B
irds are a majestic and wondrous
group of species, capable of inciting
awe and emotion wherever they
fly. 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 being said, there’s birding potential
to be found wherever you live. Your own
garden or local park is a likely haven for
bird life, providing a variety of feathered
subjects to hone your skills on.
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 outin the field yourself. We’ll start with the
importance of research on different
species, calls and behaviours – get under
the skin of your subject and you’ll be able
to photograph it in a more enjoyable and
successful way.
Expect a rundown of techniques for
impactful imagery too, such as panning
birds in flight, or capturing simple yet
stunning portraits. As bird photography
is a genre that requires specialist lenses,
make sure you’ve got the best kit for the
job and remedy the easy 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, read our no-nonsense
guide to take off.Lauren Scott and Sean Weekly share the skills you
need to capture avian images with a difference
BIRD
PHOTOS
ExpErt guidE to BEttEr
Techniques