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Is there any photographer who has it tougher than wildlife photographers?
They travel to remote locations, from the freezing Arctic to sweltering jungles, hide for hours on end, and wait patiently for the perfect moment to capture an animal in its element. And perhaps the hardest part? They’re not supposed to interact with their subjects.
But sometimes, that rule goes out the window—thanks to the animals themselves. Curious and cheeky critters often decide to check out the strange humans with cameras, trying to figure out what’s going on or even attempting to take over as photographers themselves.
Granted, it’s a lot less fun when it’s a lion instead of a deer, but hey, still worth it.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Nuka At The Age Of 5 Weeks. An Abandoned Wild Wolf Cub, Found In Early May In The Bavarian Forest
martymcmatrix 5 months ago
This is little Nuka (with a boo-boo on the nose) shortly after his rescue... nuka-welpe.jpg 
Marsha Hultberg 4 months ago
WANT! I cared for adult wolf hybrids (roughly 75% wolf). Talk about a privilege!! They talked, howled, sang... A-mazing! (Poor neighbors). Adored them. Not touchy feely creatures, but attentive, sweet, slept on the bed with me, accepted massage. Wonderful stuff. I'll hold the experience in my heart for-ever...
RELATED:
#2
My Friend's Dad Told Me To Go For A Walk With Him In The Wilderness
Alessa Gillespie 5 months ago
As a cat person, I would be thrilled, but deeply concerned about mom's whereabouts.
Riley Quinn 5 months ago
It's great when a local points out certain things of interest you might miss.
Magina Magina 5 months ago
Cub: Whatcha got going on here? Photographer: Your pride, you pick.
#3
Great Grey Owl Lands On Wildlife Photographer's Camera
Chewie Baron 5 months ago
Your comment reminds me of the Owl in the book version of Asterix and and the Great Fight!
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Remi (He/Him) 5 months ago
The photographer's face though. "That's a bit too much nature, bit too close!" 😬
Funhog 5 months ago
And "whew!" for the owl having grabbed his camera and not his flesh!
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Lynette Devries 5 months ago
Saw a picture of an owl once hitching a ride in the cabin of a helicopter. Maybe he was tired or wanted some human company.
BoredPangolin 5 months ago
"hm okay, if you insist, I'll land on your weird branch. Humans are so tiring..."
Not getting in the way of nature is wildlife photography 101.
But imagine seeing a fluffy, friendly monkey just an arm’s length away. How do you resist the urge to reach out?
Well, you have to. It’s part of the job. And those who break this rule often pay the price.
#4
Meerkats Being Friendly With A Wildlife Photographer
Janelle Collard 5 months ago
Well, ya know, they like to be higher to check things out + this guy was just lying there, not doing anything, so...
Cee Cee 5 months ago
Done to get as high as possible to scan for predators. If you can find it watch the brilliant 'Meerkat Manor'.
Jack Smith 5 months ago
Meerkat Manor was great but I had to stop watching it because the constant meerkat deaths started to affect my mental health 😧😢
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Marilyn Holt 5 months ago
Meerkat seem to be just the friendliest creatures. Are they usually like this, I wonder
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
Meerkats are just the cutest!! He may not get great pictures of them but I, for one, would love to have the little cuties climbing all over me!
#5
Press The Button
RabidChild 5 months ago
How many of that bird's friends had to help him haul that camera into the wilderness?
#6
Monkey Steals Camera From Photographer To Snap Himself A Selfie
Jrog 5 months ago (edited)
That's the (in)famous "Monkey Selfie" taken in 2011 by a macaque named Naruto with the camera of photographer David Slater. It led to a long legal battle (Naruto v. Slater) on the ownership of the photo rights, with PETA suing on behalf of the monkey (despite not having any legal relationship). The lawsuit was originally dismissed because copyright can be held only by humans or legal entities representing humans, not animals or machines. PETA appealed and basically tried to bankrupt the photographer until he agreed to a settlement, giving up 25% of any future royalties. The ownership of the photo as a consequence of the 2016 ruling has to be considered public domain, thus generating very little -if any- royalties...
KatSaidWhat 5 months ago
Yeah, this pissed me off no end - how much money was Naruto going to actually get from PETA after legal fees, commission, etc. ;-)
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Take Nancy Black, a U.S. marine biologist who fed killer whales while filming in 2004.
She was later fined $12,500 and placed on three years’ probation for luring the whales closer to her boat in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
#7
Me Trying To Photograph A Penguin
Linda Johnson 5 months ago
So, how's that working out for you?? Just how were you going to photograph that penguin on your back, exactly????
Sarcastic Nana 4 months ago
"Please don't move, I'm trying to find a comfy place to take a nap! "
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
I suppose if you insist on laying on the ground, you just might look like a bed to some!
#8
Oh Deer
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
I'm glad to see the photographer is enjoying the antics of this silly deer!
#9
She Analyzes Her Photoshoot
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
Any model would want to check out her photos to make sure they turned out well!
Abby Louise Rexroth 4 months ago
Only the great apes can recognize themselves in the mirror or photo (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, oh and the hairless ones too). \
Marsha Hultberg 4 months ago
The privilege! To be, and interact with... takes my breath away..
Even if you don’t lure animals, bending the truth for a perfect shot can land you in hot water. In wildlife photography, no one’s handing out awards for Photoshop skills.
José Luis Rodriguez lost his Natural History Museum Photographer of the Year award after passing off what was likely a tame wolf as a wild one.
National Geographic photographer Gilles Nicolet faced backlash for staging a photo on ivory poaching using tusks borrowed from authorities.
Even David Attenborough faced criticism for narration that implied a polar bear den filmed in a zoo was actually in the wild.
#10
Thought My Lens Was Acting Out Because Of The Blurry, Until I Zoomed Out. Greatest Photobomb Ever
Kanashimi Cat 5 months ago
Impressive that the camera chose that tiny bird to focus on, rather than the larger background.
#11
Adorable
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
This is just so cute! Although that might be an extreme close up if he takes the picture right now!
#12
Blocked By An Arctic Fox In The North Pole
Vinnie 5 months ago
The north, the Arctic, fine. The North Pole - hardly.
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Allen Scherr 5 months ago
The ocean must have dried up over the north pole. Global warming was suppose to raise the sea levels?
Vinnie 5 months ago
The person who wrote the title needs a geography lesson. North vs Arctic vs North Pole.
Load More Replies...Wildlife photography is a fine line you have to walk if you want to do it seriously.
Of course, beyond the laws protecting endangered species and the ethical guidelines in place, photographers do have creative freedom in how they bring their visions to life.
“Organizations may have their own guidelines [consider the BBC’s, for example], but there is a lot of variation in what’s considered acceptable,” professional wildlife filmmaker and photographer Jeff Hogan told National Geographic.
“That’s true among photographers, too—ethics vary widely. Plus, a lot of it depends on what you are trying to do with your work.”
If you’re filming a documentary, certain standards apply that might not be as strict when you’re creating a piece “based on a true story” or simply capturing a beautiful moment to hang on your wall.
#13
The Day My Heart Melted
Forrest Hobbs 5 months ago
Seals are cute, and they like to play. They also have absolutely terrifying teeth - which I didn't know until I met one that had sadly died (😢) and washed up on the shore (this was close to a substantial seal colony - I saw no sign of injury, so I assume it was likely to have been a natural death).
#14
Beautiful Shot
glowworm2 5 months ago
I love how they all climb inside the tube as if there was food in there!
#15
Where Is That Button?
Marsha Hultberg 4 months ago
That fox has ben around a while. Bless it's everlasting curiosity. 🥰
Then there’s the patience. Lots of it.
“Basically, I wait,” is how Michel d’Oultremont, Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2018, described his work to Vice.
To capture that one perfect frame, d’Oultremont spent weeks alone in places like Japan’s Hokkaido, the Carpathian Mountains, and Yellowstone in the U.S.
Often hidden beneath branches, he stayed perfectly still for up to eight hours a day, blending into the landscape as he waited for wildlife to appear.
#16
Out Of Nowhere, A Cheeky Grey Squirrel Appeared, Looking Right At Us As If To Say, “Got Any Food?”
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
I suppose to a squirrel, it might look like a likely place for snacks to be hiding!
#17
This Little Thief Tried To Steal My Camera Bag, But Decided To Chew Off Part Of The Strap Instead
Paulina 5 months ago
Everything is chewable if you try hard enough. - Dog
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 5 months ago (edited)
My parents have a fox family that lives on their property. They're so fun to watch. One of last year's kits likes to go up on the porch and sit on the couch they have out there. She looks like she's the family dog just chilling out front. And each year there are adorable kits. The mom had 5 of them last year! They run zoomies in the yard every evening.
#18
Very Beautiful
The Goo King 5 months ago
That's a nose so it's more sort of a reverse boop.
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Research and resourcefulness are also part of the craft. d’Oultremont, for instance, relies on tips from wildlife experts and forest rangers and scours Google Maps to find the best vantage points.
“I look up forest edges [where there’s usually more biodiversity], swamps and paths that animals might take. Plus it’s useful to pick the right spot for your lookout,” he explained.
#19
I Took A Picture Of A Baby Lion Playing With My Camera Strap
Jules 5 months ago
I am concerned about this one. It's clearly in an enclosure. Is it one of those ones where you pay to go in with them and have your photo taken with them? I do hope not. Folks, if you're on holiday and are offered the chance to have your photo taken with a wild animal, please don't - they are often drugged and beaten into submission by their "owners" and live desperately terrible lives.
Serena Myers 5 months ago
A "baby lion" is a cub. A "baby dog" is a puppy. A "baby cat" is a kitten. A "baby giraffe" is a calf. A "baby rabbit" is a kit. Please use the correct words and stop calling a young animal a baby whatever. There are correct terms to use!! Sorry, rant over.!!
#20
Me And Myself
Bored Birgit 5 months ago
I saw a picture of a pelicane with a capybara in its beak. 🤭
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#21
Photobomb
Nikolaj Christensen 5 months ago
"You OK there Sheila? This creep was trying to sneak a picture of you!!! So I swooped in!"
And, of course, there’s the reality of expensive gear, unpredictable weather, long stretches alone with your thoughts, and animals that aren’t always as friendly as they look.
Yet when that moment finally arrives and you get the shot you’ve been working for, it’s worth every bit of the effort. Sharing these glimpses of the world as it is without us is a gift to everyone who gets to see it.
It’s a tough job, but it’s a rewarding one. So here’s to wildlife photographers and everything they’re willing to endure so we can witness the beauty of animals in their element.
#22
They Look Like Their Gossiping About Their Annoying Neighbours
Marlene Ricker 4 months ago
That is really cute! I would love to have birds sitting on my head!
#23
A Highly "Dangerous" Lemur Attack
Grace Sssssss 5 months ago
More likely she brought her family--female lemurs are larger than males and are dominant.
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Andrew Arons 5 months ago
Why is the "I like to move it" song stuck in my head all of a sudden?
Marsha Hultberg 4 months ago
Is there anything better than nature? Nope. Please god don't let us destroy it ALL (and each other).
#24
Where Are You Taking My Photos? Now I Have Your Camera
BlackestDawn 5 months ago
Looks like it's only a lens but it's expensive anyway.
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 5 months ago
I just watched a show last night where the elephants found the hidden camera set up by scientists and were playing soccer with it. 😂
#25
Otter Fighting Me For My Camera
#26
Grey Rhebok Interaction With One Of The Remote Camera's
Chewie Baron 5 months ago
One of my favourite jokes: Do you want lashes with more volume? LASHES!!! Thank you Angela Barnes.
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#27
I'm Calling This One "Bird Photographer"
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 5 months ago
Not 100% sure that the woodpecker-pic isn't photoshopped....
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#28
Curious Baby Elephant Seals Check Out A Wildlife Photographer
Lene 5 months ago
Yeah. Those are huge, angry beasts! Still lovely, though. At a distance, preferedly.
Load More Replies... FranSinclair 5 months ago
Animals probably always pose and thats what hes doing. We just dont get their good poses unless they are dogs bc we're sneaking pics before everyone can "okay every one skooch in together!"
#29
Sea Lions Truly Are The Dogs Of The Ocean. While I Was Photographing Them In The Galapagos, They Would Frequently Swim Around Me And Play With My Equipment
Soton_Sherpa 5 months ago
Crivens! Why has no Scot commented on "playing with my equipment"? We do have a reputation, you know. 🤭
Nicely 5 months ago
They're all busy chanting nae King! Nae Quin! We will nae be fooled again!
Load More Replies... #30
Big Curious Moose Checking Out A Wildlife Photographer
RabidChild 5 months ago
Note how there is no photographer in this shot. I'd exit stage right pretty quick too.
Linda Johnson 5 months ago
WOW !! Taking pics in the wild can be down right dangerous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#31
When Bears First Discovered Selfies
Lazy Panda 2 5 months ago
I think I'd have left the camera (and the whole area) if thia bear came up to me.
Biytemii 5 months ago
Nah just a little black bear they're not super dangerous been around where I live forever they tend to just do their own thing. The only time u need to really worry is if u see cubs around mamas will eat you up lol
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#32
I Put Up A Trail Camera To Monitor A Badger Family, Except This Is What It Captured
#33
Pacific Octopus Is Not A Fan Of Being Photographed, Apparently
#34
Curious Photobomber
#35
A Young Elk Challenges A Photographer Who Just Wants To Get A Few Good Nature Shots
HananOZ Denmark 5 months ago
I saw the video. This buck was aggressive, the photographer had to sit down and cover his face as he was being attacked. Try and find the footage online.
Linda Johnson 5 months ago
Hey, man, make a deal with you....you don't hurt me and I won't sit on you.....
#36
This Fish Photobombing Whilst I Was Trying To Take A Picture Of A Shark
#37
When The Monkey Selfies Dont Go As Planned
#38
Just Landed On My Camera
HananOZ Denmark 5 months ago
Not at all. Kookaburras are shorter and stout. Have no necks and longer heavier beeks...
#39
That Time When I Tried To Photograph A Blue Jay And Then He Tried To Take A Picture Of Me
#40
The Playful Water Pups Of Baja
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Chewie Baron 5 months ago
What has to be one of the greatest adverts on television ever, by KitKat. I give you https://youtu.be/QeduBcf_hPM?si=ymwPBCh7uricfUQq
Faelwolf 5 months ago
Foxes can act almost tame at times. I had one that had a den across the road from my house. She would lie down and watch me do yardwork, and in the spring, bring me her kits to show them to me. Never tried to approach her, and she kept her distance. When her time came, I found her in her usual spot in the yard. I gave her a proper burial as a friend. I sometimes wonder why over time humans never domesticated foxes, given their tendency to approach humans.
tee-lena 5 months ago
A Russian experiment domesticated foxes. They change colors, all types of different changes. There are TV shows and articles about it. Very cool to watch over the years
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arthbach 5 months ago
In one of the BBC wildlife programmes, they decided filming 24 hours a day would be too intrusive. 'Dung cameras' were created - cameras on remote control bases, with the outsides made to look like dung. Whilst in use, an elephant heard the dung-cam move, and went to investigate. After the investigation was complete, the elephants used the dung-cam for an impromptu game of football. They kicked the camera back and forth for quite some time.
Forrest Hobbs 5 months ago
Gorgeous and very entertaining - thank you. I wish I could think of comments for the individual photos.
Chewie Baron 5 months ago
What has to be one of the greatest adverts on television ever, by KitKat. I give you https://youtu.be/QeduBcf_hPM?si=ymwPBCh7uricfUQq
Faelwolf 5 months ago
Foxes can act almost tame at times. I had one that had a den across the road from my house. She would lie down and watch me do yardwork, and in the spring, bring me her kits to show them to me. Never tried to approach her, and she kept her distance. When her time came, I found her in her usual spot in the yard. I gave her a proper burial as a friend. I sometimes wonder why over time humans never domesticated foxes, given their tendency to approach humans.
tee-lena 5 months ago
A Russian experiment domesticated foxes. They change colors, all types of different changes. There are TV shows and articles about it. Very cool to watch over the years
Load More Replies... arthbach 5 months ago
In one of the BBC wildlife programmes, they decided filming 24 hours a day would be too intrusive. 'Dung cameras' were created - cameras on remote control bases, with the outsides made to look like dung. Whilst in use, an elephant heard the dung-cam move, and went to investigate. After the investigation was complete, the elephants used the dung-cam for an impromptu game of football. They kicked the camera back and forth for quite some time.
Forrest Hobbs 5 months ago
Gorgeous and very entertaining - thank you. I wish I could think of comments for the individual photos.
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