Digital Photographer - UK (2019-08)

Your own garden can

be a fruitful place to

find a wide variety of

birds, particularly if

you’re short on time.

if you don’t have a

green space, head to

a local park or reserve.

capturing exotic

or migratory bird

species (or those with

a niche habitat, such

as seabirds) means

travelling further afield.

Location, location: home or away?

The distance you travel depends on your desired subject

Wildlife is seasonal, and a nature diary can
become an invaluable resource to build up
your knowledge. Keeping a photographer’s
journal is a good way to track your sightings
and species from each shoot – it’s worthwhile
even if you just make basic notes on your
smartphone. As well as the date, time and
weather, jot down your favourite lighting
angles and describe other features of the
habitat, such as foliage and flowers.
If you do your research properly, you should
find a location where your intended subject
visits often and – in some cases – where a
hide can be positioned easily. Just remember
to get the landowner’s permission before
setting up a hide on private land.

Garden birds

set up perches such as

teasels and branches

to photograph birds

more naturally in your

own garden

Below

Tawny owl

The photographer

used Manual

mode to

expose this owl

within a dark

woodland habitat

Left

Pleasing

portraits

Taken at a low

angle, a 600mm

focal length

compresses the

background to

create this simple

profile shot of a

purple sandpiper

“If you’re new to bird photography,

start shooting in your local area”

© Lauren Scott

EYE on THE SKY

There is always an element of

luck with wildlife photography,

but the right planning, fieldcraft

and settings will increase your

chances of a better shot

x2© Sean Weekly

go DEEpEr

understanding how

specific bird species

behave will make it easier

for you to plan your

on-location photography

© Lauren Scott

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Bird PhoTograPhY