The Essential Masterclass to Filming Wildlife
Wildlife documentary maker Sophie Darlington shares her tips for lighting, camera techniques, tracking animals, and essential filmmaking gear.
From the savannah to the jungle, learn how to master the unique challenges of wildlife filmmaking.
Even BAFTA award-winning wildlife filmmaker Sophie Darlington can't predict what animals will do next. But with practice, patience, and a whole lot of preparation, she's mastered the ability to adapt on shoot – making her one of the best in the business.
Sophie teaches us about the alchemy of wildlife cinematography, from lighting tips and tricks, all the shots you'll need to capture, and which type of mosquito repellant to use.
Featured in this guide:
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Know your subject
How to gain the insider knowledge and treat animals with repect to get the best results.
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Position & lighting
Tips and tricks to keep in the back of your mind to get the right feel for your shoot.
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Camera techniques
How to tell the story of the animal using wide shots, close ups, drones, and cutaways.
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Editing
Learn to find the balance and avoid overshooting while still capturing everything you'll need.
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Essential items
You'll need more than just technical gear out on a shoot – and it pays to think ahead.
Watch our masterclass video series
There’s something magical about rain falling and people tend to put their cameras away when the weather gets a bit rubbish, but that’s when I get my camera out. That’s when I’ve got the best and most emotional footage.
BAFTA Award winning wildlife filmmaker
