For our January challenge, we encourage our members to explore the genre of bird or wildlife photography. Even though the weather is less than inviting, many of us have a feeder to attract songbirds into our environment. Winter also brings the opportunity to get outside and photograph some of the seasonal migrants such as snow geese or a variety of winter ducks. As an alternative, consider perusing your archives using Alan’s direction for selecting your very best bird or wildlife images to share with our members.
Photographing birds successfully takes preparation, patience, and thoughtfulness in the field. Alan touches on his best practices when out shooting as well as at home working with his images. Some of his tips include:
In the Field
-Use the rules of composition placing bird in the frame
-Look for positioning when the subject appears relaxed and natural making eye contact with the camera
-Consider your perspective, try to get on their level. Stay low for birds on the ground or in the water.
-Watch your background to minimize clutter and distracting elements
-An attractive perch makes a more attractive image.
-Consider a wider angle showing the habitat or environment. It tells a story.
-Show subjects behavior such as hunting, display, singing, fighting, bathing etc.
-Avoid the presence of the “hand of man” (No feeders in the frame)
Birds in Flight
-Shoot FAST (Alan shoots at 1/8000) and at a high frame rate.
-Use tracking features on your camera
-When selecting your best image, consider wing position. Feature the color and structure of the wing and watch out for shadows thrown by the outstretched wing.
-Shoot flight angled toward you, not flying away.
Selection and Processing
-All the above should be evaluated when selecting your best images.
-Crop for composition, clone distracting elements, reduce noise.
-Look for a picture within a picture.
Examples are headshots (portraits) or emphasizing a behavior.
Alan shares these points and more in detail. If you missed the presentation, the recording is available and can be viewed until January 10 (the link to the recording was emailed to all LVPC members). It is full of tips that one should consider when out creating images as well as selecting what to process.