Mastering Bird Photography
Photographing birds can be incredibly rewarding but also quite challenging—especially when it comes to birds in flight (BIF). Birds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making them fascinating subjects to capture. While bird portraits can produce stunning images, most photographers are drawn to the excitement of capturing birds mid-flight.
Birds are rarely still. They dart off perches without warning, and their wings are in constant motion. Tracking them through the viewfinder takes practice, but the good news is that your backyard or local park can offer plenty of opportunities to improve your skills. One of the hardest parts is keeping the bird in the frame once it starts moving.
Fortunately, there are tools that can help. Photo Gear Designs has developed an excellent tracker that allows you to keep both eyes on the bird while looking through the camera. The tracker helps you develop better tracking skills, improving your ability to follow birds through the viewfinder. After I started using the tracker, my “keeper” rate increased dramatically, which kept me motivated. For a discount, use the code ROADRUNNER at checkout.
Technical Tips for Better Bird Shots
- Shutter Speed – Your shutter speed should be at least 1.5 times the focal length of your lens. For example, if you’re shooting with a 100-400mm lens at 400mm, aim for a shutter speed of at least 1/600th of a second.
- Aperture – Try to shoot one f-stop smaller than wide open. If your lens is f/6.3 at its widest, aim for around f/7.1 to increase your depth of field and keep the bird’s beak, wings, and tail in focus.
- Focus Settings – If your camera has a tracking focus mode, enable it. Shoot in continuous mode to increase your chances of getting a sharp frame.
- Practice and Patience – Bird photography takes time and persistence. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at predicting movement and adjusting your settings on the fly.
Bird photography is a skill that improves with time and effort. Keep practicing, stay patient, and soon you’ll be capturing breathtaking shots of birds in flight!
