| You have yourself a camera, some steady boots, | | | | call for a lighter, more maneuverable camera. |
| and the spirit of adventure, and you want to get | | | | Much smaller creatures call for macro lenses. The |
| some prime wildlife footage. Good for you! It is a | | | | volume and nature of any noise your subject |
| noble profession and a fulfilling pastime. There are | | | | animal makes will determine what sort of audio |
| a number of considerations to be made before | | | | equipment, if any, you need to bring. Equipment |
| heading out, however. | | | | aside, always research an animal before heading |
| First-where are you filming? The most important | | | | out to film it. Not only will an understanding of its |
| thing to consider is safety. Make sure someone | | | | habits and temperament help in getting successful |
| knows exactly where you intend to go and when | | | | footage, but it will also ensure against making |
| you intend to return. If your video adventure | | | | certain mistakes that endanger you or the animal. |
| takes you at all off the beaten trail, | | | | Third-how are you filming? Do you intend to |
| over-preparedness is the default. Have more | | | | follow one animal around, or observe a herd or |
| water than you think you need, a good source of | | | | flock? Is your focus on a particular habit of that |
| hearty energy (trail mix or granola bars are | | | | animal? Are you going to be getting stock |
| great), and at least two ways to start a fire (ie: | | | | footage of the habitat in which the animal lives? |
| lighter, flint and steel). Location will also determine | | | | More anticipated movement means you should |
| what time of day and year gives the best light | | | | try to minimize unneeded weight. |
| and weather, how you ought to dress, and | | | | Plan ahead to avoid hassle and unsuccessful |
| obviously what you expect to see. If there is | | | | shoots. Research ahead to avoid breaking any |
| rainfall, high humidity, or sand on location, protect | | | | laws, crushing a habitat underfoot, or being |
| your video camera with a plastic bag. Also, always | | | | poisoned or eaten alive (among, of course, a host |
| check in with the local laws and regulations | | | | of other nasty possible outcomes for you or your |
| concerning filming in the desired area. | | | | fellow critters). |
| Second-what are you filming on? Quicker animals | | | | |