Exploring Tennessee’s lakes has brought me some of the most unforgettable moments, especially when I’ve had a camera in hand. The stillness of the morning mist, a heron gliding above the water, deer pausing at the shoreline, or a raccoon peeking through the cattails—these aren’t just memories but chances to capture the wild beauty of our state. Photographing wildlife around our lakes takes more than luck. It takes patience, preparation, and a good understanding of the environment.
Lakes like Norris, Chickamauga, Reelfoot, Dale Hollow, and Center Hill are home to a wide variety of creatures—birds, reptiles, mammals, and aquatic life—all thriving in Tennessee’s rich ecosystems. I’ve spent many early mornings and late afternoons tracking animals, adjusting my settings, and waiting for just the right lighting. Over time, I’ve developed a method that works and I’m excited to share some of my top tips for photographing Tennessee lake wildlife.
Whether you’re aiming to get that crisp shot of a bald eagle in flight or hoping to capture subtle scenes like a turtle basking on a log, these tips will help you improve your skills and leave each outing with images you’re proud of.
Know the Wildlife You Want to Capture
Before I even step out with my camera, I do my homework. Each lake has its own rhythm and set of wildlife. Reelfoot Lake, for example, is famous for bald eagles and migratory birds. Dale Hollow is known for river otters and waterfowl. If I’m heading to one of these places, I plan my trip based on the species I’m likely to encounter.
Learning about the animals’ habits helps me know when and where to look. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for most wildlife activity. During those golden hours, lighting is ideal, and animals are more likely to be active. I also pay attention to seasonal migrations. For example, sandhill cranes stop by some Tennessee lakes during winter, and knowing their patterns has helped me capture some stunning photos.
Use the Right Equipment for the Environment
One of the key tips for photographing Tennessee lake wildlife is having the right gear, but that doesn’t mean spending a fortune. I started with a basic DSLR and a 70–300mm lens, and that was enough to begin getting quality shots. A telephoto lens is a must if you want to photograph animals from a distance without disturbing them. Over time, I’ve added to my kit: a monopod for stability, a weather-sealed camera body for misty or rainy days, and sometimes a pair of polarized filters for photographing over water.
A waterproof or padded camera bag is also essential. Tennessee weather can shift quickly, especially near lakes, so being prepared to protect my gear keeps me shooting even when the sky turns gray.
Blend Into the Environment
Wildlife photography requires more than good equipment—it requires presence without disruption. I wear neutral, earth-toned clothing to help me blend into the background. Many times, I’ve sat in the same spot for over an hour just to catch a beaver gliding out from its den. Silence and stillness are my best tools. Sudden movement or loud gear can scare off even the boldest of animals.
If I’m shooting near a popular lake trail, I find a quiet spot off the main path where wildlife might feel less threatened. Reelfoot Lake’s swampy backwaters and the less-trafficked coves of Tims Ford Lake have proven especially fruitful when I’ve taken the time to scout low-traffic areas.
Know How to Track and Read the Environment
Tracking isn’t just for hunters—it’s something every wildlife photographer in Tennessee should learn. I’ve developed an eye for prints in the mud, signs of recent animal activity like claw marks or broken branches, and the sounds that suggest nearby movement. Paying attention to the environment often leads me to the perfect shot.
Birds give away their locations with their calls. Frogs croak louder in shallow waters when undisturbed. If I hear rustling in the reeds, I stop and observe—it might be a deer, a muskrat, or even an elusive fox coming in for a drink.
Light Is Everything
Good lighting can make or break a wildlife photo. Midday sun often casts harsh shadows and makes water glare too strong. That’s why I prefer the early morning or golden hour before sunset. The light is softer, more even, and adds a warm glow to feathers, fur, and the surface of the lake.
I’ve also learned to shoot with the sun at my back to avoid silhouetting my subjects unless I’m intentionally going for a dramatic outline. Cloudy days can be surprisingly good, too. The even light allows for more detail, especially on overcast mornings when birds are still out feeding.
Patience Pays Off
Perhaps the most important of all tips for photographing Tennessee lake wildlife is this: be patient. Wildlife moves on its own terms. I’ve waited 45 minutes for an osprey to dive into the water, only for it to take off just as I glanced down at my camera. Still, when I go out prepared to wait—sometimes motionless, sometimes hiking miles of shoreline—the results are worth it.
I always bring a water bottle, snacks, and sometimes even a small camp chair when I know I’ll be stationary for long stretches. Being comfortable means I can wait longer, stay focused, and react quickly when the shot presents itself.
Practice Ethical Wildlife Photography
Respecting the animals and their habitat is non-negotiable for me. I never bait, corner, or disturb wildlife to get a better shot. If an animal notices me and changes its behavior, I know I’ve gotten too close. Ethical wildlife photography means taking pictures in a way that leaves no trace.
This is especially important during nesting or breeding seasons. Disturbing animals during these sensitive times can cause them to abandon their young or relocate unnecessarily. I stay informed about seasonal changes and always photograph from a respectful distance.
Use Natural Framing and Compositions
A good wildlife photo is more than just a centered animal. I love to use trees, reeds, or reflections in the water to frame my shots. This not only makes the image more interesting but also highlights the animal in its natural environment. When I’m shooting at Center Hill Lake, for example, I often look for overhanging branches or ripples in the water that I can use to lead the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Experimenting with angles helps too. Shooting from a low perspective can make a bird on a dock look majestic, while getting a higher vantage point can offer a sweeping view of a flock on the lake. I move slowly and quietly to get into position, always considering the background, shadows, and balance of the frame.
Post-Processing Without Overdoing It
After a shoot, I upload my photos and begin the editing process. I shoot in RAW to have full control over exposure and color. Lightroom is my go-to tool, and I focus on enhancing the natural feel of the image. I might boost contrast, sharpen details, or adjust highlights, but I avoid heavy filters or unrealistic saturation.
Editing should complement what you saw—not completely change it. Some of my best photos needed only minor adjustments because I took the time to get it right in-camera.
Visit the Right Lakes for the Right Wildlife
Tennessee’s diverse lakes attract different species, and knowing where to go is part of the fun. Here are a few of my favorite spots for wildlife photography:
- Reelfoot Lake: Ideal for birding, especially eagles, pelicans, and waterfowl.
- Norris Lake: Great for capturing otters, herons, and turtles in coves and backwaters.
- Chickamauga Lake: Known for beavers, deer, and excellent bird photography opportunities.
- Dale Hollow Lake: Offers scenic backgrounds and a wide range of mammals and amphibians.
- Center Hill Lake: A balanced destination with forest wildlife, birds, and lakeside scenes.
Each lake offers its own challenges and rewards. Exploring them has helped me become a more versatile photographer and a better observer of nature.
Be Ready for Surprises
Wildlife photography near Tennessee lakes often delivers the unexpected. I’ve gone out hoping to find a great blue heron and ended up photographing a family of foxes near the shoreline. I once stumbled upon a pair of otters playing in a quiet inlet—completely unplanned and utterly unforgettable.
Staying alert, flexible, and open to the moment means I never waste a trip, even if I don’t get the exact shot I was hoping for.
Final Thoughts
Wildlife photography on Tennessee’s lakes is a journey that blends art, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, applying these tips for photographing Tennessee lake wildlife can help elevate your skills and deepen your connection to the places and creatures that make our state special.
Each outing is a chance to grow—not just as a photographer but as a witness to the rhythms of Tennessee’s wild side. The stillness of the water, the rustle in the leaves, the cry of a hawk overhead—those are the real rewards. The photos? They’re just the icing on the cake.