If you're new to wildlife photography, then you already know how frustrating it can be! If you are looking to improve your skills and capture stunning images of wildlife, you've come to the right place. Mastering the art of wildlife photography can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I spent years working at my skills, but to save you some time figuring it out on your own, here are my top 7 tips that helped my take my photography to the next level. Puffin taken in Newfoundland, Canada. Canon 7d Mark ii; EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens; 1/1250s at f8 Research is Key: Before heading out to photograph wildlife, do your research. Learn about the behavior and habits of the animals you want to photograph, as well as the best locations and times to find them. This will significantly increase your chances of getting that dream shot! I spent weeks researching where the best place was to see puffins as well as how they behave so I could anticipate what they might do, which helped me get the shot above. It's unlikely I would have found any puffins if I had just wandered around. Patience is a Virtue: Wildlife photography requires a great deal of patience. Animals don't always show up on cue, so be prepared to spend hours waiting for the perfect shot. Find a spot with good light and ideal conditions and see what comes, you would be surprised what might show up! Use the Right Equipment: Invest in a good quality camera and lens that is suitable for wildlife photography. While iphones can take great photos these days, you won't likely get that dream shot with one. A telephoto lens with a long focal length will allow you to capture close-up shots without disturbing the animals. You don't need the latest and greatest, and you don't need to break the bank. You can read more about gear here. Shoot in Manual Mode: I spent way too much time in Auto Mode, but once I took the plunge with Manual Mode, I can neve go back. While Manual mode may seem scary and confusing, it gives you the greatest control over your final image. There are semi manual modes that even pros use, such as Auto iso (a personal favourite of mine), but learning the exposure triangle and how your shutter speed, iso and aperture affect your images is the key to getting the shot you want. Get Down to Eye Level: This should be tip number one, because other than manual mode, it changed how I photograph the most. Get down and dirty in the mud (who said photography was a clean hobby anyways?). This perspective will create a stronger connection between the viewer and the subject, resulting in a more compelling image like this shot of a Semipalmated Plover. Getting down to eye level allowed a beautiful blurred background letting the subject stand out. Semipalmated Plover taken in Quebec, Canada. Canon R7; EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens; 1/1250s at f8 Capture the Moment: Wildlife photography is all about capturing the unique behaviors and interactions of animals in their natural habitats. Always be ready to press the shutter button at the right moment to freeze those fleeting moments in time. Keep your camera fully charged and your memory cards empty to avoid missing out on any opportunities. I also recommend checking your settings before each outing, often the settings from your last adventure, may not be quite right the next time. I try to set my camera at the lowest aperture it will go, and my shutter speed at 1/2000s so I am ready for almost anything and I can easily adjust as I go. Respect the Wildlife: Above all, remember to respect the wildlife you're photographing. Keep a safe distance from the animals to avoid causing them stress or harm. Observe from a distance and let the animals behave naturally without interference. I have seen far too many people behave unethically just to get that shot. By following these top tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of wildlife photography and capturing stunning images of animals you have always dreamed of. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills and experimenting with different techniques. Happy shooting!