Tip 1. Choose the right camera settings

First and foremost, if you're photographing birds the shutter speed is vitally important. Birds move quickly which means you'll need a short shutter speed. This way you'll be able to freeze them in motion. Do you want to capture that motion? Then go for a longer shutter speed. Besides shutter speed, a fast autofocus system is crucial.

If the camera is too slow in focusing, despite using a short shutter speed, the result will be blurred photos. So make sure you always set the autofocus on the continuous mode and select multiple focus points, so the camera continues to track the bird whilst in motion. Do you want a restful background? If so, select a large aperture. This will create a beautiful bokeh effect.

Tip 2. Do some online research and be inspired

A tip from Jan-Joost Snijders: "By visiting different websites and Instagram accounts and doing specific (location) research, you'll soon be inspired.

My biggest hero is David Yarrow. His black & white photos, primarily taken from a very low perspective, appeal to me greatly. He understands perfectly how to, say, capture a lion's menace and power. His projects and images captivate me. They teach me a lot, which in turn enthuses me. All I want to do then is head straight out the door!"

Do you require some inspiration? Take a look at our Who to Follow page and be inspired by our selected wildlife photographers.

Tip 3. Change your perspective

Try working at eye level (with a macro lens), at equal height (lie down if the animal does so), or photograph from within a bird hide (and take natural shots of birds in their habitat).

In a nutshell: change your perspective to add variation to your footage. So, be prepared to get dirty whilst working outdoors. You must be willing to take photos whilst lying on the grass, on the side of the road, or worst-case scenario, in a ditch. You have to get in the animal mindset to capture them to perfection. Whatever it takes to get a good shot!

Tip 4. Be creative with decor

Be creative with decor. Unusual items will give you more effective results. For example, pets often look better in human outfits (usually kids/toddler clothing) than in an animal suit.

You could also use props. From accessories, hats, flowers … whatever you like, really. Remember though that animals don't stay still so they might lose the accessory quickly. You just have to capture the moment, and quickly. Tip: don't use breakable items and give yourself plenty of time for the shoot.

Tip 5. Embrace the unexpected

Embrace the unexpected. If something goes wrong, just try and rework it. This way you'll find creative solutions.

Sometimes, reusing a background, accessory or other item is in fact just what you need. The less than perfect version can yield a surprisingly great result.

Tip 6. Turn it into a portrait

Animals look more like humans than you might realise. Bring the head and neck into the frame for a whimsical effect. The animal subject morphs into a person.

You see their character and expression, just as you would with a human portrait. One dog might look stern, the other playful and endearing.

Tip 7. Avoid clichés

You know the ones, those run-of-the-mill cute animal pics. Somehow, people seem to think this is the only way to get animal footage. Capture an animal as they are.

Encapsulate their character and idiosyncrasies for a far more interesting result.

Tip 8. Get to know the animal

Really get to know the animal subject and make contact. This will show you their likes and dislikes, what excites them or, conversely, calms them down. Utilise that knowledge.

This will give you images that are spontaneous or beguiling. The results will display authenticity.

Tip 9. Reflect

Ensure you have grasped the techniques and understand that the art of true photography is multifaceted. Reflect! You're blind, and will stay blind, if you can't admit to making mistakes. If that's the case you might just as well photograph in the dark. Assess your work with a critical eye and learn from your mistakes.

This will keep your photographic eye in optimal condition. The more training, the better.

Tip 10. Focus on the eyes

Focus on the animal's eyes to truly capture their manner and expression. Amateurs are known to mistakenly put the wrong part of the photo into sharp focus: The nose. Focus on the eyes instead, they are so expressive. With animals too! Make sure the eyes are clear and sharp.

Use the autofocus, e.g., the Sony Animal Eye AutoFocus.

Tip 11. Improvise

It might be useful to think beforehand how you envisage the day/shoot unfolding. Make a (rough) plan. But remember that animals are unpredictable. You might need to fall back on a plan B.

And you might then find that your one little mistake or setback sends you off in an innovative train of thought. With an imaginative outcome.

Tip 12. Choose an appropriate background

Remember, consciously choosing an appropriate background is important too. A tranquil, even background is usually the best. A hectic background draws the eye away from your subject.

With wildlife photography what's really nice is to show the animal's natural habitat. So, why not deliberately take the shot at a distance, to highlight the setting.

The possibilities are endless. See it as a challenge. Where can you position the animal against the backdrop?