How to photograph birds - tips.


I have thousands of bird photographs that I have taken over the years.  If one was to go through the images by date a gradual improvement would be noticed.  I can safely say that my photos have improved over time.  That's not to say that I have arrived; far from it.  I think that there is still a lot I can achieve and look forward to improving my performance and collection in the future.  I have formulated a number of opinions that have enormous value for the wildlife photographer.  Here are some of my musings.

  • Good glass (lenses) are more important than good cameras.  If you are uncertain where to spend your photography money, put it towards good quality optics.  
  • Spring is an exceptional time for birding.  Migration, breeding behaviours, breeding plumage, chicks and nests, and vocalizations are more likely to produce exceptional images.
  • Parks are good places to photograph birds; they are somewhat habituated to people and that means you are more able to approach them without scaring them off.
  • Any one place on any one day will grant you the opportunity to shoot certain species.  Returning more often and at different times will significantly enhance what you see.
  • Mornings are the best time to photograph birds.  Hungry from roosting at night, good lighting, and the lack of people mean better opportunities to get excellent photos.
  • Consider visiting an aviary.  Unique species, exceptional access, and amazing photography opportunities will help hone your camera skills.
  • Consider joining a local birding club.  It helps to know how to identify birds, where to find them, and it is likely that others will be only too happy to provide useful suggestions to improve your game.
  • Stay on trails, do not bait to get pictures, keep your distance (especially during nesting), and keep dogs on leash.  You can do enormous harm to the birds you are hoping to photograph.
  • Get to know local areas that are popular for bird watching.  Chances are there are a few gems you never knew about.  
  • Keep your shutter speed high and aperture low.  Set ISO first in order to obtain a desirable shutter speed, even if your camera/lens is equipped with vibration mitigation technology.  I like using speeds over 1/400th of a second if possible.  Blur wrecks shots more than noise does.  Plus there are good noise-reducing programs available.
  • When there is direct sunlight, keep your back to the sun to keep shadows to a minimum.
  • Report injured wildlife, those harming wildlife, and educate people ignorant of how sensitive these creatures are.  Many birds are on the endangered list.
Photographing birds is an amazing way to interact with nature.  Even if you don't end up with the shot you hoped for when venturing out, the experience will impact you more than you may think.  Love nature, protect it, and capture its beauty through media.  Everybody wins.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com

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