Georgina Goodwin - Wildlife Photographer & Canon Certifed Trainer

In the wild, every moment is fleeting — a blink, a breath, a sudden shift of light — and yet, in the hands of a patient photographer, it becomes timeless. Canon Certified Trainer Georgina Goodwin has spent years chasing those moments.

Her wildlife images aren’t just technically brilliant; they tell stories of empathy, patience, and connection.

In this special feature, Georgina shares 10 expert tips, paired with some of her most powerful images. Each tip is a window into how she sees — not just through the lens, but through the heart.

Look for Emotion in Wildlife

Great wildlife photography goes beyond documentation. It tells stories of feeling. Moments of connection — like a mother giraffe nuzzling her calf — speak a universal language. Emotion draws viewers in and makes your image unforgettable.

📍Shot at the Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya.

A mother giraffe nuzzling her calf

Canon EOS 5DS, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens, Aperture: f/6.3, Shutter Speed: 1/1000, ISO: 640

Light is Your Storyteller

Light doesn’t just illuminate; it narrates. The golden hour transforms ordinary scenes into magic, shaping mood, depth, and drama. Learn to read light like a story — and let it lead your exposure decisions.

📍Shot at Shompole, South rift, Kenya.

Wild beest galloping in sunrise dust

Canon EOS R, Canon RF 100–500mm f/4.5–7.1L IS USM Lens at 150mm, Aperture: f/6.3, Shutter Speed: 1/8000, ISO: 800

Composition Creates Calm

Simplicity can be powerful. Use negative space and balanced framing to bring clarity and calm to your shot. In Georgina’s work, quiet compositions often carry the loudest emotion.

📍Shot at the Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya.

Giraffe on open plains

Canon EOS 5DS, Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM Lens at 450mm (with extender), Aperture: f/6.3, Shutter Speed: 1/500, ISO: 1000

Patience Pays Off

Wildlife photography rewards stillness. The best shots aren’t chased — they’re received. Observe quietly, breathe with your surroundings, and let the right moment reveal itself.

📍Shot at the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Jackal just lifting its head from a carcass

Canon EOS 5DS, Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM Lens at 241mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/800, ISO: 640

Know Your Subject

Understanding animal behavior is key to anticipating movement. When you learn the habits, patterns, and signals of your subject, you begin to predict the story before it happens. That’s where true storytelling begins.

📍Shot at the Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Elephant dust bath

Canon EOS 5DS, Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM Lens at 329mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/2000, ISO: 640

Get Low, Stay Still

Perspective changes everything. Shooting at eye level connects your viewer directly with the animal’s world, creating intimacy and respect. The ground may not always be comfortable, but the results are worth it.

📍Shot at Sarara in Namunyak Conservancy, Samburu, Kenya.

Ground-level shot of warthogs

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens at 28mm, Aperture: f/4, Shutter Speed: 1/4000, ISO: 1250

Tell Stories of Coexistence

Wildlife doesn’t live apart from us — it lives alongside us. Seek out stories where people and nature meet: a bird nesting near a home, elephants crossing farmland, or fishermen working in sync with the tide. These are stories of shared space and shared destiny.

📍Shot at Sarara in Namunyak Conservancy, Samburu, Kenya.

Wildlife Keeper Lekupania at Sarara in Samburu with orphaned reticulated giraffe and grevys zebra

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens, Aperture: f/11, Shutter Speed: 1/500, ISO: 400

Light & Shadow for Mood

Contrast adds emotion. Use silhouettes, soft shadows, and partial light to reveal the mystery of your subject. Sometimes what’s hidden speaks louder than what’s fully seen.

📍Shot at Shompole, South rift, Kenya.

Backlit sunrise giraffe

Canon EOS R, Canon RF 100–500mm f/4.5–7.1L IS USM Lens at 191mm, Aperture: f/6.3, Shutter Speed: 1/800, ISO: 800

Focus on Eyes

Eyes are the heartbeat of your image. They hold emotion, tension, and truth. When the eyes are sharp, your audience feels seen — and so does the animal.

📍Shot at the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Close-up portrait hippo mum and baby

Canon EOS R, Canon RF 100–500mm f/4.5–7.1L IS USM Lens at 191mm, Aperture: f/6.3, Shutter Speed: 1/800, ISO: 800

Shoot with Empathy

Respect the story you’re telling. Keep a safe distance, move quietly, and let wildlife lead the narrative. Ethical photography begins with care, and empathy ensures your image honors the subject it captures.

📍Shot at the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Cheetah “Naimutie” posing for a shot

Canon EOS 5DS, Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM Lens at 400mm, Aperture: f/5.6, Shutter Speed: 1/800, ISO: 400

Inside Georgina’s Kit Bag

Every great story begins with the right tools — and for Georgina Goodwin, her wildlife setup is built for speed, precision, and reliability in the field.

Her setup allows her to capture fleeting expressions and distant subjects with clarity, even in challenging light. But as Georgina reminds us, “It’s not just about the gear — it’s about the patience and perspective you bring to the frame.” 

Now that you’ve seen Georgina Goodwin’s approach to capturing wildlife — it’s your turn. Whether you’re shooting in a forest, a park, or your own backyard, every wildlife moment tells a story.

Don’t forget — jump on the Canon Academy Wildlife Photography Challenge!