Get your wildlife photos ready!

The Wassenberg Camera Club will meet next week on Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at the Wassenberg Art Center. “Wildlife” will be the competition theme in prints and slides that evening.

Although college kids on spring break may be your first thought, we are talking here about animals, birds, reptiles, and insects that are living in their own natural habitat. We concede that probably some place on this earth someone has made one of these creatures a pet, and/or trained it to do something on command, but they are not the subjects we are talking about. We want those that carry on day-to-day activities in their own environment in spite of human intervention.

Probably the biggest key to your success is patience and being willing to wait until all of right elements in the picture come together. Use that time to observe your subject and see what, when and how it behaves. The more you observe, the more you will be able to anticipate when that special set of circumstances may develop for an exceptional picture. Consider taking not only the dramatic close-ups of your subject, but also backing off to include the environment of the subject, thus providing even more information about the subject, and/or what it’s doing.

How large a telephoto lens you will need, depends on how close you can get to your subject and its size. Subject size however, may call instead for a macro lens to get up close to the subject. In the former case, and to lesser degree in the latter, you will need a good support for the lens and camera. This might range from a tripod to a stump, camera bag, or car door.

Use the fastest shutter speed you can to minimize camera shake and the smallest lens opening that still provides both the proper exposure and the greatest depth of field. Remember, equipment is important, but patience is key, and May 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wassenberg Art Center is the place to be.

If you have any questions regarding our camera club, classes or programs or would like to sign up please call the Wassenberg Art Center at 419.238.6837, email info@wassenbergartcenter.org or register for classes online at wassenbergartcenter.org. Hours during exhibits are Tuesday through Sunday 1–5 p.m. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 S. Washington St. in Van Wert.