1. Double Impact
Generally speaking, in wildlife photography the eye contact with the animal is absolutely crucial in 99% of situations. Whenever we look at a photograph of living creature, it is its eye that catches our attention right away. The more it shines, the quicker the connection between the spectator and the creature is established. It sets up a visual communication channel, through which the spectator sees deeper into the creature’s mind. In other words, it’s the animal’s eye through which we tell our story. The eye also reveals animal’s character, shows the mood which is he currently in and opens up a variety of other question. “In this case, what does the seal think? Is he happy, that I am here? Is he in a playful mood? Is he a friendly creature?” No matter, what our object is, the seal, a grouper or a shrimp, the channel always works. However, big animal’s eyes are easier for humans to scan and read.
1. Establish friendship with the animal
Whenever we photograph seals or sea lions, the eye contact is essential. However to prepare our playground, we need to establish relationship with the animal first. Gentle moves and detailed observation is needed to better understand animal’s behavior and its habits. Once we gain animal’s trust he may approach us closely with confidence. To spark his attention further, try to entertain him. Play with the kelp, pick up a mussel or a sea stars. Only when the animal starts to interact, focus on actual photography. The real magic happens if the seal discovers his own reflection in the dome port and tries to interact with himself. This is, by far, the most productive photo opportunity.
2. Double the intensity by capturing both eyes
The more concentrated the communication channel gets, the deeper the spectator can investigate creature’s mind. By capturing one eye only, sometimes it’s not clear, if the animal is aware of the actual interaction. But as soon as he faces audience with full frontal side and points both eyes straight on camera, there is no doubt, that the creature has your full attention.
3. Camera rig settings:
As for the camera setup, I recommend using cropped factor DSLR/Mirrorless camera with Tokina 10-17mm zoomed in to its narrower 17mm end, behind a dome port. Another good option is full frame DSLR/mirrorless camera with wide angle rectilinear lens (14-35mm zoom). Two fast recycling strobes are recommended.
4. Settings
While still keeping the distance from your object, set the camera and strobes on the assumed values (f stop, shutter speed, ISO, strobes power). Shutter speed is the most important parameter to start with. 1/100s - 1/160s is the most common range in decent light conditions. The aperture is less important variable and can be used according to demand for light rather than depth of field or sharpness. F7.1-F/11 is my working range on APC sensor, while I would go slightly higher on a full frame F8-F13. ISO needs to be adjusted as last variable to achieve correct exposure in the background. Make a probationary shot pointing the camera the same direction as you will be when composing the seal. Figure out the exposure in the background and adjust the ISO value if needed.
As for the strobes, place the very close to the dome port so that the light does not miss the face of the seal. Start with setting both at 1/2 power and adjust according to the exposure. Bear in mind, that the strobe power is the last setting to play with.
5. Focus method
Seals are fast-moving and agile animals. If your camera and lens are fast enough to keep up with their quick moves, set the Auto-focus method to track mode so the camera can snap on the seal’s face and track it across the frame. Only hi-end camera are capable of such accurate focus tracking. By estimating my working distance I pre-focus the camera and subsequently turn the auto-focus off. This method allows me to shorten reaction time and prevent the camera focus from hunting.
Nikon D7200
Seacam housing, Seacam Mini dome port,
Tokina 10-17mm FE @10mm
2xINON Z240 Strobes @1/2 power
Settings: F11, 1/250, ISO250
Location: Miller’s Point, Simon’s Town, False Bay, South Africa
April 2017
