The Art of Predator Photography: An Introduction

This is part one of a six part blog photography series.

African Lion. 1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 1000

There’s something about locking eyes with a predator through the lens—knowing that, for a brief moment, you're in their world, capturing something raw, something untamed.

Whether it’s the silent stare of a lion in the Savannah, the calculated movement of a jaguar stalking its prey, or the raw power of a brown bear charging through a river, predators make for some of the most exhilarating and challenging subjects in wildlife photography.

But photographing these apex hunters isn’t just about pressing the shutter—it’s about understanding them, respecting them, and learning how to capture their power and presence in a way that tells a story.

This series is all about that.

There’s a reason why predators command attention in photography. They are the ultimate survivors—designed by nature for speed, strength, and strategy.

Unlike prey animals, predators don’t blend into the background. They are the ones doing the chasing, the ones shaping the balance of the ecosystem. And when you’re lucky enough to capture them in action, the result is an image that demands attention.

But that’s also what makes them so incredibly difficult to photograph.

Crossfox off Churchill. 1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 800

The Challenge of Predator Photography

Predators don’t pose for the camera, and they definitely don’t wait for the perfect lighting.

To capture them properly, you have to:

• Understand their behavior – What triggers a hunt? What signs show aggression or curiosity?

• Anticipate movement – Where will they go next? How do you stay ahead of the shot?

• Adapt quickly – Lighting, distance, angles—every moment is different.

• Stay safe – Knowing how to get close without becoming part of the food chain.

This is what makes predator photography a game of patience, skill, and respect. You’re not just taking a picture—you’re stepping into their world, and you have to be ready for whatever happens next.

North Carolina Black Bear. 1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 640

Ethics & Respect: Photographing Without Disturbing

One of the biggest responsibilities of a wildlife photographer is knowing when to shoot and when to back off.

Predators are not models. They are hunters, mothers, and territorial defenders.

Disrupting their behavior—even unintentionally—can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a failed one.

Florida Bobcat with sunset colors. 1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 400

A few rules I follow:

• Never interfere with a hunt – Let nature take its course.

• Give them space – A long lens is your best friend.

• Learn to read their behavior – If a predator starts reacting to you, it’s time to back off.

• Stay hidden when possible – A concealed presence means you see them as they truly are.

A great predator photo isn’t just about proximity—it’s about capturing their world without intruding on it.

What’s Coming Next in This Series?

Predator photography is about more than just pointing a camera—it’s about knowing your subject, understanding your gear, and being prepared for anything.

Over the next few posts, we’ll dive into:

• Safety tips for photographing predators in the wild

• Best cameras, lenses, and settings for predator photography

• How to track and anticipate a predator’s movements

• Techniques for capturing motion, power, and personality

• Post-processing techniques to enhance your images

Jaguar in the Pantanal, 1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 1600

Capturing a predator is more than just a photo—it’s an experience. A moment where you connect, even briefly, with the untamed wild.

And once you get that first shot, the one where the eyes lock, the muscles tense, and you realize you just captured something extraordinary… you’ll understand why we keep coming back for more.

---

Photographing Wildlife... Some Tips for Capturing Animals in Action.

View fullsize

Photographing wildlife has always been one of my greatest passions. There's nothing quite like the thrill of capturing a great image of an animal in its natural habitat, whether it’s a tiger prowling through the forest or an orca, mom and calf swimming through the ocean.

Over the years, I’ve learned that getting the perfect shot is more than just having a good camera; it’s about understanding the behavior of the animals and being prepared to capture those fleeting moments.

Here are some essential tips I’ve gathered from my own adventures in the wild, which I hope will help you capture stunning wildlife photos of your own.

1. Understand Animal Behavior

One of the first things I realized early on is the importance of understanding the animals you’re photographing. Every species has unique behaviors, and being familiar with these can help you anticipate their movements.

View fullsize

View fullsize

For example, if you’re photographing a fox, knowing that they tend to be more active at dawn and dusk can guide you on the best times to shoot. Similarly, understanding that a perched bird will often defecate right before flight can help you prepare for the perfect shot just as it takes off.

This type of knowledge has helped me capture some of my most cherished photos.

2. Choose the Right Camera Settings

When it comes to wildlife photography, your camera settings can make or break your shot. Fast-moving animals require a faster shutter speed to freeze the action. I typically set my shutter speed to at least 1/2000th of a second for fast-moving subjects like birds or big cats.

If you’re photographing slower animals, such as tortoises or resting deer, you can afford a slower shutter speed.

Aperture settings also play a crucial role. A wider aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) allows for a shallow depth of field, making your subject stand out against a beautifully blurred background. This works wonderfully when photographing animals in dense foliage or when you want to isolate them from a busy environment.

3. Be Patient and Stay Ready

Patience is your best friend in wildlife photography. I’ve spent countless hours sitting quietly, waiting for that perfect moment.

Whether it’s waiting for a bobcat to pop out of the bushes to catch a bird, or for a breaching whale, those moments don’t come on command.

But trust me, the wait is always worth it… so always have your camera ready.

Wildlife is unpredictable, and you never know when an animal will make a sudden move. Keep your camera on and your finger on the shutter. A quick reflex can mean the difference between capturing a fleeting moment, or missing it altogether.

4. Focus on the Eyes

There’s a saying in wildlife photography: “If you can see the eyes, you can see the soul.” I find this to be true.

Focusing on the animal’s eyes can create a powerful connection between the subject and the viewer. It brings life to the photo and can tell a good story.

Whenever possible, try to lock focus on the eyes of the animal.

5. Respect Wildlife and Their Habitat

Last but certainly not least, ALWAYS respect the wildlife and their natural environment. Keeping a safe distance not only protects you but also prevents stress to the animals.

Remember, we are guests in their world.

Wildlife photography is an art that combines technical skill with a deep respect for nature. Every shot is a new adventure, a new story waiting to be told. So grab your camera, do your research, be patient, and above all, enjoy every moment in the wild.

Happy shooting!

Photographing Bob the Bobcat. A South Texas Wildlife Story

My daughter Sophia and I have been visiting one of our local state parks—Bentsen State Park—for the past four months (whenever I’m home). Specifically, we’ve been returning again and again to one of the park’s bird feeding stations.

Why?

Because of a bobcat that has been stalking the feeder almost daily.

View fullsize

When we found out that bobcats had been spotted in the area, we knew this was where we needed to be.

Our first encounter with a cat here happened by accident. We were walking around the park center, photographing birds, when we spotted a bobcat casually walking by one of the buildings. Sophia and I dropped our gear and started firing off shots. We followed the cat as it strolled away, capturing images—mostly of its butt and tail—as it slipped back into the brush.

We were on fire. That moment sealed it for both of us. We were instantly hooked.

That was the beginning of our obsession.

I started researching other places where we might reliably see bobcats. There are a few parks where they’re known to appear, especially during the heat of summer when water is scarce and they’re drawn to park water features. But this was winter, and there was water everywhere—so that option was out.

Then came a rumor: a bobcat had been seen visiting one of the bird feeders at Bentsen Park. The feeders are set up during fall migration and maintained throughout winter. We decided to follow up and see if the rumor was true.

Happy to report—it was.

At first, the sightings were rare. Sophia had to get used to the idea of sitting still for long stretches, hoping for a glimpse. That’s the hardest part of this type of photography—long hours of waiting, with no guarantees.

There were plenty of missed opportunities. Sometimes the cat had already made a successful hunt and left before we arrived. Other days it was a no-show. And winter weather didn’t help—cold, wet, and windy conditions made the waiting tough, especially for Sophia, who doesn’t handle the cold well.

After a few weeks of frustration, the bobcat finally appeared. It stepped out of the bush, gave me a few precious seconds, and disappeared again. I fired off a few shots—nothing perfect, but it was a win. Sophia had stayed home that morning. She was exhausted from the endless waiting. When I texted her the photos, she was crushed. She sulked the rest of the day.

View fullsize

Bad image of the cats failed attempt at feeder birds

We kept going back. More misses, more no-shows. Then, another glimpse. The bobcat tried to grab a bird at the feeder—it jumped, missed, and glanced at me before disappearing into the brush again. Later that day, as I was leaving, I saw the cat walking alongside the road. I shot like crazy as it crossed in front of me. It was a great day. But once again... Sophia wasn’t with me. Her cousins were visiting, so she stayed in. She was not a happy camper.

February 24 – We arrived early, set up our tripods, and settled into the routine. A red-winged blackbird landed on the water feature, and suddenly, our cat exploded out of the grass, trying to snatch the bird. Missed. He slipped back into cover.

Sophia killing time waiting for our cat.

An hour later, he tried again—and missed again. But we got some fun shots. And this time, Sophia was there. She was on fire. She finally got her bobcat. She named her Bob.

Now that we both had images of her, it was time to raise the bar. We wanted to photograph Bob during a successful hunt.

Over the next few days, we returned to the feeder. But no luck—either Bob didn’t show, or there were no birds for her to stalk. Still, our motivation was back. We were ready to wait as long as it took.

We didn’t have to wait long.

This morning, we returned to the feeder, set up our cameras, and began the wait. Soon, the park volunteers came to refill the feeders. Within 30 minutes, a flock of blackbirds had settled in, totally relaxed. Two of them dropped down to the water feature.

We were ready.

Seconds later, Bob exploded out of the grass and caught one of the birds right in front of us. We fired away—image after image—until our memory cards couldn’t keep up, and the cameras slowed to shooting one frame at a time.

It was frustrating... and perfect.

We got the shot! A successful hunt.

I threw up my hands in victory and let out a yell. A few people were nearby, including a couple from Canada who had also been stalking this bobcat.

We all high-fived. It was bittersweet—a bird lost its life, but in doing so, it gave this bobcat another day in the wild… The circle of life thing.

Sophia and I hugged tight. We’d done it. We achieved our goal.

We got home, feeling full. Happy with the images, happy with the moment. We thought we might move on to our next target—a gray fox that’s been spotted at Edinburg Wetlands.

But... we’re not ready to leave Bob just yet.

The feeders are staying up until the end of April, which gives us two more months to spend time with this incredible cat.

So tomorrow, at 6:30 AM, we’ll be there again.
Waiting. Watching.
Hoping for another moment with our wild friend.