Award-Winning Photographer Paul Goldstein Shares 10 Wildlife Photography Tips

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, award-winning photographer, Paul Goldstein, known for his photographs taken in the Arctic and Antarctic, shares his successful wildlife photography tips.

Most travelers today aim to capture stunning photos of their adventures, whether with a smartphone or a professional camera. To maximize your photographic potential, consider joining a specialized photo tour with experienced guides.

Secret Atlas, experts in micro-cruises, collaborates with a select group of seasoned photographers who have decades of experience in polar regions. One such photographer is award-winning Paul Goldstein, a conservationist with 40 years in the travel industry. When not exploring the poles, Paul dedicates his time to protecting Bengal tigers and managing safari camps in Kenya.

Wildlife Photography by Paul Goldstein on The Table Read Magazine — ●For Fox Sake. Arctic fox photographed in Spitsbergen. Photo Credit: Paul Goldstein
●Barely Believable. A courting pair of Polar Bears photographed in Spitsbergen. Photo Credit: Paul Goldstein.
●The White Stuff. King penguins photographed in South Georgia. Photo Credit: Paul Goldstein.

His high-energy approach and demanding schedule make his tours suitable for dedicated photographers. However, he emphasizes that these trips are not just for photography enthusiasts but for anyone seeking a unique and immersive travel experience.

I guide many who only bring binoculars, they just like the way we sensitively go about wildlife, they like the ‘long game.’

-Paul Goldstein

Table of Contents

10 Wildlife Photography Tips

1. Do your Research

Investing time in research, whether it’s choosing a cruise ship or a camera, is always worthwhile. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, remember that quality often comes at a price. A budget cruise on a large ship with limited excursions and excessive entertainment might not be the ideal choice for those seeking a more authentic and immersive experience.

Sony Alpha 7 III on The Table Read Magazine — **Sony Alpha 7 III**

2. Choose the Right Gear

If you’re new to photography, investing in expensive equipment isn’t necessary. Renting cameras, tripods, and lenses is a great way to explore your interest without a significant financial commitment.

3. The Luxury of Time

The polar regions offer an extraordinary opportunity for photographers, with 24-hour daylight allowing for endless exploration. However, it’s important to consider your sleep needs. If you require a full night’s sleep, this may not be the ideal destination.

Traveling in a small group, like a 12-person micro-cruise with Secret Atlas, offers significant advantages. Smaller groups can quickly disembark onto smaller boats, maximizing your time in the field and capturing the best photographic opportunities.

4. Think about your photographs

Look at the work of other photographers, both in books and online, to inspire your own vision. While it’s beneficial to study their techniques and approaches, remember to develop your unique style and perspective. Copying someone else’s work without originality borders on plagiarism.

5. Survival of the fittest

Many successful photographers maintain a high level of physical fitness. Often, capturing the best shots requires venturing into challenging environments, demanding both mental and physical endurance.

6. Be Ambitious

When judging photography competitions, I prioritize two key factors: originality and technical difficulty. Originality can manifest as a completely novel perspective or a fresh interpretation of a familiar subject. Technical difficulty, on the other hand, can involve complex lighting techniques, challenging compositions, or physically demanding shoots. Ultimately, I seek images that demonstrate both ambition and a willingness to push creative boundaries.

7. Be your biggest critic

You must be your own harshest critic. There’s no such thing as a perfect wildlife photo, and that’s part of the beauty. While advanced cameras make capturing images easier, the elusive perfect shot remains unattainable. Embrace this challenge. Don’t be complacent with mediocre feedback. If someone offers lukewarm praise like “it’s nice” or “I see what you tried to do,” consider it a missed opportunity. Remember, it’s just a photograph. Keep striving for better.

8. Delete, delete and delete again

Don’t let your photos languish on hard drives. Regularly review and edit your images to avoid overwhelming your storage and streamline your workflow. While modern cameras can capture high-speed bursts, it’s important to be selective and avoid unnecessary clutter.

9. Think of your audience

Imagine you’re sharing your photos with a 13-year-old. Consider their attention span and avoid overwhelming them with too many similar images. Instead of showing ten penguin photos, focus on your two or even one best shot. Quality over quantity will keep their interest.

10. Video

Video can be a powerful tool for storytelling, but it’s essential to keep it concise and engaging. In most cases, a well-crafted video will captivate a 13-year-old’s attention more effectively than a lengthy written explanation.

Secret Atlas

Secret Atlas is running several photography expeditions to Svalbard in 2025. Choose from a 9-day Frozen Svalbard Photo Tour in April and May, a 9-day Natural Wonders of Svalbard Photo Tour also in May, or a 10-day Spitsbergen Explorer Wildlife Photo Tour led by Paul himself in June.