Ted Wells. It’s a name known by most waterfowlers on social media and for good reason. He’s a ridiculously talented photographer. He’s quite established in waterfowl photography and does extensive brand work as well. With all the photos taken these days before, during, and after a hunt by duck and goose hunters to capture the moments and memories of a morning or evening in the blind with friends, we asked Ted to share a few tips to help you out in growing your waterfowl photography passions.
Photos courtesy of Ted Wells
1) Learn the equipment you have access to.
You don’t need to run out and spend thousands of dollars right away on equipment. Become fluent in the way your current camera works in as many different lighting situations as possible. Adjust settings in Manual mode to understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect the final image.
2) Understand Composition.
A photograph can be perceived in a totally different way when shot from ground level, above the subject, framed on a third, or shot in a different light. Have these ideas in mind when setting up for a shot.
3) Lightroom, and RAW files.
Shoot RAW. There is much more information in a RAW file, which allows you much more freedom to edit in Lightroom. Develop your own style of editing and file management, then stick with it!
4) Don’t give two shits about what anyone else thinks of your work.
If you get to a level where you are truly proud of your work, everything else will fall into place. Enjoy it and pursue it daily.
5) Never stop shooting.
Sure, everyone gets frustrated, take a break. Evolve, upgrade gear when you can, and have fun. Photography is supposed to be fun.
