Edition 42: Spring 2008

What is it about babies? Whether cute or downright ugly, they are irresistible to most people with cameras. Professional photographers Tracey Rich and Andy Rouse are here to help you get the perfect portrait.

It is always a thrill to discover the young of any animal when out in the bush. We seem to have an innate curiosity with them, perhaps born from our wonder at how these vulnerable creatures can be reared in the harsh reality of the African outback.

Often with their furry ears and wide eyes, young mammals are naturally attractive. And their naive movements while interacting with their surroundings and siblings can keep one entertained for hours. Photographing babies can be a challenge but also can yield incredible opportunities too. From headshots to fast-paced play, young animals provide a constant source of photographic material that will have your trigger finger aching. Predicting what the babies are likely to do next is the key to getting great shots, so it pays to bury your head in a book to bone up on the antics of the young you may well encounter. Another good idea is to simply spend some time observing their behaviour before trying to grab your shot.

Besides catching the babies’ facial expressions as they investigate their new and novel world, capturing interactions between them and their mothers is also prime photo material. While their special bond is unmistakable and makes for great shots, there is nothing more protective than a mother with her young: what might seem like an innocent move on your part may be misconstrued as a threat by her – believe me, there is no reasoning with two tonnes of rhinoceros!

Baby Elephant
Canon EOS 1DS MK2 DSLR, 500mm F4L lens, ISO 100, 1/125th at f4
Elephants – well, what more can you say? They have to be one of the most endearing of young mammals. They are strictly controlled by their family group and have a rigid etiquette to learn. Misbehaviour is often greeted with a quick swipe of the trunk or a kick from mother or aunties. A lovely neutral tone makes elephants easy to expose, but the most difficult thing here is that youngsters are often kept on the “wrong” side of their mothers, meaning that getting a good clear view can be difficult. So take your shot when you have the chance!

Little lion cub
Canon EOS 5D DSLR, 300mm F2.8L lens, ISO 100, 1/60th at f2.8
Really young cats are difficult to photograph as they usually remain hidden in the bushes and caves in which they are born, often for the first few weeks of life. A great deal of patience and quiet is needed on your part in order for the pride to accept you enough to show you their babies. When getting a portrait, try to ensure that stray pieces of grass do not obscure the face, particularly the eyes, something that can be difficult to achieve when your subject is so small.

Childish chimp
Canon EOS 1D MK3 DSLR, 70-200mm F2.8L lens, ISO 1250, 1/125th at f4
Although chimps are so like us in many ways, they are far more adapted to life in the forest and can be oh so difficult to keep up with. This rewarding encounter with an inquisitive and bemused youngster required a steep three-hour hike in Tanzania. The dark coat and poor lighting necessitated a high shutter speed, high ISO setting and plenty of minus compensation to gain a decent exposure.

Pro-photographer's top tips
• Never be tempted to attract the attention of the youngster by whistling or distracting them. If they get used to this it could put them in danger in the future
• Be ready to move with the animals. Playtime can happen quickly, so think about where it might happen and set your camera to track the possible movement in advance
• Patience is key to photographing young animals – stay quiet and move slowly

Amazing baby facts
• Most expectant wildebeest drop their young within two to three weeks of other cows. The en masse birthing is believed to minimize the losses to predators
• The gestation period for elephants is almost two years (22 months to be exact). Babies often weigh up to 120kg
• Baby giraffes start life with a thump – their mother stands during birth, meaning they have a 2m fall into the world