Episode 24: Lessons from Predators: Camouflage and the Art of Concealment

In season one of the PhotoWILD Podcast, we talked about how we prefer not to use camouflage in the field, relying instead upon our body language and behavior to help keep animals calm. However, there are times in which camouflage is a necessity in wildlife photography. Whether it’s working with animals that experience hunting pressure or photographing sensitive situations such as nests and dens that require the upmost stealth and concealment for the protection of the animals, camo is a tool that should be used strategically.

Not all camouflage is created equally, however. Most of it is completely useless for wildlife photographers.  The vast majority of mass marketed camouflage works only inside of one extremely specific situation. Outside of this scenario, it works against you.

In this episode we take a look at the art of concealment, how predators make a living by staying hidden from prey and how wildlife photographers can emulate the tactics of predators to get closer to wildlife.

But to understand how and when to use camouflage first requires an understanding of how our subjects experience the world. Humans are unique in how we see the world around us. Very few animals see what we see. And to assume that what looks “good” to us will offer concealment from other animals is a recipe for failure in the field.

Key Takeaways

• Camouflage is a strategic tool that can be used by wildlife photographers to increase their success in the field

• Understanding how and when to use camouflage first requires an understanding of how our subjects see and experience the world around them

• Most camo patters available are useless for wildlife photographers

• There are two key types of camo that are of interest to wildlife photographers

• Wildlife photographers interested in using camouflage should look toward predators and how they use the art of concealment