If you happen to be a lover of birds and are on the creative side, you have the makings of a brilliant bird photographer. Because of their ability to take flight, they are one of the most difficult creatures to capture on camera. As a bird photographer, either as a hobby or a career, you will always experience something new. With more than ten thousand types of birds, one can never grow bored of finding and photographing birds in their natural habitat. You must, however, be ready to be put to the test. It's not easy to get close enough for a great photograph without scaring birds away. To succeed in this sport, you will need endurance, determination and a real passion for birds.
Besides photography know-how, it's important for you to study the behavior patterns of birds - especially the species you're planning to photograph. You want to know what the bird is going to think and do before he does. If you can anticipate his actions, you'll be a step ahead of him when trying to capture him on film. Otherwise you'll just end up with an empty picture of where the bird was a second before. Study their eating habits, sleeping patterns and migratory paths to be able to find them quickly. Once you know where to look for these birds, spend some time watching them to get used to their mannerisms and the speed in which they move. This will prepare your finger to be quick enough to get the shot better than you think.
If you want moderate pictures of anything, the first thing you need to be sure you have is excellent lighting. A side light or back light is best for birdlife, and noon to early evening seems to be the best time of day to get good lighting for birds. After you've been assured that your lighting is right, you need to have the patience to wait for birds to do something interesting. Make your photographs come to life by snapping shots of birds building their nests or mingling with each other. Those who learn the art of waiting for the right light and the right action moments will be the ones to get the most interesting photographs.
It would be nice to say that all you need is good lighting and a bit of talent to take great pictures, but even the most talented photographer needs a first-rate camera to do the job. Since digital cameras have arrived on the scene, photographers can now not only save a fortune because they no longer need to buy film, but they can also get better photographs due to editing software for digital photography. A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera with an advanced system for focusing is necessary if you're serious about bird photography. This is mainly due to how quickly birds flutter their wings. If your lens isn't at least an f/2.8 many of your pictures will be ruined with blurry sections.
Taking pictures of birdlife, naturally, calls for getting in close proximity to them. Because birds can be so jumpy, you need to become an expert at becoming invisible and soundless as you move towards them. Take the time to study how close a species of bird will allow you to get before you go after them. One species will have no problem with you until you're within ten feet while another species will take flight when you're more than a hundred feet away. In your pursuit of becoming a successful bird photographer, don't be tempted to put a bird at risk just to get the picture you've envisioned. Remember to put the bird's best interests before your own.
Besides photography know-how, it's important for you to study the behavior patterns of birds - especially the species you're planning to photograph. You want to know what the bird is going to think and do before he does. If you can anticipate his actions, you'll be a step ahead of him when trying to capture him on film. Otherwise you'll just end up with an empty picture of where the bird was a second before. Study their eating habits, sleeping patterns and migratory paths to be able to find them quickly. Once you know where to look for these birds, spend some time watching them to get used to their mannerisms and the speed in which they move. This will prepare your finger to be quick enough to get the shot better than you think.
If you want moderate pictures of anything, the first thing you need to be sure you have is excellent lighting. A side light or back light is best for birdlife, and noon to early evening seems to be the best time of day to get good lighting for birds. After you've been assured that your lighting is right, you need to have the patience to wait for birds to do something interesting. Make your photographs come to life by snapping shots of birds building their nests or mingling with each other. Those who learn the art of waiting for the right light and the right action moments will be the ones to get the most interesting photographs.
It would be nice to say that all you need is good lighting and a bit of talent to take great pictures, but even the most talented photographer needs a first-rate camera to do the job. Since digital cameras have arrived on the scene, photographers can now not only save a fortune because they no longer need to buy film, but they can also get better photographs due to editing software for digital photography. A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera with an advanced system for focusing is necessary if you're serious about bird photography. This is mainly due to how quickly birds flutter their wings. If your lens isn't at least an f/2.8 many of your pictures will be ruined with blurry sections.
Taking pictures of birdlife, naturally, calls for getting in close proximity to them. Because birds can be so jumpy, you need to become an expert at becoming invisible and soundless as you move towards them. Take the time to study how close a species of bird will allow you to get before you go after them. One species will have no problem with you until you're within ten feet while another species will take flight when you're more than a hundred feet away. In your pursuit of becoming a successful bird photographer, don't be tempted to put a bird at risk just to get the picture you've envisioned. Remember to put the bird's best interests before your own.
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