Photography

Taking photographs of wildlife is really essential for recording your sightings as it helps to provide evidence that you have identified the species correctly. However, taking a photo is also very useful for anyone wanting to learn how to identify wildlife. With a photo you can compare it to images online or in a book, you can email an expert for help or post a copy online at one of the many identification support sites, and of course you can create your own reference library of images.

Which camera?

You don't need an expensive camera to get useful and quality images of most wildlife. Whilst it can be challenging to capture images of birds or mammals without a telephoto of some kind, the majority of wildlife can be approached and with a bit of care can be photographed satisfactorily. While most cameras will do a reasonable job, ideally you want one with a decent macro function, i.e. the ability to take close-up images. Nearly all compact digital cameras do have a macro function so it is worth getting to know how to use it.

Mobile phone cameras can work fine for much wildlife photography, but beware the auto-focus! If the camera focusses on the background rather than your subject, either tap the screen to get it to refocus, or put your hand alongside the subject and focus on that initially to get the distance right. It is also possible to buy clip-on macro lenses for many mobile phone cameras and these can give excellent results.

What to photograph?

Whilst it seems obvious to say that the image should show the species clearly enough to recognise it, this isn't always easy to achieve! For species that are green-rated on NatureSpot, then a single image may be sufficient. However many species have look-alikes and it is necessary to show to key feature (or features) that distinguish one from another. If you are familiar with the species then you may know what angle or feature to photograph, but if not then it is generally a good idea to take several shots from different angles where possible. With plants, try to get a photo of it growing in the habitat around, then a few close-ups of leaves (basal AND stem), flower (side-on), stem and seeds or fruits if present. With insects, a dorsal (top) shot plus a side view works for most, though sometimes faces and legs have the key features! As a general rule, take lots from all angles!

You can submit up to four images with each record so choose those that show different angles. It is useful to check the page for that species to see if it tells you what features need to be visible and also if there is any recording advice to follow.

Name your photos

Though it adds another task, it is good practice to name each photo you are keeping with the species name, date and location.

Photo of the month

NatureSpot will feature a selected image each month. We are looking for an image that includes one or more of the criteria below:

- published during the previous month
- a quality image that will enhance our galleries
- shows a key ID feature
- shows unusual or interesting behaviour
- features a rare species for which we have few records