Photo Copyright Scott Bourne
I haven’t done one of these in a while so here are 10 short/quick tips for aspiring bird photographers. (In no particular order.)
1. When the sun and the wind are from the same direction, think flight photography. These are perfect conditions to shoot birds in flight.
Photo Copyright Scott Bourne
2. Flight or not, keep the sun at your back. Stay on sun angle. That is – if you want to make commercially acceptable bird photography. More than 90% of the photos published in bird-related publications feature a bird lit by direct sunlight or open shade.
3. Flight photography is easier when the sun is low in the sky behind you. If it’s too high, the underside of the bird is heavily shadowed.
4. When the sun is rising or setting think silhouettes and be sure to use negative exposure compensation to increase the effect and bring out the color in the sunrise or sunset.
Photo Copyright Scott Bourne
5. When photographing groups of birds look for separation between the birds. If their wings are overlapping – wait until they aren’t.
6. The cleaner the background, the more the bird stands out in the image.
7. Study your subjects. The more you know about birds, the better your bird photography will be.
Photo Copyright Scott Bourne
8. Be patient. Birds will get used to your presence the longer you are in any given area. Stick with it and let the birds come to you.
9. Stay low and go slow! Fast movement scares away the birds. If you’re walking up to a perch keep your tripod collapsed and move very, very slowly and quietly toward the location to avoid spooking the subject.
Photo Copyright Scott Bourne
10. Know your gear BEFORE you go into the field. Spectacular bird photography opportunities tend to be over within seconds of presenting themselves. This is not the time to learn how to set your camera. Practice at home before you go and make sure you’re ready.
Here’s a bonus tip. You need to get off the couch and away from the computer to go find birds to photograph. Finding them is half the fun!
Good luck.
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Filed under: Photography, Shooting Tagged: bird photo tips 
