Phorotgraphers around the Okanagan and Kamloops are capturing stunning photos of local wildlife through their lens.

Want to take better wildlife photos for yourself?

Brenda Tharp, author of the book "Expressive Nature Photography" has a few tips.

iN PHOTOS: Okanagan, Kamloops locals take stunning wildlife photos | iNFOnews.ca — Credit: SUBMITTED/ Lyn MacDonald

The best animal photos reveal the subject's behaviour or personality, Tharp says. Take time to observe the animals and wait for the best shot. But be ready to capture the action when it happens. Simpson recommends a fast shutter speed to avoid missing the shot.

Keep the animal's eye in focus.

Becoming a better photographer will mean understanding shutter speeds and apertures, Tharp said. The right shutter speed can mean the difference between freezing the motion of a moving animal or ending up with a blur. When photographing something in motion — an animal, bird or waterfall — give precedence to shutter speed over aperture, which is the amount of light being allowed into the lens.

If controlling the sharpness of the background is the goal, prioritize aperture, because it defines the depth of what will be in focus, she said.

"Experimenting with different apertures and shutter speeds on your subject will quickly show the various effects," Tharp said.

This weekend is the perfect chance to get outside and snap a few photos. Temperatures are expected to reach 24 C today, May 10, according to Environment Canada.

Did you take have beautiful wildlife photos that you would like to share? Email us for a chance to be featured.

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