All photographers, regardless of their skill level, seem to be drawn to one area of photography over others. My passion is wildlife photography especially birds. Still life photography bores me stiff and I’d rather face down a charging moose then try to take a candid of the bridal party with the mother-of-the-bride looming over my tripod.

I have been known to go out in minus 40 degree temperatures to get that perfect winter shot. I’ve waded through bloodsucker infested ponds to take photos of beavers at sunset. I’ve donated enough blood to mosquitoes over the seasons to stock an entire blood bank, and yes, I have faced down a charging moose with camera in hand and loved ever itchy, bug infested, wet sneaker filled moment of it.

Now I appreciate that not everyone is willing to shed blood (via mosquitoes, or leeches, or other means) to further develop their wildlife photography skills so I’ve complied a few of the lessons I’ve learned through trial and error, amongst field and stream, snow and sun to share with you.

Lesson Number One: The Early Bird Gets the Wor