Real-Life Dr. Dolittle Explains How to Take Selfies with All Kinds of Wild Animals

tips for taking the best selfies with animals

Allan Dixon is a self-proclaimed “animal whisperer,” and if his incredible selfies are any indication, the title is one that's well-earned. He's posted many pictures on his wanderlust-inducing Instagram that show him posing with various creatures, both large and small. Some are more photogenic than others, but adorable animals like kangaroos, goats, ponies and quokkas are always accompanied next to a grinning Dixon.

The Australian adventurer seems to have an lovable rapport with these furry creatures–he's a real life Doctor Doolittle! This is an impressive feat, especially since animal selfies can be notoriously unpredictable, making it hard to get a clear photo. So, how does he do it? Dixon explained to the website RT, “You have to be still, lie down, gain their trust in their environment for a while. Most of the time they're more scared of you than you are of them.”

For anyone wanting to take an animal selfie, Dixon has some sage advice. First, turn off your flash and any sounds on the camera to avoid startling the creature. Then, enter their surroundings with your camera in hand so that they think it's part of your body. And when the time comes for a selfie, be ready to hit the shutter button over and over again. “Once you're in their presence for some time, they'll usually come and check you out,” he said. “There's a fine line between curiosity and survival. The main aim is to make them know that they are safe being around you.”

Ever wondered how to take the best selfies with animals? Allan Dixon has it down to a science.

Above photo credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

tips for taking the best selfies with animalsPhoto credit: Allan Dixon

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Allan Dixon

Allan Dixon: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
via [RT]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content