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Photographing Wild Birds
Whether you are a dyed-in-the-wool bird-watcher or just a casual
observer, our feathered friends are often a site to behold. We have
all stood at the window and watched birds, and many of us have made
an attempt to shoot a picture or two. If you would like to take
pictures that capture the birds you see along the way, here are some
helpful tips to do just that.
Whatever camera accessories you use, the trick to taking great
pictures of birds is perseverance and preparation. A telephoto or
zoom lens is also helpful. In order to take pictures of birds, it is
necessary to keep a fair distance. A conventional lens will simply
not give the photographer the shot he wants. The lens need not be
expensive or complicated, though. A camera with an 8X to 10X zoom
lens should be sufficient. Once you have the photography equipment
needed, follow these tips and the pictures you take will be more
than you bargained for.
In Your Neighborhood
A great way to fine tune your skills is to begin by photographing
the birds around you. Birds that live near people will be more
likely to allow you to approach them more closely, and this will
help you to frame the shots you take. Walk into the woods near your
home, or head out to a park or body of water nearby. Waterfowl are
likely to approach you if they are used to being fed by visitors to
their habitat, thus allowing for some great shots.
Build a Bird Feeder
Use a bird feeder to attract birds. When positioning the feeder, pay
attention to the scenery around and behind it so that your shot will
have a pleasant background. Place your bird feeder about 15 feet
from the window or deck where you will be watching it. Remember to
keep it stocked – especially in the winter months! Feeders attract
more birds when food is scarce.
Shooting through a Window
If you are bird watching through a window and want to take pictures
through the glass, set your auto-focus camera on infinity mode
(mountain symbol) so that the focus locks on the bird outside and
not the glass. Extend your lens so that the subject is in focus and
the background is blurry.
Get Close
In order to maximize the impact of your shot, fill the viewfinder
with the bird. Get as close as possible or use your camera’s zoom to
put the emphasis on what is important and exclude the rest. Be sure
to check your camera owners manual for the closest focusing
distance. Once you have taken the picture, if you find that there is
more background than you need, you can always crop the photo to zoom
in on your subject.
Take pictures in good light
Shoot early or late in the day. The golden light and long shadows
during these times of day make for a far more interesting shot.
Midday light makes for flat, uninteresting pictures.
In the Wild
Falcons, owl and hawks will not come to you, and you can’t go to
them. Photographing wild birds takes time, skill and the right
equipment.
Research your Subject
Pay attention to the habits of the birds you wish to photograph.
Practice for their unpredictability by shooting pictures of them in
wildlife centers. Study their movements and flight patterns and try
to understand their schedule so that it will be easier to photograph
them in the wild.
Be Ready to Shoot
Blend with the scenery. Remain perfectly still so that the birds get
used to your presence. Neutral clothing is helpful, although not
essential. Pre-focus your camera on an area where birds are likely
to land so that you will be ready to shoot. Keep the viewfinder near
your face and your finger poised over the shutter button so that you
can take a picture at a moments notice. Then wait.
Place the Point of Interest Off-Center
Remember that every picture is more interesting if the subject is
not at the center of the frame. Place the horizon one-third of the
way from the top or bottom of the frame. Or place your subject
one-third of the way in from the right or left of the photograph.
Composition is subjective, so play around with it until you find
what appeals to you most.
Take Lots of Pictures
In order to increase your chances of capturing just the right
moment, be prepared to take lots of photographs. Even the pros think
nothing of filling an entire memory card in order to capture just
the right shot on film.
Pan Your Camera
In order to illustrate speed and movement of your subject, pan the
camera while pressing the shutter button. The bird will be in focus,
but the background will be blurred, making a more dramatic shot.
Zoom and Flash
Remember to be cautious while photographing wild birds. Remember
that there are often nests nearby, and birds are very sensitive to
encroachments. They may abandon the nest, and some birds will
attack. Use your zoom lens to get close, and respect the need for
these animals to have their environment undisturbed. If you are
using a SLR camera, try a powerful accessory zoom flash to extend
the flash out to 30 or 40 feet. This will brighten the bird and
leave the background darker. If the birds are resting in an area
that is in shadow, turn on the flash to balance out the scene.
Remember that for snapshot cameras, the flash range is only about 10
feet.
Photographing wild birds can be very rewarding and fun. Remember
that the best way to get good pictures of animal in the wild is to
be still, have the right equipment, and be ready to wait, wait,
wait.
Source information adapted from
www.kodak.com “Taking Great Pictures.”
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