About a year ago I set out to improve my animal photography skills, in order to add to my stock collection. However, shooting mainly in the United Kingdom, you soon realise that this is not quite as simple as it sounds!

Firstly, most of our native wild animals are so small that even with a powerful telephoto lens, you have little chance of filling the frame with your average mammal in this country, without very good stalking skills! Even the largest native land mammals, Red deer, are incredibly difficult to get close to for mere mortals like me.

Secondly, light levels in wooded areas, where most furry creatures spend their time, are very poor, forcing you to cart round a tripod or  monopod, neither of which helps make a stealthy approach!

I pretty soon discovered that the trick to wild animal photography is not the camera and lens or whatever photographic gizmo, it's actually getting to know and understand the animals' habits and their environments, and then working out a way of infiltrating that environment without disturbing the inhabitants.

However, in our daily lives we simply do not have our senses attuned to our surroundings in the way that a squirrel, badger or deer does. Each of these is constantly on the lookout for danger, whilst searching for food or a mate. Their sense of smell is superb, while, comparatively speaking, ours is practically non-existent.

Understanding this, you suddenly start to take an interest in one aspect of the weather forecast you will probably have ignored previously, the wind direction. I've found the worldwide weather forecasts on www.weather.com to be pretty accurate.

Next, and this is obvious, creeping round the woods in your new day-glo Gore-tex is going to achieve nothing, other than scaring other walkers and giving the animals a good laugh. Now, thankfully help is at hand, because the army have spent thousands working out how to hide their troops in the undergrowth, and thanks to a plethora of army-surplus outlets, you to can benefit from the latest camouflage gear at bargain prices (try Whipperleys , or if you're eBay-proficient, try armysurplus2000 , billy5789 or R.Q.M.STORES ).

One thing though, we don't like to call it camouflage (or camo) any more, as this tends to conjure up a rather sad and uncool image in most peoples imaginations. No sir, what you need is 'Disruptive Pattern Material' or DPM for short. There, that's much more cool, isn't it?

So we can now make ourselves melt into the undergrowth like an extra from Apocalypse Now, but what about our equipment? Well, if you're really serious then there are specialists like Wildlife Watching Supplies who make every conceivable cover and gadget in camouflage, sorry I mean DPM, and even some in the superb 'Advantage Timber' pattern, which is excellent for British woodlands all year round.

And finally....location, location, location:

It's important to research the species you are aiming for, and then find out as much as you can from the locals about likely locations. Most people who work on the land are incredibly helpful if you carefully explain to them what it is that you're about. I once drove my car on to the corner of a farmer's field to photograph some hares I had spotted as I drove past. The corner was bare of crop as it had obviously been used as a turning area for farm vehicles, and there was nowhere to park in the narrow lane. Within minutes, the farmer appeared, I thought to give me a good telling-off (even though I was doing no harm), and I was resigned to packing my gear away. Instead he spent a good 15 minutes telling me of other good locations nearby. However, not all landowners are this understanding or helpful, and you should always get their permission in advance.

Having discovered a likely location, you then need to find out exactly where and when in that area your target species is going to be at it's most photogenic and accessible. Knowledge of the species should help you identify where they've been, either by their footprints or other tell-tale signs, such as bark rubbed off trees in the case of deer. Armed with this information, you can then survey the location to find a suitable setting and backdrop, and potential hide points. You may need several hide points, as you might need to shoot from different positions depending on the wind direction and the time of day you intend to shoot. Ideally you're setting will be one that has good lighting for the time of day you expect the particular species to be active.

Now here's the nub. Wildlife photography is like angling, in that it means getting up early, staying out late, sitting still for hours on end and often coming home with nothing to show for it. But, crucially the angler can always tell a tale at the end of it, where as you have to come home with the images: stories of the 'one that got away' do not cut it!

One last thing: at all times respect the other life in the woods, and never put the animal in more danger than there would have been if you weren't present. Here are  some guidelines:

1.Check with local conservation agencies about the law applying to the animal. Access to some species is restricted by law for their own protection. In the UK, refer to English Nature.

2.Always leave a safe escape route for your prey to take, should it be alerted to your presence and decide to take flight. Too often I see deer startled by unaware walkers into running across a road. 

3.Don't approach an animal too closely, especially during it's breeding season or if it is a very young animal.

4.Never approach an injured or cornered animal. When an animal cannot flee, it will fight. They are generally quicker and have sharper teeth and claws than us. If the animal is injured, make a note of the exact location and then contact local animal care agencies or a vet as soon as possible. In the UK, call the RSPCA.

5.Respect other people who may be using the woods. I have often had early morning dog-walkers and their dogs pass close by totally unaware of my presence (yes, DPM is that good!). It is always a dilemma whether to make one's presence known or to sit tight.

6.Check for any warnings of illegal activities in the area, such as poaching, indecent exposure or assaults. If there are any, then consider whether to postpone your shoot or find another location. If you really must go ahead, contact the local authorities for advice. Having to explain to your partner or employer why the police have questioned you is best avoided!

Happy hunting!