Sanctuary receives thousands of images, shared by amateurs, novices and experts alike. We believe it is vital to share the essence of good, ethical wildlife photography – what makes an image stand out, and how some of the most brilliant images are captured. This is a combination of not just the equipment used or the rarity of the subject, but also the composition, and the creativity and vision of the photographer. This new bi-monthly column by photographer and natural history expert Saurabh Sawant will reveal how some of his favourite images were captured. We hope this column will spur budding wildlife photographers along their visual journeys.
Aperture controls the depth of field (how much is in focus), while shutter speed controls motion blur (whether movement is frozen or blurred). Together, aperture and shutter speed determine the overall exposure (brightness) of your image. Photo: Saurabh Sawant.
In-camera multiple-exposure and the merging of two images
A spider web caught my eye as it shimmered delicately in the morning sun in the window. Feeling as excited in my Mumbai home as I would in the wilderness, I grabbed my camera to compose this in-camera double exposure shot, which seamlessly blends two distinct images. In the first image, I highlighted the intricate threads and the master architect, the spider, resting at the heart of the image, with the web’s gentle curves echoing in the background, using the manual focus. The image was captured at f/5.6, 1/200 and ISO 50 in manual mode.
The second image presents a blazing sun, shot at 1/8000, f/32 and ISO 50, transforming the star into a powerful orb against a clear sky.
These two images merge through additive exposure. This control adds brightness from each exposure, requiring you to underexpose individual shots to achieve a correctly exposed final image. The vibrant sun finds its place within the web, symbolising a union of the life-giving source and life’s intricate web.
This image is made using in-camera multiple exposure, a technique that blends two separate photographs for artistic effect. Multiple exposure in wildlife photography often raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and the accurate representation of nature. There’s no single global standard, with some photographers valuing unedited images, while others embracing composites as an artistic tool. This image prioritises minimising disturbance to the spider and its habitat, ensuring ethical wildlife practices. Transparency is important, which is why the multiple exposure technique is clearly noted to illustrate the creation process. This approach acknowledges the potential tension between these principles while aiming for artistic integrity and respect for the natural world.
While many prestigious wildlife photography competitions allow multiple exposures, photographers are obligated to disclose this technique. Wildlife photographers should always ask themselves: “Does this image manipulate the natural scene or animal behaviour? Am I transparent about the techniques used?” Honest answers to these questions help align images with both global competition standards and personal ethics.
