Every photographer has a list of rules they were taught to follow… the golden ratios, the perfect exposures, the “never shoot into the light” kind of advice.

But here’s the thing…

I break that last one all the time.

Some of my favorite wildlife photos were taken against the light, silhouettes of bears in the sunset, bobcats glowing in golden dust, orca breaking the surface as the last of Norway’s light descends behind the mountains.

*Orcas off Norway. 1/1600, f5.6, ISO 800*

Shooting into the light isn’t easy.

It’s messy. It blows out highlights, hides details, and breaks every clean rule of composition.

But it also makes the wild feel alive.

And honestly, I struggle most of the time to get it right.

When you’re shooting backlit subjects, figuring out the best ISO and shutter speed is always a challenge.

You rarely have much time to adjust.

*Maned Wolf off the Northern Pantanal. 1/640, f14, ISO 800*

With wildlife, you don’t plan for backlit images, you get lucky with them.

Maybe you’re sitting in an area where you know elephants will be passing along a well-worn trail, and you get that perfect chance to prepare.

But most of the time, you don’t get that choice.

You’re gifted the moment when the animal suddenly turns left instead of right, or when the whale passes on the “wrong” side, and suddenly, the sun is behind them.

That’s when it happens.

*Bobcat off Florida. 1/1000, f5.6, ISO 400*

The light burns through the edges of their body, wrapping them in fire, color, and shadow.

It’s beautiful chaos, the kind that tests your instincts and rewards your patience.

Most animals prefer to keep the sun behind them as they move past people, it helps them see us better.

And when they can see us better, they relax.

That small bit of awareness gives us something real: a moment of trust, framed in gold.

*Polar Bear off Churchill. 1/1000, f5.6 ISO 640*

Photography is supposed to make you feel something, and light, real light, isn’t always neat and controlled.

Sometimes it’s harsh, unpredictable, wild… like the animals themselves.

If you only ever follow the rules, you’ll get good photos, sharp, balanced, technically correct.

But if you’re willing to bend them, that’s where the magic starts.

*Brown Bear family off Katmai, Alaska. 1/1250 f32, ISO 1250*

The image might not be perfect, but it will have a heartbeat.

Every time I press the shutter into the light, I’m reminded that photography isn’t about perfection.

It’s about emotion, the quiet honesty of what it felt like to be there.

So yes, I shoot into the light. I chase it, even.

Because the wild isn’t meant to be tamed… and neither is the way we capture it.

A Few Tips for Shooting Into the Light

Shooting backlit wildlife is one of the hardest things to get right, but when it works, it’s magic.

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned (mostly the hard way):

Watch your exposure, not your instincts.
Backlight fools your camera’s meter into underexposing. Don’t trust the screen, watch your histogram and move it slightly to the right to preserve shadow detail.
Use spot metering when you can.
Expose for the light on the animal’s face or body, not the sky. That’s where the story is.
Embrace imperfection.
Backlit shots rarely look clean, and that’s the point. Let the light spill, let the edges glow, let the wild be wild.

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.

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!

The One Rule I Always Break in Wildlife Photography

A Few Tips for Shooting Into the Light

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