How to include the Landscape in Wildlife Photography

Photographing wildlife in beautiful landscapes requires visiting locations that offer both wildlife and dramatic scenery. Some destinations, like Svalbard, combine incredible backdrops with wildlife like polar bears, which may result in more spectacular photos than locations with only dense populations of wildlife.

Polar bear in Svalbard © Ole J Liodden

70-200mm, 1/1000 sec at f/10

A wide-angle or shorter telephoto lens can make animals appear smaller, allowing more of the surrounding foreground and background to be visible. Focal lengths between 35mm and 135mm are often ideal, but sometimes a wider lens (like 16-35mm) or a longer one (like 70-200mm) is suitable.

Elephant seal in South Georgia © Ole J Liodden

16-35mm (at 16mm), 1/100 sec at f/9,0

A simple, harmonious foreground can lead the viewer's eye toward the animal. Contrasts, lines, and textures in the foreground can enhance the image, but the main goal is for the animal to blend naturally into the scene without too many distractions. Pay attention to the edges in the frame when using wide-angles to avoid disturbing details.

Walrus in Svalbard © Ole J Liodden

24-70mm (at 46mm), 1/200 sec at f/13

Pay attention to your background - not just the subject. In landscapes, there’s often a gradual transition from foreground to background. Ensure that lines, shapes, patterns, and colours work together harmoniously. Changing your position or perspective, or even switching lenses, can help you find the perfect background.

Little auks © Ole J Liodden

24-70mm (at 24mm), 1/400 sec at f/11

Including more of the landscape can sometimes make the animal less prominent. Keep this in mind and try to place the animal in an ideal spot against the background. When it’s safe and won't stress the animal, consider moving closer to make the subject better stand out.

King penguins in South Georgia © Ole J Liodden

24-70mm (at 43mm), 1/100 sec at f/4,0

Depth of Field controls the zone of acceptable sharpness in the image, and depends upon four variables: aperture, focus distance, focal length, and sensor size. When using a wide-angle lens, try focusing about one-third of the way into the frame with a moderate aperture (such as f/11) to keep the foreground, subject, and background in focus.

Walrus in Svalbard © Ole J Liodden

24-70mm (at 24mm), 1/400 sec at f/13

Wildlife images captured within their natural environments have the power to convey messages about the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. By showing animals within their fragile and often threatened habitats, these photos go beyond aesthetics. They inspire viewers to consider the broader implications of environmental change and habitat loss. Such images can evoke emotional connections, inspire individuals and policymakers to recognize the importance of protecting these ecosystems and the species that depend on them.