How To Photograph Badgers - by Wildlife Photographer Kevin Keatley
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I have photographed badgers for many years and over that time I've worked out ways to get better and closer pictures. I have outlined below some key points that I hope may help you do the same.

Photographing badgers can be very challenging - fieldwork and technical; but when it all goes right it can be fantastic. I am always on a high when I've been lucky enough to see a badger and even higher if I've managed to take a picture. At times I have had to forget the camera and just watch when badger cubs have been too close to focus and adult badgers have been happily grooming and scratching just a few feet away. They have been so relaxed that for a moment I have felt part of the family. These are the types of pictures I want - natural, relaxed and eye to eye. Bring in some background with autumn leaves or blue bells to show the season and you have a whole picture, a moment intime.

Equipment

  • A short zoom lens is ideal, 28-70mm, 70 - 210mm or 75 - 300mm. I use a 28 - 70, 75-300mm, and a 200mm macro. These give the flexibility to frame the picture and crop out any distracting branches etc. It's also a great plus if you want to zoom in on anything as I did with the wood mouse.
  • Two or more flash guns used off camera to avoid red eye. They can be connected by wire or used with slave cells. I put some white/opaque plastic over the flash heads to soften the feel and cut down on shadows. Thin plastic bags from your local supermarket deli counter are perfect. I set up with the flashes in a curve with the main flash on a tripod approx. One metre from the camera. The other flashes are on the other side of the camera strapped to branches.


Metering

I use the camera on TTL and do a set of test shots in my garden every time I change any equipment (my daughter's badger slippers are ideal for this). Although I use TTL I work on the maximum flash output with the camera set at f8 or f11 which gives a good depth of field at around 2mt. The film I use is fuji sensia 100 ASA. With badger photography you may only take 2 or 3 pictures in an evening (sometimes none!) and you don't have the luxury of bracketing.

Setting Up

If you regularly put down food the badgers will become less wary, some peanuts and peanut butter in just the right places will allow you to choose your background and setting.

Don't rush to get a picture as soon as a badger comes into view. They are very cautious at first, but once they find the peanuts you should get the opportunity. Get down to their level and focus on the eyes. A picture taken in this way will give you a real feeling of being there.

During the late spring and summer the badgers come out before dark and you will be able to focus without a light, but at other times I use a torch fixed to the main flash tripod. Carry some clear plastic bags to put over flash guns if it rains. I've taken some good pictures just after a shower has passed.

Useful Contacts

  • The National Federation of Badger Groups, 2b Inworth Street, London, SW11 3EP. 020 7228 6444
  • The Mammal Society, 2b Inworth Street, London, SW11 3EP. 020 7350 2200
  • Kevin Keatley, Wildlife Watching Supplies, Town Living Farmhouse, Puddington, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 8LW. 01884 860692. www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk - All you need to get closer to the wildlife.


Equipment I Use For Photographing Badgers

Camera Nikon f4s,
Nikon lenses 28 - 70 and 200mm Macro.
Flashguns: Metz 45 CL3, two SB26.
Quantum battery pack, Torch, Tripod.
Two of our code C22 Ultrapod 11 Brackets for flashguns in tree
C38 tripod leg sleeves
C12 full length mat
C15 ground sheet shelter (strung up in tree when raining).

Badgers and their setts are protected by law. If you see anybody acting suspicious near a sett contact the Police or RSPCA. Badger digging is still common in some parts of the country.