Backyard Bird Photography Tips

Discuss everything including the optimal equipment, seasons, techniques and tips for capturing excellent photos.

Moderators: Brenda, Kelly

Post Reply
User avatar
Matt
President
President
Posts: 13374
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:01 pm
Camera Model: Olympus OMD EM-1 m1, m2; Panasonic GM5, Osmo Pocket
Location: Rochester, NY
Contact:

Share your Backyard Bird Photography tips here.
thedeepestsleep
Junior
Junior
Posts: 59
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2011 1:34 pm
Camera Model: Nikon D90
Location: York, Pennsylvania.

It is much easier to get closer to the birds when it is cold out, because the birds are more concerned about eating as much as possible, not some dude with a camera. This is especially if you are like me and you don't have a long telephoto lens, and rely on getting super close.
User avatar
Kelly
Editor
Editor
Posts: 5601
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:23 am
Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D, EOS 7D Mi & ii, Rebel t3i, Canon M50
Location: West Henrietta, NY
Contact:

To add to what thedeepestsleep said......birds can sense a storm brewing. They will be out in large numbers, scouting food just before it hits. Hunker down and get ready for the fun.

As many frames per second as your camera (and memory card) can handle.

If it's a close portrait, get that eye in focus. With very few exceptions - that's your main goal.

Controversial, I know. But use flash only sparingly - if at all. Be patient til the light is right and the birds are where you want them. This is where understanding and predicting bird behavior is helpful. Spend time observing before you ever get your camera out.
I am strong, because I've been weak.
I am fearless, because I've been afraid.
I am wise, because I've been foolish.

- Unknown

My NYFalls.com Team Page
Scenes from a Public Market
New York Historic
User avatar
Kelly
Editor
Editor
Posts: 5601
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:23 am
Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D, EOS 7D Mi & ii, Rebel t3i, Canon M50
Location: West Henrietta, NY
Contact:

Not a tip. Just a frustration. Nuthatches have to be the most difficult backyard bird to get a decent photograph of. Yes, even harder than hummingbirds! They are the least predictable of any bird I've come across. I just can't crack their bird behavior code..... :fraz: :cry: They're just like little bundles of feathers full of gallons of caffeine.
I am strong, because I've been weak.
I am fearless, because I've been afraid.
I am wise, because I've been foolish.

- Unknown

My NYFalls.com Team Page
Scenes from a Public Market
New York Historic
User avatar
Matt
President
President
Posts: 13374
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:01 pm
Camera Model: Olympus OMD EM-1 m1, m2; Panasonic GM5, Osmo Pocket
Location: Rochester, NY
Contact:

David Sibley didn't crack the code?
User avatar
Kelly
Editor
Editor
Posts: 5601
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:23 am
Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D, EOS 7D Mi & ii, Rebel t3i, Canon M50
Location: West Henrietta, NY
Contact:

Matt wrote:David Sibley didn't crack the code?
[amazon=978-1400043866]The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior[/amazon]? Great book. I have it on my shelf. In fact, my copy came with a telling post-it note. ;)

It's micro predicting I'm working on for photographing these buggers. Think of the most emotional woman you've ever been around. No book on the subject, no matter how renowned, can tell you what she may do from one split second to the next. Generalize? Yes! Micro predict? Nope. And so it goes with the nuthatch. Only worse.


Image
I am strong, because I've been weak.
I am fearless, because I've been afraid.
I am wise, because I've been foolish.

- Unknown

My NYFalls.com Team Page
Scenes from a Public Market
New York Historic
Post Reply