Common Shooting Questions
The questions readers send us most, answered briefly and honestly. If yours isn't here, write to us and we'll do our best.
Do I need an expensive telephoto lens to start?
No. A 70–300 mm or 100–400 mm zoom, or a 150–600 mm third-party zoom, covers most garden, park and reserve work. Fieldcraft that brings animals within range matters more than extra millimetres. See our gear guide.
What shutter speed freezes a bird in flight?
Start around 1/2000 s for small, fast birds and 1/1000–1/1250 s for larger, slower ones such as herons and geese. Raise ISO to get there rather than slowing the shutter. Our settings table has more starting points.
Is it OK to use bird call playback to attract subjects?
We advise against it. Playback can pull birds off territory and stress breeding pairs, and it is banned on many reserves. Patience at a known feeding spot works better and harms nothing.
When is golden hour?
Roughly the first and last hour of direct sunlight. Its length varies with latitude and season, so check sunrise and sunset times for your location before you set the alarm.
Should I shoot RAW or JPEG?
RAW if your camera allows it. It keeps far more highlight and shadow detail, which is invaluable when you are recovering a dim dawn frame or a white bird against dark water.
Can I photograph birds at the nest in the UK?
Disturbing a Schedule 1 bird at or near an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 unless you hold a licence from the relevant statutory body. For every other species, keep well away from nests too. Read the law section of our ethics guide.
How close should I get to wildlife?
Only close enough that the animal does not change its behaviour. If it stops feeding, keeps looking at you or moves away, step back. Some parks set minimum distances; Yellowstone, for example, requires 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Are pop-up hides worth buying?
For a garden, feeding station or a regular site where you have permission, yes. Set them up days in advance so animals accept them, and enter before first light. See our hide guide.
Should I share exact locations of rare species online?
No. Strip GPS data and describe the area broadly. Crowds can trample habitat and disturb sensitive animals, especially during breeding.
What ISO is too high?
It depends on your sensor; many modern cameras hold good detail at ISO 3200–6400. A sharp, slightly noisy image beats a soft, clean one every time.