Photographing Birds ... Quite the Challenge, but, Rewarding for Those who Persevere and Employ a Strategy
Like the study of Astronomy, bird and other wildlife photography is difficult for the same reason ... everything's moving!
I'd like to offer some information to assist those who may want to try a hand at photographing birds, and/or those who have tried and find it frustrating. Hopefully, in showing my set-up for bird pix, and offering a few tips as well, I can be of help.
1) Bird feeders and feed of all varieties are a must in attracting your avian subject; this includes a source of water.
2) If at all possible, embellish the area around your feeders with natural objects (tree branches particularly) so that birds feel "covered" and, so that they can perch (pose for photos) while awaiting their turn at the feeders. But don't overdo it ... the branches will add natural elements to your photos so place them sparingly, strategically and aesthetically so they don't add a look of clutter.
3) If there is a natural area near where you can place your set-up, use it for several reasons;
* Birds and other wildlife may likely be using those natural areas already
* The natural area can provide a natural backdrop so your bird photos will look spontaneous rather than staged
4) Use a tripod and, if you can keep it and your mounted camera readily accessible, you'll miss fewer opportunities
5) Use the widest aperture/f-stop your lens allows ... two reasons
* This will give you faster shutter speeds, and,
* A shallower depth-of-field (a blurred rather than a sharply-focused, thus distracting background)
6) Use the lowest ISO/ASA (film speed equivalent) that will still enable you fast enough shutter speeds to prevent motion blur. This will vary with lighting conditions ... EXPERIMENT and take notes for future reference.
7) If I can be of help, don't hesitate to ask questions; if I can give an intelligent answer, I will (first time for everything ya' know)
8) Don't get discouraged ... bird photography ain't easy ... which is why it's so satisfying when those winning images start coming
All Rights Reserved/Article & Images/A. Macarthur
1) Bird photography is no walk in the park ... well, yeah ... sometimes it's how you locate the birds ... o.k. ... ya' got me on that one. Here I am with my game(bird) face having a good hair day and ready to click ass {that's right ... CLICK ass ... shutter releases on cameras make a "click" sound}.
2) It's true, like most liberals, I have a "pussycat," loveable side, but cats and birds together do make a smart tactical strategy regarding bird picture-taking.
3) Even though I live in the city of Philadelphia, because much land has been kept in a natural state, I get to have this out of my back door. No question it gives me a great advantage as far as nature/bird etc. photography goes.
4) Here's my set-up ... feeders and seed/suet variety placed close to natural cover.
5) From my family room, I can shoot images both through the glass windows which I keep squeaky clean inside and out, or, I can open the side panels and shoot without the glass. Either way, sit as still as possible -- birds have an organ in their eyes that is super-sensitive to motion. It helps to PRE-FOCUS ON A BRANCH, FEEDER, ETC. WHERE YOU ANTICIPATE A BIRD MAY LAND; THAT WAY, WHEN ONE DOES, YOU'RE ALREADY PART OF THE WAY TO GETTING YOUR SHOT!
6) I am well aware that my combination of equipment and location put me at great advantage for this kind of photography. But don't let equipment hold you back. Do the best you can with what you have -- AT THE POINT YOU ARE CONFIDENT YOUR SKILL LEVEL HAS EXCEEDED YOUR EQUIPMENT'S CAPABILITIES ... THAT'S THE TIME TO CONSIDER UPGRADES.
7) First example; a female Cardinal perched on a fallen tree limb I placed near the ground. If you'll be doing the same, choose branches with interesting shapes, colors and textures. Note the blurred background ... it's the result of a wide aperture/f-stop that gave a shallow depth-of-field and made the subject stand out.
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More examples to come ... click on the pix for full view.
Thanks A.M.! Those are some really good tips!
Mac,
You make learning fun... but oh boy... do you need a lot of stuff to get those birdies, besidespatience. Besides your excellent local, you have an amazing set up! And you are ready to go at any moment. This is no easyendeavor!
A fantastic lesson for everyone interested in this!
The last two comments (Perrie, Feronia) never got to me via the e-mail alerts, and, all day I've been getting e-mail alerts that are from 4-5 days ago. I only checked this article because I was thinking of adding some images.
What's up?