Bird Photography

Bird photography is a constant challenge since the subject is usually small, may not stay still, moves rapidly, sits in less than favorable lighting conditions and is extremely aware of you approaching. However, here are some tips that might help you in clicking photographs of birds:

1. Passion for the Birds:

Since birds are a very tough subject to photograph, you must have a passion for birds. Bring along a pair of binoculars to locate and enjoy the birds. Even if you don't get that one great photograph, at least you'll get a day of bird watching in.

2. Bird Language: By learning bird language, you will see more, understand more and you will be able to have better bird photography opportunities. It will help you progress in your pursuit of bird photography.

3. Using Your Five Senses: Make mental notes of each day you go into nature and store them in your memory cards. Recall those memory cards when it is necessary to improve your bird photography opportunities.

4. Photograph Birds Near Where You Live: Practice first in your own backyard.

5. Photograph Birds Early & Late: Birds are active feeding early in the morning and late afternoon. Once you understand the rhythm of nature and the habits of the birds, you won't be anticipating bird photography opportunities that will not exist due to the time of the day.

6. Understanding the Light: You will have the benefit of more lighting in the early morning and late afternoon, which happens to coincide nicely with the activity of the birds.

7. Use the Longest Lens Available: Birds are small and you have two options for bird photography: Use the longest lens available to you or learn how to approach birds without scaring them away.

8. Treat the Birds with Respect: The safety of the birds is a prime goal to all of us. Do not put any birds at risk or in danger for the sake of a photograph as it will eventually hurt some birds as well as ruin your reputation as a photographer. Obey all the rules of the land and the laws of nature.

9. Go Alone: If you really want to increase your chances of bird photography opportunities, unfortunately you must go alone. The birds observe you in the same way as you observe them. However, the birds pick up more about you than you will ever pick up about them. If they observe body language that they don't feel comfortable with from the other person, no matter how good you are as a photographer and an observer, and you will not have the same bird photography opportunities. It will always be less.