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Are you looking to take your wildlife photography to the next level? Look no further! In this informative video, we’re going to share with you some of the best-kept secrets of the wildlife control industry. Wildlife control consultant, Stephen Vantassel, will show you how to get professional photo results with these wildlife control secrets. Whether you’re evaluating an insurance claim or creating training materials, having clear and precise photographs can make a significant difference. Join us as we share essential tips and techniques for capturing quality photos, including how to show scale and determine the size of objects. Get ready to take your wildlife control photography skills to new heights!
Unlocking the Secret to Professional Wildlife Photography: Expert Tips from a Wildlife Control Consultant
Photography is an essential tool for wildlife control professionals, but taking good quality photos is easier said than done. In this episode of Living the Wildlife, Stephen Van Tassel talks about the challenges of taking good quality photos, particularly when it comes to showing scale. Van Tassel explains that as the industry becomes more mature, professionals are more likely to be involved in legal issues that require high-quality photos as evidence. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the photos we take have enough quality to hold up in court if necessary.
Chapter 1: Why Good Quality Photos are Essential
Photographs are essential tools for wildlife control professionals. They help us document and understand the wildlife behavior and damage we encounter, and they are a crucial part of our reporting to clients and authorities. However, taking good quality photos can be challenging, especially when it comes to showing scale. It’s crucial to be able to show the size of the wildlife, the damage they cause, and the tools we use to control them, as this can be relevant to many different aspects of our work.
One of the most common reasons to take photographs in our line of work is to document wildlife damage. For example, if a client calls us to report damage to their property, we need to be able to assess the situation and determine the cause. If we find evidence of wildlife damage, we will need to take photographs to document the extent of the damage, what caused it, and what tools and techniques we will need to use to fix it. In this case, scale is often essential, as we need to be able to show how big the damage is and how it relates to the size of the animal that caused it.
Another reason to take photographs is to document wildlife activity. For example, if a client reports hearing noises in their attic, we may need to set up cameras to capture images of the wildlife that is causing the problem. In this case, scale is also important, as we need to be able to identify the species of the animal based on its size and appearance.
Finally, photographs can be essential in legal situations. For example, if a client files an insurance claim for wildlife damage, we may need to provide evidence to support the claim. In this case, photographs that clearly show the extent of the damage and the tools and techniques we used to control the wildlife are crucial. If the case goes to court, these photos will need to hold up as evidence, which means they must be of high quality and show scale.
Chapter 2: The Challenges of Showing Scale
One of the most significant challenges of taking good quality photos is showing scale. Scale is critical to understanding the size of the wildlife, the damage they cause, and the tools we use to control them. However, showing scale is not always easy, especially when taking close-up photos.
When taking close-up photos, it can be challenging to provide a reference for scale. For example, if you take a close-up photo of a track or scat, it can be difficult to determine the size of the animal that left it. Similarly, if you take a close-up photo of damage to property, it can be hard to show how big the damage is in relation to the entire structure.
One solution to this problem is to include a reference object in the photo. A reference object is an object of known size that is included in the photo to provide a reference for scale. For example, you could include a ruler or a coin in the photo to show the size of the object you are photographing. This can be particularly helpful when taking photos of small objects, such as tracks or scat.
Another solution to this problem is to take multiple photos from different angles. By taking photos from different angles, you can capture different perspectives of the same subject and provide a more complete visual documentation of the situation. This can be especially helpful in cases where the subject is complex or has multiple features that need to be shown. Additionally, taking photos from different angles can also help to reduce the impact of shadows or reflections that may affect the visibility of certain parts of the subject. Overall, taking multiple photos from different angles can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the visual documentation process.
Chapter 3: Importance of Scale in Wildlife Photography
Scale is a crucial element in wildlife photography. While crisp, well-composed, and shadow-free photographs are essential, adding a scale to your wildlife photographs can enhance their accuracy and usefulness. This is particularly important for close-ups of damage, tracks, or scat.
A standard object, such as a ruler or a Leatherman, can provide an accurate scale. However, carrying a ruler or tape measure all the time is not always practical. To address this issue, you can use credit card-sized objects with measurements on both sides. These objects are durable, easy to carry, and can be used as a scale in wildlife photographs.
Chapter 4: Building a Library of Wildlife Photographs
Developing a library of wildlife photographs is essential, especially if you are in the wildlife control industry. A well-curated photo library can serve as a reference for training and education purposes. It can also be used to educate clients about wildlife and the potential risks associated with their presence.
Developing a library of photographs takes time and effort. You need to take clear, well-composed, and accurate photographs of wildlife, damage, tracks, and scat. These photographs should be appropriately labeled, dated, and organized for easy retrieval.
Building a library of wildlife photographs requires a commitment to quality and accuracy. You may need to invest in a good camera, a zoom lens, and other equipment to capture clear and accurate photographs. With time and effort, you can develop a comprehensive library of photographs that can be a valuable asset for your business.
Chapter 5: Using Forensic Style Scale Markers to Enhance Your Photographs
In this chapter, we will discuss how you can take your photographs up a notch by using forensic style scale markers or rulers. These rulers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the contrast you want to achieve. Some of these rulers even come in rolls, making it easier to use them in different situations.
Forensic rulers are not the easiest things to carry around, but if you’re in a situation where you really need to take good quality photos for maybe some sort of a lawsuit, insurance claim, or scientific study, then you might want to invest in one of these rulers. By using forensic rulers, you can show the width and length of an object and provide remarkable contrast in your photographs. Some of these rulers even come hinged, making it easier to manipulate and move them around.
Chapter 6: Wrapping Up
In this final chapter, we will wrap up our discussion on wildlife photography and offer some final thoughts. We hope that the information we’ve provided has been helpful in improving your wildlife photography skills.
We’ve discussed the importance of lighting, composition, and camera settings, as well as how to approach wildlife to capture stunning shots. We’ve also mentioned some useful accessories and tools that you can use to enhance your photographs, such as flashlights, tripods, and forensic rulers.
Remember, the key to great wildlife photography is patience, practice, and persistence. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the shot you want right away. Keep practicing, and eventually, you will capture that perfect moment.
Finally, we want to remind you to respect wildlife and their habitats. Take only photographs and leave only footprints. By doing so, we can all enjoy the beauty of nature for years to come.
Thank you for listening to Living the Wildlife as part of the Pesky Podcast family. We hope you’ve enjoyed our show and learned something new. Join us on Facebook with the Pesky Podcast family, and feel free to reach out to us with your thoughts and feedback at wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Take care, and always remember to live the wildlife, not be the wildlife.
Don’t wait any longer to take your wildlife photography to the next level! Visit my website or try out some of the tools and techniques I’ve recommended. And if you’re really serious about getting high-quality shots, consider investing in some forensic-style scale markers or rulers. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Join us on the Pesky Podcast family on Facebook to share your triumphs and trials, and don’t forget to reach out to me at wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com to share your thoughts or even to be a guest on the show. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start living the wildlife!
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC
Blog: https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/
Papers: https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxP_IBhnqcgvX_aRM4f91nQ
Podcasts: https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/
Phone: 406-272-5323 Mtn Time
Helping people resolve conflicts with wildlife through teaching, training, writing, and research
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