How to Photograph Wildlife: Moments, Not Megapixels with Chris Weston

This class breaks down what actually makes a great wildlife photograph, focusing less on exotic gear and more on seeing, anticipation, and decision-making in the field. Students will learn why most wildlife photos fail long before the shutter is pressed, how to read behavior and habitat before raising the camera, and how to make technical and compositional choices that serve the story of the moment. The session also covers fieldcraft and ethics, showing how patience and respect help you get closer without disturbance and produce stronger images.

This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A directly with Chris Weston.

What You'll Learn

• Reframe “great wildlife photography” as clarity of moment, using preparation and anticipation instead of relying on luck or rare sightings.
• Understand your subject by reading behavior patterns, habitat, and time of day or weather so you can predict what’s likely to happen next.
• Make smart exposure decisions with shutter speed, aperture, and ISO based on the moment.
• Use simple composition principles that hold up in chaos, including space to move into, eye direction, and foreground/background awareness.
• Choose between tight frames and environmental portraits by knowing when to zoom in and when to step back to include context.
• Apply fieldcraft and ethics to get closer without disturbance through patience and positioning, and understand how respect leads to better photographs.

Who It's For

• Beginner to intermediate photographers who want stronger wildlife images without expensive gear.
• Nature and wildlife enthusiasts who want to photograph behavior, not just animals.
• Photographers who want clearer decision-making in the field, from settings to composition.
• Anyone looking to improve fieldcraft and ethical approach while photographing wildlife.

How to Join

• The class will be delivered via Zoom Webinars. You’ll need access to Zoom through a web browser or the Zoom app in order to participate.
• To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited.
• A unique Zoom join link will be sent to registered participants, up to the maximum number of participants per class. You’ll receive this link one hour before the class start time.

About the Instructor

Chris Weston became a professional wildlife photographer in 2001, changing his career to follow instead his passion for what he describes as “the extraordinary behaviour of animals.”

He has written over 20 books on photography, and his commercial credits include the BBC, ITV, The Times, The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Independent, and Guardian newspapers; and Outdoor Photography, Practical Photography, Amateur Photographer, N-Photo, and Digital Photography magazines. He is an ambassador for Fujifilm and is a renowned speaker and teacher, leading multiple safaris, workshops, and seminars around the world.

He is currently represented by The Marylebone Gallery in London, and his fine art prints are collected by international private clients. In 2018, he won the ArtHaus Gallery and Manhattan Arts International awards.

His contemporary approach to photography led Amateur Photographer to describe him as “one of the most dynamic wildlife photographers working today.” A committed advocate for the environment, Chris was listed in Outdoor Photography as “One of the world’s 40 most-influential wildlife photographers.”