Bird photography is a challenging and rewarding field, but one of the most difficult aspects can be dealing with the backgrounds in your shots.
A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the beauty of the bird, making your photograph less impactful.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore 8 tips for bird photography that will help you create visually striking backgrounds and make your bird photos stand out.
Set up your own scenes
One of the best ways to control the background in your bird photography is to set up your own scenes. This can be done by using a bird feeder or birdhouse in your backyard, or by finding a location where you know a particular bird species frequents. By setting up your own scene, you’ll have more control over the background and be able to position yourself to take advantage of the best light.
Shoot with the light in front of your subject
When taking bird photos, it’s important to remember that the light should be in front of the bird, not behind it. This will help illuminate the bird and make it stand out against the background. You can achieve this by positioning yourself so that the sun is behind you, or by using a flash to add light to the front of the bird.
Use bokeh to your advantage
Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus parts of an image. By using a lens with a wide aperture, you can create bokeh and make the background of your bird photos appear softer and more pleasing to the eye. This can help to make the bird stand out and be the focal point of the image.
Take advantage of natural backgrounds
When at a nature reserve, take advantage of the natural backgrounds that are available to you. Look for areas with trees, flowers, or other natural elements that can make for an interesting background. You can also try to find birds that are perched on branches or other natural elements that can make for an interesting background.
Experiment with different perspectives
Another way to create visually striking backgrounds is to experiment with different perspectives. Try shooting from different angles or heights to change the way the background appears in your photos. This can add depth and interest to your bird photos, and make the background an integral part of the image.
Use a shallow depth of field
A shallow depth of field (DOF) is when only a small portion of the image is in focus. By using a shallow DOF, you can make the bird stand out by blurring the background. This can be achieved by using a wide aperture or by getting close to the bird.
Focus on the eye
A bird’s eye is often the most striking feature of the bird, and is the key element that makes a bird photo stand out. By focusing on the eye, you can make the bird appear more alive and engaging. This can be achieved by using a single point autofocus, or by manually focusing on the eye.
Practice, practice, practice!
Ultimately, the best way to improve your bird photography is to practice as much as possible. The more you take photos, the more you’ll learn about different techniques and how to control the backgrounds in your photos. So, grab your camera and head out to your nearest birding spot and start taking some photos!
In conclusion, creating visually striking backgrounds in bird photography can be a challenging task. However, by following these tips, you’ll be able to take control of your backgrounds and make your bird photos stand out.
Remember to take your time, experiment, and most importantly, have fun!
