The Thrill of Target Photography: Chasing the Perfect Shot
I’m not going to lie — I love easy shoots. Heading to Al Qudra during migration season and coming back with thousands of photos in just a few hours is an amazing experience. But every now and then, I crave something more challenging. That’s when I turn to target photography — selecting a specific species to photograph. Whether it’s during the quiet summer months when migration slows down and I focus on residents species like the Chukar, or when a stunning photo I see online sparks my curiosity, this approach keeps me motivated and sharp.
Chukar in Jebel Jais Ras Al Khaimah, based on a tip it was a successful photo from the first try.
The process starts with picking a few target species and diving into research. I check eBird, reach out to friends, and connect with fellow photographers until I get a solid lead. Once I have a potential location, the verification phase begins — multiple trips to confirm the species' presence, assess the population, and identify the best shooting spots. I take note of key details like the ideal time to shoot, sunrise and sunset angles, hiding spots, and the best camouflage techniques.
Arabian Red fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) in Jebel Jais
I also study the species’ behavior, learning their calls — whether it’s songs, alarms, or feeding sounds — and understanding their eating\drinking habits and lookout patterns. Once everything is in place, the execution begins. Sometimes I get the perfect shot on the first try; other times, it takes longer… and occasionally, it never happens at all. But that’s part of the thrill — the unpredictability makes every successful shot even more rewarding.
Sand Partridge in Jebel Jais Ras Al Khaimah, based on a tip, after research and site assessment, at the execution day it was a successful photo from the first try, i have used AI to make sure the first try is a success, you can read more about it here.
Sometimes, while waiting patiently for one target species, an unexpected visitor might appear — a fox or even a Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. These surprise moments are always welcome. In wildlife photography, patience is key; you just sit back, relax, and let nature unfold. Even if the perfect shot never materializes, simply being out in nature is its own kind of soul therapy.
Target photography is not only thrilling and exciting; it also refines your skills, strengthens hands-on experience, expands your knowledge, and sharpens your awareness and senses. The final photograph isn’t just an image — it’s a lasting memory you’ll be proud of and never forget.
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse — photographed after being spotted in an area I know very well. Since I expected the session to take place at night, I relied on my prior experience with nocturnal wildlife photography, which made planning and preparation smooth and efficient.
During the session, we also observed a large number of Arabian foxes in the area. As a result, I’m now preparing a dedicated follow-up session to focus on documenting these foxes in their natural nighttime behavior.
