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a) If you are just getting started and haven't chosen a camera yet, do some research and choose a manufacturer that has a wide range of lenses and accessories (ex: Nikon or Canon). At this point you may feel that you'll never need a 500mm f4 lens, but this game is addictive. For my type of photography a digital SLR is the way to go. A digital SLR is a camera body that looks much like a 35mm film body with interchangeable lenses. There are obvious advantages to digital cameras. Being able to instantly view your results may be the biggest advantage. Additional advantages are no need for a scanner, not having to pay for film or processing, and telephoto lenses are effectively longer when used on digital cameras, (the 1.5 digital factor of my D2x gives my 500mm an equivalent of a 750mm lens used with film). Also, I am very comfortable shooting at 400 ISO with digital. I never wanted to shoot over 100 ISO with film. With digital ISO can be adjusted at any time, with film you can't change ISO in mid-roll. Pro model digitals are still quite expensive, but if you are just starting out, I would recommend digital.
How many mega-pixels? My first digital was a 6.1mega pixel Nikon D70 DSLR. I produced many flawless 13x19 inch prints with the D70 and I'm sure that it would produce quality prints larger than that if I had a printer that was capable. So why did I go to the 12.4 mp D2x camera? There are a few reasons, but I assure you that the increased mega pixels wasn't the primary reason. Handle as many different models as possible, and talk to the people that use them before making your decision.

b) Film:
If you choose film, I would recommend slide film as this is the only way to truly learn exposure. By eliminating the negative to paper process your exposure will no longer be altered by the processor. Also if you have any intention of possibly being published, publishers prefer transparencies over print film. However, this preference for slide film is rapidly changing and digital will be the medium of the near future. Nearly all my business is now in digital format. This doesn't create a problem if you choose film since you can use a film scanner to produce high resolution digital files. The Nikon Coolscan 4000 ED can yield a digital file of 12x18 inches at 300dpi. Always shoot the slowest film speed possible as the quality of film increases with slower speed film. When I did shot film, I chose Fujichrome Velvia 50ASA and 100ASA I would also occasionally have 100ASA film pushed to 200ASA, but only if I really need another stop of light.

c) Use a sturdy tripod whenever possible ! This will allow the use of slow speed films. When choosing a tripod, check to see if it allows you to adjust the angle of the leg spread so that you will be able to set up at ground level when shooting insects, wildflowers and various other subjects. Gitzo makes the best (in my opinion), but they are a little pricey. I prefer the Gitzo 1340. The 1340 lacks a center column and the legs can be spread completely. Bogen makes a much more affordable tripod, model 3021, which is very adequate. A tripod is one of most important pieces of equipment that a professional nature photographer owns.

d) Pick up a copy of John Shaw's *The Nature Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques*. I already had my own techniques and equipment options before reading this book, but I'm sure it would have eliminated a lot of frustration in my earlier years, had such a book been available. Not only is John an excellent photographer, he is an excellent writer. John, in this book, goes into depth about the technical side of Nature Photography. It is a must!! Next pick up a copy of his revised edition called John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide. While this is called a revised edition; each book has must reading that is not covered in the other.

e) When photographing wildlife, knowing and understanding your subject is just as important as knowing photography basics of exposure and composition. By knowing your subjects habitat, habits, food preference, and basic instincts, you will have a much better chance of putting yourself in the right spot at the right time.