For photographer Jasper Doest, the lens is a tool not just for capturing images, but for forging a connection to the natural world. Raised by parents who instilled in him a profound love and respect for nature, Doest found a place of belonging in the quiet world of the wild. His journey from a shy teenager to an acclaimed photographer is a testament to the power of a deep, personal connection to his subject. For him, a great wildlife photograph is not about traveling to far-flung locations in search of the rare and exotic. Instead, it is about revealing the extraordinary beauty and unique stories hidden within the ordinary, everyday wildlife that surrounds us, proving that a truly remarkable image is less a matter of luck and more a product of patience, empathy, and a profound sense of belonging.
The First Step: Start in Your Own Backyard
The most valuable lesson for any aspiring wildlife photographer, according to Jasper Doest, is to begin where you are. The romantic notion of flying to remote locations to capture a rare animal is often less productive than simply paying close attention to the wildlife right in your own backyard. Pigeons, squirrels, and deer may seem commonplace, but for Doest, they are just as worthy of a photographer’s attention as a lion or an elephant. In fact, he argues that a surprising and unique image of an “ordinary” animal is often more compelling than a mediocre image of a rare one.
This approach is rooted in practicality and philosophy. To create a truly great portfolio, a photographer needs to give themselves ample opportunity. By finding an animal’s habitat that can be visited repeatedly—a local park, a nearby forest, or even a home balcony—you increase your chances of capturing a photograph you can be proud of. Doest’s own projects featuring subjects like the humble pigeon demonstrate his belief in finding the extraordinary in the mundane. By carefully observing the unique behaviors and personality of these familiar creatures, he can craft a powerful narrative that makes the viewer see them in a new light.
The Art of Observation: Do Your Homework
A truly great wildlife photograph is rarely a matter of luck; it is almost always the result of meticulous preparation and infinite patience. Before venturing out with a camera, a professional photographer does their homework. This begins by researching the species common to a given area, using resources or local knowledge to understand their habits and habitats. By taking multiple scouting trips to a location, a photographer can begin to predict an animal’s routine. Just like humans, animals are creatures of habit. They frequent the same places at certain times of day, they follow specific trails, and they react to certain weather conditions in predictable ways.
Pay attention to these subtle cues—from droppings and footprints to the way a bird lands on a specific branch. Over time, these observations become second nature, allowing you to anticipate a moment rather than simply waiting for it to happen. Doest’s striking photo of a flamingo emerging from the water was a result of this foresight. He had carefully observed the bird’s routine and was able to predict its behavior, securing a dynamic image that would have been impossible to capture without that prior knowledge. This kind of preparation is the foundation upon which a great portfolio is built, transforming a casual outing into a deliberate and fruitful quest.
Go the Extra Mile: Technique and Perspective
Once the groundwork has been laid, technical discipline becomes paramount. A simple but often overlooked detail is ensuring the camera lens is meticulously clean, a task for which a small pack of lens wipes is an essential piece of kit. From there, the real work begins. Doest advises against using a camera’s digital zoom, which degrades image quality and creates a disconnected feel. The key, he says, is to get physically closer to the subject, not just for a more intimate image, but for a more meaningful experience.
A great wildlife photograph often requires the photographer to change their perspective. Doest stresses the importance of getting on the animal’s level—getting down on the ground or finding a higher vantage point—to create a more engaging and intimate image. This may mean sacrificing clean clothes for the shot. “You’re not going to achieve an amazing image by keeping your clothes clean,” he writes, advising photographers to “crawl in the mud to get the shot.” He also suggests experimenting with black and white photography, a simple technique that can remove the distraction of color and allow the viewer to focus on the composition, action, and raw emotion of the scene.
A Photographer’s Philosophy: Love and Respect for Nature
Ultimately, the most profound tip for any photographer is rooted not in technique, but in philosophy. Doest believes that his love for nature is what truly sets his work apart. For him, photographing nature is not about conquering it, but about being a guest. “You don’t need to ask permission to be there,” he says, “You only need to behave like a guest and you’ll be accepted.” This mindset fosters a deep sense of respect and empathy for the subject, which comes through in the final image.
This is the philosophy that guided his projects on everyday subjects like pigeons and flamingos. By focusing on the smaller, more mundane elements of the natural world, he gives a voice to the voiceless and helps us find the extraordinary in the ordinary. The true secret to taking wildlife photos like a pro is not a specialized piece of equipment or an exotic location. It is a deep, personal connection to the subject, a willingness to be patient, and an unwavering respect for the living, breathing world that we are all a part of. It is this fundamental ethos that allows a photographer to create images that don’t just capture a moment, but that capture a soul.
