Bird Photography

Bird Photography has become more of a hobby than just mere bird watching. Being able to watch the birds in there natural habitat and at the same time preserve the images on film or even on a memory card  is something that is only possible with photography. Thus the two complement ach other, don't you think?

Before you take on bird photography, there are a few things you need to know, e.g. you need to study their biology (science of the birds you would like to photograph), their travel patterns, different habits and off course their behaviour.

A good idea to get started with bird photography is to start photographing birds in your backyard. In order to attract birds, you need to set up a feeding station in your backyard. Try to choose a location with a non-distracting background, while setting up a blind close to the feeder to shoot your photo, or you can even shoot through an open window. Also, you may have some of your best luck with photographing birds at bird sanctuaries.  

Start by photographing from a distance, preferably with a wider angle lens and then photograph the birds in a larger context. Wide-angle lenses and short zoom lenses are useful for some of the more creative aspects of bird photography.

Bird photography requires the absolute best quality lenses that you can afford. A 400 mm lens is usually considered the minimum acceptable focal length for serious bird photography, while a quality 500mm f/4 telephoto lens is ideal. You can also make use of an extension tube, which moves the film plane further away from the lens resulting in magnification of your subject, although an extension tube reduces the amount of light reaching the film.

A tripod is recommended (since you'll use a long focal-length telephoto lens) and will offer support to your camera while ensuring that your picture comes out perfectly. When photographing birds from a vehicle in a game park, a good window support is also useful, while photographing birds in flight, the shoulder stock is very helpful.

Make sue you use the slowest film possible for the conditions you are shooting under. If the light is low, choose film in the ISO 200 and above range. On bright sunny days you can use slower films such as ISO 50.

Bird photography requires that you study their reactions, this means if they become agitated, you need to back off, ensuring that you never put their safety into question.  Remember to avoid photographing nesting birds and never ever stress a bird just for the sake of a  photograph!

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