Tips to Get Stunning Results photographing small birds.
When I’m out on a walk, one of the first things I do is scan my surroundings for birds. Spotting them is easy enough, but capturing a perfect image of these fast, fluttery creatures? That’s a whole different challenge!
Whether you’re hoping to take an amazing picture of a small bird, or you’re after that perfect shot of little birds darting around, these tips will help you nail your bird photography.
Get Close to Your Subject Without Scaring It Off
One of the trickiest parts of photographing small birds is getting close enough for those stunning, detailed shots without spooking them. Here’s how:
There are many ways you can get close without disturbing the bird:
Use a Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens helps you zoom in while keeping your distance. This way, you won’t disturb your subject, and you’ll still get those crisp details of the feathers or eyes.
Stay Still and Blend In: Move slowly, stay low, and wear neutral colours that blend into the surroundings. The less threatening you seem, the closer the birds will come.
Pro Tip: Try using a remote shutter release. It lets you snapshots from a distance while keeping still, avoiding any movement that could frighten your little bird.
Study the Birds’ Behaviour for Better Timing
Small birds rarely sit still, so predicting their behaviour is essential for getting that perfect picture of a small bird. Spend some time observing them before even thinking about lifting your camera.
Watch Their Patterns: Are they feeding, perching, or looking for insects? Learn their habits, and you’ll know the best time to take the shot.
Anticipate Flight: Birds give off subtle cues before taking flight. A small twitch or change in posture can signal they’re about to take off, giving you a chance to prepare for an in-flight capture.
Choose the Right Time of Day for the Perfect Light
The time of day can have a massive impact on your bird photos. Natural light is your best friend in bird photography, so use it wisely:
Golden Hour: The soft light of early morning or late afternoon is ideal. It creates flattering, warm tones that enhance the feathers’ colours and reduces harsh shadows.
Avoid Midday: The midday sun can be harsh and cast unflattering shadows, especially for small bird pictures. Instead, aim for softer light.
Bonus Tip: If it’s overcast, don’t fret! Cloud cover acts as a giant diffuser, creating soft, even light that’s perfect for detailed small bird photos.
Pick the Right Focal Length and Aperture Settings
For close-up bird photography, focal length and aperture settings make a big difference:
Focal Length: A longer focal length (200-600mm) is ideal for small bird photography. It helps you focus on the bird while blurring out the background, isolating the subject beautifully.
Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/4 to f/5.6) to get a shallow depth of field, which keeps your small bird in sharp focus while blurring the background. This technique makes your little bird pop in the frame.
Select a Background That Enhances Your Subject
Your background is almost as important as your subject. Choose a background that complements, not competes with, the bird:
Keep It Simple: Aim for a clean, unobtrusive background that won’t distract from the bird. Natural settings, like leaves, branches, or a soft blue sky, work well. The background should be clear for 3x the distance of you to your subject. Sometimes easier said than done though.
Avoid Clutter: If there are too many details in the background, like twigs or leaves, they can steal focus from the bird. Position yourself so that the background is clear or blurred enough to make the bird stand out.
Use a Fast Shutter Speed to Capture Movement
Small birds move fast, so a high shutter speed is key to capturing sharp images, especially in flight:
Shutter Speed: Use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 sec to freeze fast movement, particularly if you’re photographing little birds in flight. If the bird is perched and relatively still, you can lower it to 1/500 sec.
Use a Tripod or Beanbag: Keeping your camera steady is critical, especially when zoomed in. A tripod or beanbag can help stabilise your camera and reduce motion blur.
Set Your Own Scene: Create the Perfect Environment for Small Bird Photography
Sometimes, the best way to photograph small birds isn’t by wandering around looking for them — it’s by inviting them to come to you! Setting up a feeder in your garden or a local area can help you create a perfect bird photography studio right in your backyard.
Establish a Bird Feeder: Start by installing a feeder in a quiet spot in your garden. Once birds get used to it, they’ll start visiting regularly. This gives you plenty of chances to photograph a variety of small birds up close, without the pressure of snapping a quick shot in the wild.
Use a Perch Next to the Feeder: To capture birds in more natural, picturesque settings, place a perch-like a branch close to the feeder. Make sure the perch is positioned so that there’s a clear, distant background behind it. This setup ensures that the focus stays on the bird, with no distractions from cluttered surroundings.
Get Creative with Perches: While a simple branch works great, you can have fun with your setup! Try using:
Mossy Logs: These add a textured, woodland feel to your shots.
Temporary Stone Walls: Stack a few rocks to create a natural-looking perch.
Garden Ornaments: Try using an old spade handle, a weathered fence post, or even a rustic watering can. These perches give your bird photos a unique, personalised touch.
Most of the creative, stunning shots you see of small birds are often staged in this way — photographers set the scene to look as natural or artistic as possible.
When to Skip the Setup: Of course, this approach works best for common garden birds like sparrows, tits, or robins. If you’re after more elusive species that don’t visit feeders, like stonechats or warblers, you’ll still need to head out into the wild. But when it comes to photographing garden birds, setting your own scene is a fantastic way to get consistent, creative shots.
Bonus Tips for Capturing Amazing Small Bird Photos:
Experiment With Angles: Try shooting from different angles — above, below, or eye level — to add variety to your small bird pictures.
Be Patient: Sometimes the best shot comes from waiting. Birds don’t always cooperate, so be ready to sit quietly for a while.
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect in Small Bird Photography
Photographing small birds can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With practice, you’ll learn to predict their behaviour, adjust your camera settings, and choose the best times for shooting. Use these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photos of small birds in their natural habitat.
If you’ve got any other tips for photographing small birds, drop me a message on Instagram @scottpollard