Photographing squirrels in the wild can be a fun and rewarding experience for any wildlife enthusiast. These tiny creatures are fast and agile, so capturing them on camera can be a real challenge. However, with the right techniques and equipment, anyone can snap some beautiful squirrel shots.
Here’s My Guide To Photographing Grey Squirrels In The Wild In The UK.
Since grey squirrels can be found just about anywhere in England and Wales they make a fantastic subject for beginners. Here are my top tips for getting the most out of your wildlife shoot with squirrels.
1. Find a suitable location.
The first step in photographing squirrels is finding a good location. Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so these are the best times to look for them. Parks and woodlands are great places to start, as squirrels are often found there. If you are lucky enough to have squirrels in your garden, you can also try photographing them there of course.
2. Get the right equipment.
To get the best shots of squirrels, you need to have the right equipment. A DSLR camera with a telephoto lens is ideal for capturing squirrels from a distance without disturbing them. A tripod can also be useful to keep the camera steady and avoid blur in your shots if the light isn’t too good. If you don’t have a DSLR camera, a smartphone with a good camera can work for photographing squirrels, but you won’t have the image quality a real camera brings.
3. Be patient.
Photographing squirrels requires patience. You usually don’t have to wait long before you spot one, but they can be very quick and rarely stay still for long. Take your time and don’t rush the process. Sit still and wait for the squirrels to come to you, or find something to eat, in which case it will usually sit upright, look dead cute and stay still for a moment.
4. Observe their behaviour.
Squirrels are fascinating creatures, and, much like when photographing foxes, observing their behaviour can help you capture some great shots. Watch their movements and learn their habits. They often pause and look around before moving on, giving you a great opportunity to take a photo.
5. Use natural light.
Natural light is always best when photographing wildlife. Try to take your shots in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and warm. This will give your photos a beautiful, natural look.
6. Get creative with your shots.
Experiment with different angles and compositions to create interesting and unique shots. Try taking photos from low angles, shooting contre jour, or photographing squirrels through the branches of a tree. You can also try using props such as leaves or flowers to add some interest to your shots or scatter a few native nuts around to both attract the squirrel and add interest to your shots. Use a low f-number, such as f/2.8, to blur the background and make the squirrel stand out in your shots.
7. Be respectful.
Remember that squirrels are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Don’t get too close or disturb them, as this can cause them stress and anxiety. Always keep a safe distance and let them go about their business.
Squirrels in parks can be very tame and easily approached.
Photograph by David Robinson
Use a telephone lens and get down low to capture “squirrel-eye” images.
Photograph by David Robinson
Photographing Squirrels Is A Brilliant Beginner’s Project.
Photographing squirrels is a fantastic starting point for budding wildlife photographers and really rewarding for the experts too. Photographing any animal in the wild requires patience, observation, and the right equipment. Find a suitable location, use natural light, and be respectful of the wildlife. With these tips, you can capture some beautiful shots of these amazing creatures.
Try shooting through branches or vegetation to frame the shot and add some context to what’s going on.
Photograph by David Robinson
Some of our local squirrels seem to actually like being photographed – clearly they can have no concept of a photograph so presumably they are as interested in human behaviour as we are in theirs.
They certainly seem to be curious and quick learners. Many London squirrels will actively beg for food or sit around and just watch you eat a bun.