Those who thought that David Bogod’s talk on wildlife photography might be a top-end version of a ‘holiday snaps’ presentation were soon left gasping at the sheer quality of his work. After a career as a consultant anaesthetist and medico-legal expert in Nottingham, David now devotes his time to his passion for photography, and wildlife in particular, having travelled the world in pursuit of perfection.
David regaled us with a very interesting, informative and entertaining talk about his experiences of photographing wildlife in many different parts of the world, including Antarctica, Africa and Borneo.
He began his talk by explaining some basic guidelines, which he follows in the field and which are also useful for budding amateur photographers who might wish to increase their chances of good photographic composition.
He calls his first tip the ‘rule of thirds’ – the subject is usually better if not placed in centre of a photograph. Tip two compares active and static – the impression of active movement adds dynamism to a shot.
Foreground interest, he told us, gives texture to enhance the subject.
Lead-in lines direct one’s eye to the subject.
Empty (negative) spaces can accentuate the subject. The application of these techniques was clearly evident in his presentation, but David also emphasised the importance of light, particularly dim light, such as that which occurs in early morning and late evening and the use of close-up shots to accentuate detailed features of an animal such as eyes, hides and feathers. All these different techniques and variations combined to create David’s stunning photographs, some of which are reproduced here.
David conceded that not everybody possesses sophisticated, professional
cameras, such as those used by himself, but he added that for the majority, such
equipment – also being also heavy, cumbersome and expensive – was not necessary.
Superb photographs could be obtained with much simpler cameras, such as excellent bridge cameras and smart phones, which are now so good that they
might be described as cameras with a phone incorporated. Indeed, David always carries one. Unlike the time taken in setting up professional grade equipment, by which time the subject may have disappeared, phone cameras can be used spontaneously. As he put it, the best camera is the one that you have with you at the time.
Thankyou David, for an informative and inspiring presentation.
All images are reproduced with the kind permission of David Bogod.