You don’t get many opportunities to use this technique in wildlife photography, but when the right moment presents itself, a wide angle wildlife approach can create a completely different perspective.
Wild-Angle Wildlife Photography
This Sandhill Crane lives in a park very close to my home, and having grown up around people, he is totally acclimated to human presence. That trust creates rare opportunities where I can work much closer than normal and experiment with creative compositions.
For this image, I decided to get as low as possible – literally lying on the ground and waiting patiently as the crane worked his way toward me. Using a wide-angle lens allowed me to include not only the bird, but also the surrounding environment, giving a stronger sense of place and scale.
Wide angle wildlife photography is all about intimacy and immersion; it pulls the viewer into the scene as if they were right there beside the animal.
It’s important to note that this technique only works with wildlife that is habituated, calm, and comfortable. Safety — both for the animal and the photographer — always comes first. A cooperative Sandhill Crane? Perfect. A grizzly bear? Absolutely not recommended!
Moments like this are a reminder that creativity often comes from trying something different and staying open to what the situation offers. When the conditions align, a wide-angle wildlife approach can turn an ordinary encounter into something truly memorable.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve
Image: Sandhill Crane, Kensington Metro Park, Milford, MI
Gear: Nikon D4S, 17–35mm @ 17mm, 1/400th @ f/11, ISO 200
Related: An Unexpected Family: Sandhill Cranes Raise baby Goose