The Expert Guide To Better Bird Photos

Lauren Scott and Sean Weekly outline the skills you need to capture avian images with real impact

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Birds are a majestic and wondrous group of species, capable of inciting awe and emotion wherever they’re seen. They can be notoriously tricky to capture on camera, though, because of their high speed and their small size. Many birds also have seasonal migratory patterns, so you’ll need to know your stuff if you want a chance of sighting them.

That said, there’s great potential for capturing bird images wherever you live. Your own garden or local park is a likely haven for bird life, providing a variety of feathered subjects on which to hone your skills. In this feature we’re going to provide some general tips for capturing birds big and small, in a range of habitats, while hopefully inspiring you to get out in the field yourself. We’ll start with the importance of research into different species, calls and behaviours – get to know your subject and you’ll be able to photograph it in a more enjoyable and effective way.

We’ll outline series of techniques for capturing successful images too, such as panning birds in flight, or capturing simple yet stunning portraits. Bird photography requires specialist lenses, so we’ll discuss the best kit for the job, and show you how to avoid the mistakes you can make using it. Think you know what makes a good bird photograph? Whether you’re already a keen birder, or want to try something new, here’s our guide to making your shots take off.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Consult guide books and apps to get your bird knowledge up to speed