Getting Started In Bird Photography
by Carl Drotsky
Those who love animals and have a knack for art are likely to be brilliant at bird photography if they're up to the challenge. Because birds are so easily scared into flying away, they are anything but easy to capture on film. While most hobbies and careers eventually become boring, each year spent in bird photography only increases one's curiosity. This is largely due to the fact that there are more than 10,000 species of birds throughout the world - each unique in appearance and lifestyle. A peaked interest in birdlife is a great start in bird photography, but it isn't enough. You'll need strong stamina and creativity to get great photographs.
Beyond having an eye for photographs, it's crucial for you to become very familiar with the lifestyles of various birds you wish you to capture on film. By knowing a bird's next move, you'll be able to predict where and when you'll be able to find him. If you're not familiar with his mannerisms, you're likely to end up with many blank photographs of where the bird used to be. Learn what they eat, when they sleep and what course they take to migrate in order to spot your subject quickly. It will take diligence to learn how quickly birds move, but that's part of what it will take to get great bird photographs.
To get a good shot of anything, you need decent lighting. For birds specifically, back lighting or side lighting works nicely. Afternoon light also usually works well for a shot. Once you know the lighting is right, you need to learn how to capture moments when the bird is actually doing something. Action shots are so much more fascinating than a static shot of a bird simply perched on a branch. Show birds capturing food, feeding their young, singing or flying. Show how they interact with one another. By capturing these moments under decent lighting, you will be able to immediately enhance the quality of your photos.
Even with ample patience and practice, your shot will be lacking without the right equipment. You'll save yourself loads of cash by getting a digital camera. Film is expensive, and many pictures must be taken to get it right. If you have to rely on film, you'll end up spending more than $300 in just a few hours. A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera is really what you need. Even more specifically you need an advanced focusing system and a f/2.8 lens. When a bird flaps his wings, this type of camera will not only be able to focus automatically, it will respond with the necessary speed when you're ready to get the shot.
Now this is when you must be willing to get a little muddy. Bird photography requires you to get up close and personal to your subject which could very well mean crawling on your knees through bushes. Tracking skills will certainly come in handy now. Learn how to stay hidden while moving seamlessly with camera in hand. It will be helpful to know how close a specific type of bird will permit you to get before flying away. It's incredible how some birds will take flight when you're still more than a hundred feet away while other birds will have no problem until you're ten feet away. Save yourself a headache by doing the necessary research first. In all your bird photography endeavors, make sure you only grow in your respect for birds. Make sure you never compromise on the safety of a bird; a photograph is never worth putting a bird at risk.
Learn more about <a href='http://www.echo4x4.co.za/4x4blog'>outdoor photography</a>. Stop by Echo 4x4's site where you can find out all about <a href='http://www.echo4x4.co.za/4x4blog/lifestyle-and-camping-tips/how-to-capture-birds-on-camera'>bird photography</a>.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Getting Started In Bird Photography
Author: Carl Drotsky
Email: cdrotsky@wsiprowebprojects.com
Keywords: bird photography,wildlife photography,photography,off-road adventures,outdoors
Word Count: 599
Category: Hobbies
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