subscribe to Worldstart newsletter. It was amazing to read every day. Thank you 🙂

Sue Puetz
Sue Puetz
1 year ago

Thanks for your tips and your inspiration, Steve
And your books are amazing. I read and re-read.

Mark & Emily Fagan
1 year ago

Steve, your photos are truly superb. The way you capture the animal and also your processing of the photo is just amazing. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work, we just love it.
Mark & Emily

David
David
1 year ago

Many of these traits apply to other subjects, too.

John F. Williams
1 year ago

I was a little confused that you emphasized the importance of engaging with the subject and telling a story with the photo, yet all of the captions were distracting details about the camera or your thoughts about getting the shot. If the emphasis is on the subject, why don’t the captions tell what you learned about the subject or its behavior?

Jannik Schou
Jannik Schou
1 year ago

Well said Perry! Keep working hard at it and I trust you will get a long way in your chosen profession;-)

Yannick Le Boulicaut
Yannick Le Boulicaut
1 year ago

As usual: very insightful!

David F Vanderheyden

Wonderful food for thought. Thank for this list and presentation it has broken some of the cobwebs in my brain

Thomas E. Roberts
Thomas E. Roberts
1 year ago

Great article! Nice to get away from all the gear talk and think about how to make great images. You may have, however, suggested a gear strategy in the images you used as examples. Your photographs were all outstanding, even those using older cameras. The common denominator was the 600mm lens used in over 75% of the photographs. For someone who can’t afford the latest and greatest, purchasing a used 600mm lens (which have dropped in price apparently) and one of the older cameras would seem to provide more than enough quality to produce good photographs, at a greatly reduced… Read more »

Susan Scharenberg
Susan Scharenberg
1 year ago

Loved #10 — so important, and really distinguishes a great wildlife shooter! All ten are important to understand and strive for, and this was a good exercise in recognizing and practicing them. We should all rewatch once a month. (Cute coffee mug!)

Jack Peerson
1 year ago

Really great information AND reminders! It makes me examine myself as I want to improve my photography. It is so true about that one instance when you cough, sneeze, look down, etc. that the perfect shot you waited an hour for is gone! Yup that is me! Thank you Steve!