As a Lancashire wildlife photographer with over 20 years of experience and a focus on bird photography for the past 3 years, I often get asked,
“What makes a good bird photograph?”
It’s a question that is not easily answered, as there are many factors that contribute to a successful bird photograph. However, I’ll do my best to break it down and give some helpful tips for those looking to improve their bird photography skills.
One common problem that many photographers encounter is getting close enough to the birds to capture a good photograph. Birds are naturally skittish, and it can be difficult to get close enough to them without disturbing them.
One solution to this problem is to use a long lens, such as a 400mm or 600mm lens. These lenses allow you to zoom in on the birds and capture them in great detail without disturbing them.
However, long lenses can be expensive and heavy, so it’s important to invest in a good tripod to support the weight of the lens.
Another problem that photographers often encounter is dealing with harsh lighting conditions. Birds are often found in bright sunlight, which can create harsh shadows and high contrast in the photograph.
To combat this problem, try to photograph the birds in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more diffuse. Additionally, using a flash or reflector can help to fill in harsh shadows and create a more balanced photograph.
One of the most important aspects of a good bird photograph is composition. A good composition will help to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject of the photograph and create a sense of balance and harmony in the image.
One useful composition technique is the rule of thirds, which involves dividing the photograph into thirds horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject of the photograph at one of the intersection points. This creates a natural balance in the photograph and draws the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Another important aspect of a good bird photograph is telling a story. A great bird photograph is not just about capturing the bird in great detail, but also about capturing the bird in its natural environment and telling the story of its life.
Try to capture the bird in action, such as hunting for food or interacting with other birds. This will help to add context to the photograph and make it more interesting for the viewer.
It’s important to remember that bird photography doesn’t always have to be about capturing rare or exotic birds. Some of the most interesting and beautiful bird photographs are of common birds that can be found in your own backyard. So don’t be afraid to experiment with photographing different types of birds, whether they are common or rare.
Here are five projects that people could try to improve their bird photography skills:
- Try to capture a bird in flight. This is a challenging task that requires a fast shutter speed and a good understanding of bird behaviour.
- Experiment with different lighting conditions. Try to photograph birds in different times of the day and in different weather conditions.
- Try to capture a bird’s behaviour. This could be anything from hunting for food to interacting with other birds.
- Experiment with different compositions. Try using the rule of thirds or other composition techniques to create a more interesting photograph.
- Try to capture a bird in its natural environment. This could be anything from a forest to a city park.
Another great way to improve your bird photography skills is to try to find something totally different. This could be anything from a new bird species to a new location. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to some of the most interesting and unique photographs.
It’s important to remember that bird photography is subjective. What one person considers to be a great bird photograph might not be the same as what another person
Remember, the most important thing in bird photography is that you love the images you create. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
And when you get that perfect shot, don’t hesitate to share it with the world.
I can’t wait to see the amazing images you’ll create!