Best Wildlife Photographer Suits, Gear Up for Success

As a wildlife photographer, you definitely know how important approaching the subject closely without letting the animal be aware of your presence is for getting the perfect shot. But what about your clothes? Are you dressed for success, or are you holding yourself back? For wildlife photographers, a good wildlife photographer suits can make all the difference between a successful photo shoot and a frustrating experience. In this article, we will look at some of the best wildlife photographer suits, so you can get geared up for success.

Top Wildlife Photography Outfit

It is so fine to acquire the difference between up-close and personal shots of the subject or scaring them away with your clothes. A good wildlife photographer suits provides you with the capability to move around easily, quickly, and quietly without sudden movements and noisy sounds, which would spook or put your subject on the run. It has to be tough enough to endure different elements, from extreme heat to extreme cold, in various types of areas, from deserts to mountains.

But what makes a great wildlife photographer suit? Let’s start with the basics. First, there needs to be a neutral color palette no bright colors that may become distracting and alert your subject to your presence. Then there has to be a full range of motion, so you can move freely and with ease around your subject without restriction. And let’s not forget ample pockets you never know when you might need to stash a snack, a water bottle, or an extra battery. Finally, quiet fabric is a must; loud noises can startle your subject and ruin the shot.

Choosing the Right Outerwear for Wildlife Photography

Outerwear: There are a whole bunch of factors to consider when choosing just the right suit for outerwear in wildlife photography. First and foremost, it is important to consider the conditions in which you will be shooting, such as hot and sunny, cold and rainy, dry desert, or humid jungle-once again, whatever the weather conditions, make sure the outerwear is waterproof, breathable, and windproof. You will also want to consider fabric type: find quiet, durable fabrics that do not make any rustling sound as you move about.

Besides weather and fabric, the style of your outerwear is also something that you will want to take into consideration. Look for a suit that is cut in a relaxed manner and with a drawstring waist so you can move freely and adjust accordingly. Also important to consider is the suit’s length and cut-the knee-length suit with cargo pockets is perfect for many wildlife photographers, allowing lots of storage without being overly bulky.

Finally, don’t forget visibility when it counts. You might want to blend in with the surroundings, but be sure you’re different from other photographers or guides within your group. Find a suit with high-visibility colors like bright orange or yellow that will set you aside in flocks of people.

Wildlife  Photography Clothing

1. Neutral colors

In wildlife photography, neutral colors are a must. Bright colors may distract your subject, alerting it about your presence and thereby spoiling the shot. Put on earth tones such as green, brown, and beige, for these colors will help in camouflaging you from the rest of the surroundings. These colors are also good in hiding dirt and stains, which is an added bonus when you’re out in the field.

But with black or dark colors? Of course, they are stylish, but just not optimal for wildlife photography. Black and dark colors absorb all the heat, which provides a hot and sulking feeling, and even can make the visibility of your surroundings somewhat difficult. Instead, use more lighter colors that will reflect the sun rays and keep you cool.

2. Full range of motion

Full range of motion is critical in wildlife photography, and you never know when you might need to make a radical movement or shift position for that shot. You will, therefore, have to get a suit allowing full range of motion: a suit with articulated knees and elbows allows ease in movement without striction.

Apart from articulated joints, you will be considering the type of fabric used in the suit. Look for fabrics that are stretchy and flexible; examples are spandex or elastane, which will make your movements free without restriction. You will also want to consider the weight of the fabric: a lightweight one is what you will definitely need for wildlife photography since it will not weigh you down or make you hot and uncomfortable.

3. Lots of pockets

In wildlife photography, lots of pockets are a necessity. One never knows whether to hide a bar of chocolate or a water bottle, or an extra battery; a suit with pockets everywhere will enable anyone to carry anything he may want without hindrance. Front, back, and side pockets translate into ample storage space in a suit.

Meanwhile, you also need to decide on the type of pockets applied on the suit. Do find zippered ones, as they would save your gear well and prevent some things from falling out. You will also want to take into account the size of the pockets. Find some which are large enough that they can hold gear but not so large as to be uncomfortable or bulky.

4. Quiet fabric

The quiet fabrics are a no-brainer in wildlife photography. Sometimes you need to be stealthy, sneak, and approach your subject, which a suit in quiet fabric will enable you to do. This would call for soft and quiet fabrics that would accord you maximum freedom of movement without any noise, like cotton or wool.

Besides the type of fabric, you will also have to take into consideration weight. You would want to look into a lightweight one, not making any rustling sound on every move you make. You are also going to want to look into the texture of the fabric. Go for a smooth and breathable fabric, one that will not make you feel restricted or uneasy with every step or move you make.

5. Layering, redefined

When shooting the wildlife, layering is indispensable, as one never knows when the weather starts behaving erratically and the temperature dramatically starts plummeting. A multilayer suit will accord you the flexibility of changing your clothes. Look for one that features a base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer, so you have many different options while adjusting your clothing.

Besides the number, you will also want to take into consideration the type of layer: breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying to keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather. You should also pay attention to the thickness of the layers: the lighter and more flexible they are, the more freedom and comfort in movement this will afford you.

6. Visibility when it counts

If you are into wildlife photography, you need to blend in. You never want your presence to alert the animals, so this means choosing camouflage in an outfit. A suit with effective camo patterns will help you remain inconspicuous while taking those elusive shots.

Apart from the camouflage pattern, consider the type of suit: for example, forest, grassland, or desert-you want the design to be fitting for the environment where you will be photographing. The fabric should be robust, breathable, and ensure unhindered freedom of movement in comfort without giving away your position to the subject.

7. Sun-safe clothing (breathable shirts with UPF and DWR)

One thing you need on a wildlife photography tour is sun-safe clothing. You never know when the sun is likely to be beating down on you, and in such cases, this suit with sun-safe clothing will protect you from the elements. Seek out shirts that offer UPF and DWR for protection against harmful rays and keeping cool and dry.

In addition to sun-safe clothing, you will also want to take into consideration the kind of fabric that is used. Look for breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, which will allow you to stay cool and comfortable on hot days outside. You will also want to take into consideration the weight of the fabric. Find lightweight fabrics that won’t weigh you down or cause you to feel hot and uncomfortable.

Quality Outdoor Clothing

If you’re an outdoors photographer, you know how much the right clothes can make a difference in the world for a shoot to be successful or frustrating. That’s why quality outdoors will be real gospel to wildlife photographers. Durability, comfort, versatility-look for pieces of clothes that allow free and easy movement around your subject.

Aside from the clothes, you will also need to pay attention to the gear that you will be using. You should make sure it’s top-notch, durable, and reliable, so as to help you take that shot. Moreover, you will have to pay attention to the accessories you are using and search for something that is comfortable, functional, and easy to use.

Conclusion

With the right suit, the difference comes in between a shoot and frustration. This includes suits in neutral colors, full range of motion, many pockets, quiet fabric, layering, visibility when it counts, sun-safe clothing, and high-quality outdoor attire. Mix in comfort, functionality, and durability when picking out your suit, and you are halfway to becoming a successful wildlife photographer.

Read Next: Best Subjects: 8 Inspiring Ideas for Wildlife Photography