Capturing Ontario's Wildlife | Nels Moxness' Guide to Gaining Animals' Trust

Capturing the perfect wildlife photograph requires more than just a good camera and the right settings. It demands patience, respect, and, most importantly, building trust with your subjects. Nels Moxness, a renowned wildlife photographer from Ontario, has mastered the art of connecting with nature, enabling him to capture stunning and intimate moments of wildlife in their natural habitat. In this blog, we’ll explore Nels’ tips on building trust with wildlife to enhance your photography.

Understanding Wildlife Behavior

One of the foundational elements of building trust with wildlife is understanding their behavior. Nels emphasizes the importance of researching and observing the animals you wish to photograph. “Each species has its own unique set of behaviors and body language,” he says. “By understanding these, you can predict their movements and approach them without causing alarm.”

Spend time studying the species in their natural environment. Take notes on their feeding habits, social structures, and typical reactions to human presence. This knowledge will help you approach them more subtly and respectfully.

Patience and Time Investment

Building trust with wildlife is not an overnight process. Nels stresses the importance of patience. “You have to be willing to spend hours, days, or even weeks in the field,” he explains. The more time you invest in observing and being around wildlife, the more they become accustomed to your presence.

Start by observing from a distance and gradually move closer as the animals become more comfortable with you. Avoid sudden movements and maintain a calm demeanor to prevent startling them.

Minimizing Human Scent and Sound

Wildlife is highly sensitive to unfamiliar scents and sounds, which can easily trigger a flight response. Nels advises minimizing your scent by avoiding strong perfumes or lotions and wearing clothing that blends with the natural surroundings. “Scent control is crucial, especially when dealing with mammals,” he notes.

Additionally, moving quietly and speaking softly, if at all, can help in not alarming the animals. Using natural cover and staying downwind can also reduce the chances of your scent reaching them.

Ethical Practices and Respect

Respecting wildlife and their habitat is paramount. Nels highlights the importance of ethical practices in wildlife photography. “Never disturb an animal’s natural behavior or habitat for the sake of a photograph,” he urges. This includes avoiding nests, dens, and feeding areas, as well as not attempting to touch or feed the animals.

By respecting their space, you not only ensure their safety but also build a level of trust that allows you to capture more genuine and relaxed images.

Using Concealment Techniques

Nels often uses concealment techniques to blend into the environment. “Natural blinds, camouflaged clothing, and staying low to the ground can make a significant difference,” he explains. These methods help in becoming a part of the landscape, making the wildlife less wary of your presence.

Portable blinds or hides can be particularly effective in areas where animals are more skittish. Setting these up in advance and allowing the animals to get used to them before you start photographing can yield excellent results.

Slow and Deliberate Movements

When photographing wildlife, quick or sudden movements can scare them away. Nels recommends moving slowly and deliberately. “Approach your subject with the same caution you would if you were trying to befriend a stray animal,” he advises.

By moving slowly, you reduce the risk of startling the animal, allowing you to get closer and capture more detailed shots.

Building a Routine

Wildlife, like humans, often follow daily routines. Nels suggests familiarizing yourself with these routines and incorporating yourself into them. “If you consistently visit the same spot at the same time, the animals will start to see you as a non-threatening part of their environment,” he says.

Consistency helps in building a sense of familiarity and trust, making the animals more comfortable with your presence over time.

Conslusion

Building trust with wildlife is a rewarding but challenging process that requires dedication, respect, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Nels Moxness’ approach to wildlife photography in Ontario showcases the profound connection that can be achieved through patience and ethical practices. By following his tips, you can create stunning photographs that not only capture the beauty of wildlife but also respect and honor their natural behavior and habitats. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting, these principles will help you develop a deeper connection with nature and improve your wildlife photography skills.