Staying Wild – A Photographer’s Guide to Ethical Wildlife Photography on the Sunshine Coast

From kookaburras on fence posts to lace monitors basking in the bush, Queensland’s wildlife is as iconic as its beaches—and as photographers, we are responsible for capturing it without causing harm. Whether you're shooting in Mary Cairncross Reserve, Ewen Maddock Dam, or your backyard, great wildlife photography isn’t just about patience and sharp lenses—it’s about respect.

Here’s how to elevate your wildlife work while protecting what you shoot.

1. Know Before You Go – Research Local Species & Behaviour

Don’t just wing it (pun intended). Understanding animal routines helps you photograph them without disrupting them.

• Use resources like Wildlife Queensland to learn about local species, active times, and conservation status.

• Check if the location is a protected area—some habitats have strict guidelines for photographers.

Example: In Maleny Botanic Gardens, many birds are rescues or semi-wild. Knowing this affects your approach and what gear is appropriate.

2. Gear Up, Quietly

Use long lenses (like 200–600mm) to keep your distance and avoid crowding your subject. Wear neutral tones, avoid rustling fabrics, and turn off all artificial sounds (including autofocus beeps and camera shutter sounds if your camera allows them).

Pro Tip: A beanbag or small folding chair is more useful than a tripod in uneven terrain—and far quieter to adjust.

3. Ethics First – The Invisible Rules

• No baiting. Ever.

• Don’t call out to animals or use playback to mimic bird calls—this can stress them out or confuse their territory awareness.

• Never touch or move an animal or its environment just for the shot.

Ethical photography builds trust—not just with wildlife, but with parks, conservation groups, and your audience.

“People are quick to praise a beautiful wildlife image, but the real value is knowing it was done responsibly.”
– Sam

4. Timing Is Everything

Wildlife doesn’t care about your calendar. The best light and the most active animal behaviour often align with early morning and golden hour.

• Many species are crepuscular—active at dawn and dusk.

• Early sessions also mean less foot traffic and less human noise, giving you a quieter, more natural environment.

Tool Tip: Use the Birds in Backyards species finder to identify what might be around at sunrise in your area.

5. Shoot for Story, Not Just Shock

A sharp shot of a bird mid-flight is cool. But what about how it preens, interacts, or guards its territory? Those subtler moments connect with audiences emotionally.

Example: That time a Noosa bush turkey strutted through your frame wasn’t ruined—it was a narrative.

Make space for natural movement and let the story unfold without chasing a single, dramatic moment.

Want to turn these images into sellable prints? Check out our guide: Creating Fine Art Wildlife Prints