Camera Placement
Provider-agnostic guidance for positioning your camera to observe wildlife without disturbing it.
Fundamentals
Placement Principles
Good placement balances clear visibility with minimal disturbance. The camera should be an unnoticed observer, not a barrier to natural behavior.
Angles
Position at a slight downward angle, 4–8 feet from the subject. Avoid direct face-on positioning which can startle some species.
Lighting
Face north or northeast to avoid direct sun. Morning light is ideal for capturing detail. Avoid backlighting situations.
Distance
Close enough for detail, far enough for comfort. 3–6 feet for nest boxes, 8–15 feet for open habitats and water features.
Practical tips
Best Practices
- Mount securely to prevent wobble in wind
- Use weatherproof housing or naturally sheltered positions
- Test the view before committing to a permanent mount
- Ensure cables are tucked away from wildlife paths
- Consider IR night vision for nocturnal species
- Clean the lens periodically — spider webs are common
Connection
Supported Connection Patterns
EverydayEarth works with many camera types and connection methods. You don't need to buy anything new — your existing camera likely works.
RTSP Streams
Direct network streaming for continuous observation. Best for wired cameras with reliable connectivity.
Snapshot Capture
Periodic image capture for bandwidth-friendly monitoring. Works with almost any camera.
SD Card Sync
Upload clips from camera storage. Great for remote or off-grid habitats.