When we imagine a wildlife photographer, we immediately think of someone with the newest camera and the longest lens. And these things help. But they're not everything that matters.

"The best cameras tend to be faster which is very important for wildlife," wildlife photographer Paul McDougall told Bored Panda. "The best lenses get you closer and tend to focus quicker. Top-of-the-range cameras also tend to operate extremely well in low light. However, I have taken some of my best images on older entry-level cameras. So camera gear helps but is not everything. Personally, I would advise purchasing the best camera and lens that you can afford and learn how to use it. Read tutorials and book tours and one on one sessions with people that can advise and coach. That’s how I started."

Cary Wolinsky and Bob Caputo, who have a combined 64 years of experience photographing stories for National Geographic and other publications, think the name of the game in wildlife photography—whether you're trying to capture a herd of elephants on the Serengeti Plains or squirrels in your backyard—is patience.

Since you can't ask wild animals to look a certain way, do something cute, or stand where the light is better, you just have to keep at it until they decide to look cute or do something interesting themselves. "Be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait—it takes a long time to get good wildlife shots, even longer to make great ones," Wolinsky and Caputo advise everyone who wants to become a better wildlife photographer.

This time, however, is not wasted. "The longer you spend with an animal or a group of animals, the better you get to know them and their habits," the two veteran photographers said. "You get to see the personalities of different individuals, and you'll get to the point where you can anticipate what they might do at a particular time of day or in a certain situation. Knowing which cubs are more playful or in which spot a male likes to lie up will help you get your images."

As is true of all kinds of photography, the more time you spend with your subjects, the more likely your images will be intimate and revealing. You know them better, and it will show.

McDougall, some of whose favorite places are Kenya, Uganda, India and the Scottish Highlands and Islands, also acknowledges that wildlife photography is challenging. "You are dealing with animals and birds that may be hard to find or extremely rare, finding them can be tough," he said. "Then you need massive amounts of patience to get that one shot or sequence. It’s not uncommon to spend a whole day waiting for something and getting nothing."

Then you have the challenge of movement—some animals move very quickly and erratically and therefore good camera technique and the correct settings are important, McDougall pointed out. 

Also, don't forget the weather. You can find yourself in extreme heat or extreme cold, or torrential rain, and there will be nothing you'll be able to do about it.

"Finally, the light can constantly change and you often find yourself working in low light and that has its own set of challenges," McDougall said. "Although a lot of these things on their own apply to other forms of photography, having to deal with some or all in combination is particularly unique."

"All that being said, the challenge of wildlife photography is what makes it so exciting and rewarding. Capturing images of something unique in terms of behavior or a beautiful sequence of shots in great light gives you a fantastic feeling."

If McDougall could give aspiring wildlife photographers one piece of advice, it would be to get the best camera and lens that you can afford and learn how to use it. "Practice on wildlife in your garden or on your pets. Or spend a day at the zoo or local nature reserve. Just practice practice practice. Read or watch tutorials to get different opinions and advice. Find a mentor. Speak to people who are already doing wildlife photography and ask if you can spend time with them. They don’t have to be professionals. Just someone that can advise."

You can also book one-to-one sessions with professional photographers to learn more. And research your subjects. Just like Wolinsky and Caputo said. Read up on the behavior of the animal you are planning on photographing.

"Finally, always ensure that you have the best interests of the animal at heart. Don’t disturb the animal to get an image. Ensure that you are watching at a safe distance that is not causing any stress or changes to natural behavior. No image is worth disturbing any wildlife in their natural environment," McDougall, who's also a photographic safari tour guide, concluded.

Follow these tips and who knows, maybe your photos will be too good for Crap Wildlife Photography.