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Wildlife photographers spend their entire lives learning about light and animal behavior. They are constantly on the lookout for new gear. And when they do go out in the field, they arm themselves with patience and often lay still for hours, much like an army sniper, blending in with their surroundings. However, none of that matters in the Facebook group Crap Wildlife Photography.

Like Bored Panda showed in our previous articles here and here, this place values the opposite. "This group is for all those photos that you took that didn't turn out quite right," its description says. "Maybe you chopped off that pigeon's head, or maybe that lemur ran up the tree and you only caught its tail."

However, even Crap Wildlife Photography has its standards. Its pics might be poorly composed and out of focus, but the group strives for original content that promotes good vibes and fun comments. Its members aren't looking to start controversy, and they value all wildlife, not just furry critters. Continue scrolling and check out some of their latest posts!

#2

I Came In Like A Wreckingggg Ball...

I Came In Like A Wreckingggg Ball...

Gina DeGregorio Report

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denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Squirrel 1: "Mike..Mike...look at me..."I came in like a wrecking ballll...who am I?" Squirrel 2: "Sigh...can we not do this now?"

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When we imagine a wildlife photographer, we immediately think of someone with the newest camera and the longest lens. And these things help. But they're not everything that matters.

"The best cameras tend to be faster which is very important for wildlife," wildlife photographer Paul McDougall told Bored Panda. "The best lenses get you closer and tend to focus quicker. Top-of-the-range cameras also tend to operate extremely well in low light. However, I have taken some of my best images on older entry-level cameras. So camera gear helps but is not everything. Personally, I would advise purchasing the best camera and lens that you can afford and learn how to use it. Read tutorials and book tours and one on one sessions with people that can advise and coach. That’s how I started."

#3

My Friend Found A Bobcat In Her Backyard Using Her Pool As A Toilet

My Friend Found A Bobcat In Her Backyard Using Her Pool As A Toilet

Teresa Mixon Gomez Report

Cary Wolinsky and Bob Caputo, who have a combined 64 years of experience photographing stories for National Geographic and other publications, think the name of the game in wildlife photography—whether you're trying to capture a herd of elephants on the Serengeti Plains or squirrels in your backyard—is patience.

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Since you can't ask wild animals to look a certain way, do something cute, or stand where the light is better, you just have to keep at it until they decide to look cute or do something interesting themselves. "Be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait—it takes a long time to get good wildlife shots, even longer to make great ones," Wolinsky and Caputo advise everyone who wants to become a better wildlife photographer.

This time, however, is not wasted. "The longer you spend with an animal or a group of animals, the better you get to know them and their habits," the two veteran photographers said. "You get to see the personalities of different individuals, and you'll get to the point where you can anticipate what they might do at a particular time of day or in a certain situation. Knowing which cubs are more playful or in which spot a male likes to lie up will help you get your images."

As is true of all kinds of photography, the more time you spend with your subjects, the more likely your images will be intimate and revealing. You know them better, and it will show.

#5

When Your Landing Is Just A Little Off

When Your Landing Is Just A Little Off

Gina Spyker Fairfield Report

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McDougall, some of whose favorite places are Kenya, Uganda, India and the Scottish Highlands and Islands, also acknowledges that wildlife photography is challenging. "You are dealing with animals and birds that may be hard to find or extremely rare, finding them can be tough," he said. "Then you need massive amounts of patience to get that one shot or sequence. It’s not uncommon to spend a whole day waiting for something and getting nothing."

Then you have the challenge of movement—some animals move very quickly and erratically and therefore good camera technique and the correct settings are important, McDougall pointed out. 

Also, don't forget the weather. You can find yourself in extreme heat or extreme cold, or torrential rain, and there will be nothing you'll be able to do about it.

#7

My Father-In-Law Mowed Half The Lawn, And Then Went To Empty Out The Collected Cuttings

My Father-In-Law Mowed Half The Lawn, And Then Went To Empty Out The Collected Cuttings

He was very surprised to see all of these eyes looking up at him! Mama and babies were safely relocated. I am sure she will think twice before hiding inside a lawnmower bag again! 

Kathy Padilla Report

#8

Wt F'n F. ?!?! Lets Get A Bird Feeder She Said. It'll Be Fun She Said

Wt F'n F. ?!?! Lets Get A Bird Feeder She Said. It'll Be Fun She Said

Miichael Murzyn Report

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Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, it's still a bird. Just not the kind of bird of you'd expect at a bird feeder

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"Finally, the light can constantly change and you often find yourself working in low light and that has its own set of challenges," McDougall said. "Although a lot of these things on their own apply to other forms of photography, having to deal with some or all in combination is particularly unique."

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"All that being said, the challenge of wildlife photography is what makes it so exciting and rewarding. Capturing images of something unique in terms of behavior or a beautiful sequence of shots in great light gives you a fantastic feeling."

#9

Thanks For The Add... First Time I Ever Got Flipped The Bird By A Duck

Thanks For The Add... First Time I Ever Got Flipped The Bird By A Duck

Lori Hall Report

#10

My Son Sent This

My Son Sent This

Said baby squirrel fell out of nest into goat pen and the goat was spooked by the squirrel. My son didn’t know what tree he fell out of. He scooped baby up in shovel and baby called to mom. Mom answered back. So he knew which tree. He too baby in shovel next to tree. It clung to the tree. My son said he watched out the window of his home and mom came and got the baby. 

Kim Ford Report

If McDougall could give aspiring wildlife photographers one piece of advice, it would be to get the best camera and lens that you can afford and learn how to use it. "Practice on wildlife in your garden or on your pets. Or spend a day at the zoo or local nature reserve. Just practice practice practice. Read or watch tutorials to get different opinions and advice. Find a mentor. Speak to people who are already doing wildlife photography and ask if you can spend time with them. They don’t have to be professionals. Just someone that can advise."

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You can also book one-to-one sessions with professional photographers to learn more. And research your subjects. Just like Wolinsky and Caputo said. Read up on the behavior of the animal you are planning on photographing.

"Finally, always ensure that you have the best interests of the animal at heart. Don’t disturb the animal to get an image. Ensure that you are watching at a safe distance that is not causing any stress or changes to natural behavior. No image is worth disturbing any wildlife in their natural environment," McDougall, who's also a photographic safari tour guide, concluded.

Follow these tips and who knows, maybe your photos will be too good for Crap Wildlife Photography.

#11

Me When The Tequila Hits

Me When The Tequila Hits

Jimmy Golian Report

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master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I hear my mom coming through the door and I forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer.

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#12

Perfect Exposure? Great Focus? Worthy Of National Geographic? Crap Photo Of A Squirrel

Perfect Exposure? Great Focus? Worthy Of National Geographic? Crap Photo Of A Squirrel

Michelle Gallacher Report

#13

Selfie With Some Of Our Yard Animals

Selfie With Some Of Our Yard Animals

Michael A. Sanders Report

#14

Spotted While Hanging In My Hammock Out Back

Spotted While Hanging In My Hammock Out Back

Kristin Becker Report

#15

One Of My Favorite Photos I’ve Taken

One Of My Favorite Photos I’ve Taken

Ken Hansen Report

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#16

Was Out In The Yard... Bent Down To Smell This Rose And Take A Picture. It Wasn't Until After I Got Up That I Noticed "The Punisher" Just Waiting There...lol

Was Out In The Yard... Bent Down To Smell This Rose And Take A Picture. It Wasn't Until After I Got Up That I Noticed "The Punisher" Just Waiting There...lol

Barbara Bracke Report

#17

I Was Thrilled To See An Owl Actually Moved Into The Owl House We Put Up A Few Months Ago. The Evicted Squirrel? Not So Thrilled

I Was Thrilled To See An Owl Actually Moved Into The Owl House We Put Up A Few Months Ago. The Evicted Squirrel? Not So Thrilled

Amy Warren Report

#18

I Don't Know How To Explain This

I Don't Know How To Explain This

Brian Lee Report

#19

I Think I Really Captured The Beautiful Texture Of Aspen Tree Bark

I Think I Really Captured The Beautiful Texture Of Aspen Tree Bark

Michael O'Malley Report

#20

From A Friend Of A Friends Kitchen Window This Morning In NY

From A Friend Of A Friends Kitchen Window This Morning In NY

Niki McGuire Report

#21

I Planted Some Hawk Seeds Last Fall, I'm Glad One Came Up!

I Planted Some Hawk Seeds Last Fall, I'm Glad One Came Up!

Patti Ciccarelli Report

#22

Wet Squirrels Look Like Something From The Apocalypse. This Poor Guy Fell Out Of A Tree And Into Our Pool Just Moments Before

Wet Squirrels Look Like Something From The Apocalypse. This Poor Guy Fell Out Of A Tree And Into Our Pool Just Moments Before

Lisa Levitzky Currell Report

#23

Mom! Don’t You Recognize Me? I’m One Of Your Cats!

Mom! Don’t You Recognize Me? I’m One Of Your Cats!

Leslie Kline Capelle Report

#24

I Would Like To Speak To You About Your Car’s Extended Warranty

I Would Like To Speak To You About Your Car’s Extended Warranty

Jessica Diamond Report

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devinquinn avatar
angry doge
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

liberty mutual customizes your car insurance, SO YOU ONLY PAY FOR WHAT YOU NEED.

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#25

So Annoyed With This Photo Bombing!

So Annoyed With This Photo Bombing!

Maria Whitehead Report

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Chillace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

get the heck out of there, that kangaroo will kick your a*s into next week

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#26

He Did Not Appreciate Me Telling Him That We Weren't Open, And He Couldn't Come In

He Did Not Appreciate Me Telling Him That We Weren't Open, And He Couldn't Come In

Chelsea Siemon Report

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#27

My Friend Sent Me This Photo And I Cannot Stop Laughing. Geese Just Wake Up Everyday And Chose Violence

My Friend Sent Me This Photo And I Cannot Stop Laughing. Geese Just Wake Up Everyday And Chose Violence

Austyn Grover Report

#28

I’ve Waited A Long Time For The Perfect Place To Unveil This Gem Of A Trail Camera Photo. Thrilled This Group Exists

I’ve Waited A Long Time For The Perfect Place To Unveil This Gem Of A Trail Camera Photo. Thrilled This Group Exists

Nicole May Wilkinson Report

#29

They Are Not Suppposed To Be Able To Stand Up Like That

They Are Not Suppposed To Be Able To Stand Up Like That

Andrea Steis Wunderlich Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes they are, and yes they do. Up periscope is a perfectly doable and normal snake pose.

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Wyndmere
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Snakes gotta keep fit too. They have their own version of “sit ups”. I’d like to see how they do “squats”.

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Snakes' bodies are surprisingly strong for standing up or sticking out a long way from the branch etc they're holding onto.

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Banana Vic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Will the real sssssslim snakey please stand up? Please stand up?

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh but they are, the muscles in that body are amazingly powerful.

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Boaz Krebs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

fun fact snakes are very strong and actually ARE able to stand so straight up... they just need to create a big enough "platform" with the back end of their body because obviously they can't just balance on the very end of their tail

marinamercouri avatar
Beatrice Multhaupt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

''Supposed to'' are famous last words. I grew up in my parents' pet shop. They sold snakes which they kept in large aquariums with a heavy mesh cover weighed down by bricks. We finally found the cornsnake hibernating in our pantry along side a package of extra long pasta. From floor to brick, its aquarium habitat was nearly as tall as the reptile was long.

estebanie83 avatar
Esté
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I told you NOT to eat the little blue thingies, Stephen, but did you listen? NOOO".

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#32

Got A Bit Of A Fright When I Went To Make Some Burgers The Other Day. After A 3 Day Stay In Our Fridge, He Was Released To A Local Pond. Always Check Your Green Croak Lettuce!

Got A Bit Of A Fright When I Went To Make Some Burgers The Other Day. After A 3 Day Stay In Our Fridge, He Was Released To A Local Pond. Always Check Your Green Croak Lettuce!

Zara Bailey Report

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Sonya Jersey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh no, poor thing :( probably thought it was just a weird winter

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#33

Snapped This Pic At Niagara Falls A Few Years Ago

Snapped This Pic At Niagara Falls A Few Years Ago

Jennifer Sterna Report

#34

It Figures That The One Time In My Life I Can Get Close Enough To A Cardinal To Get A Good Shot, It Would Be This Guy

It Figures That The One Time In My Life I Can Get Close Enough To A Cardinal To Get A Good Shot, It Would Be This Guy

Dawn Doherty Report

#35

Hmm, Interesting Door To Door Salesman. What Do You Think He Wants?

Hmm, Interesting Door To Door Salesman. What Do You Think He Wants?

Rachel Hoxmeier Report

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#37

**warning** Wholesome Content Ahead

**warning** Wholesome Content Ahead

So April of 2020 we moved into our cottage. I was unpacking and I cleaned out a kitty litter box and set it outside to dry. We had a pop up rainstorm and the box filled with water. I left it to take care of the next day. The next day, I went outside and there was a small leopard frog in the water that had collected from the rain. There are no other water sources around for a good ways so I thought I would let it chill there. 3 days went by and it was obvious that this frog had made this water filled litter box it’s new home. I took this knowledge and went straight to Lowe’s to purchase a large laundry tub thing. I dug into the ground 2 feet down in the blaring Mississippi sun. I bought stones to decorate around the “pond” and some tropical plants for shade. Also added a huge piece of driftwood for decoration and a piece of 2x6 for shade & protection (currently building a cute little rope bridge) and made it very appealing to said teeny frog. Teeny frog loved it so much that it lived there for right at a year. Teeny frog got HUGE!! She had a roommate for a little while but i guess that didn’t work out. She made it through winter like a champ but disappeared about 3 weeks ago. Fast forward to today. I come home and walked over to the area because I bought a new plant to put over there and as soon as I got near, about 5-6 more teeny frogs scurried into the water. My friend may be gone but she left a legacy behind They are quite difficult to photograph (I’ll post a few photos of her in the comments to keep with the rules of the group) 

Shelley Hamlett Report

#39

Note To Self-Don’t Leave Office Window Open Over The Weekend

Note To Self-Don’t Leave Office Window Open Over The Weekend

Andrew Parker Report

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mcborge1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone just sent you a couple of messeges the old fashioned way that's all.

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#40

A Friend’s Photo Of The Same Possum Looked So Cute, But Mine Just Turned Out Like This

A Friend’s Photo Of The Same Possum Looked So Cute, But Mine Just Turned Out Like This

Hannah Fairbairn Report

#41

I'm Sure Y'all Can Think Of A Good Caption For This Pole Dancing Raccoon

I'm Sure Y'all Can Think Of A Good Caption For This Pole Dancing Raccoon

Donna Keener Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before Rocket joined the Guardians of the Galaxy, he moonlighted as a stripper.

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#45

My Apartment Ducks Just Had Babies! I Witnessed Them In The Act And Now I Get To See The Product!

My Apartment Ducks Just Had Babies! I Witnessed Them In The Act And Now I Get To See The Product!

Bianca Wenzel Report

#46

Charging Rhino, Kaziranga Natl Park, India. Hands Holding Camera Shaking Too Much, And Almost Peed My Pants

Charging Rhino, Kaziranga Natl Park, India. Hands Holding Camera Shaking Too Much, And Almost Peed My Pants

Susan E. Smith Report

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ADDee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that’s the photo we managed to retrieve from the camera he was holding in his hands when he arrived to the ER.

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#47

One Minute Prior, I Left A Sandwich Unattended. *edited To Add That This Was In Leura, New South Wales

One Minute Prior, I Left A Sandwich Unattended. *edited To Add That This Was In Leura, New South Wales

Kristie Halverson Report

#50

It's All About... Timing !!!

It's All About... Timing !!!

Jerry Hogan Report

Note: this post originally had 121 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.