Bird Photography Tips & Tricks

Eagle in Flight Handheld 1/1250’s Iso 100 F/8 Nikon d850 group focus points on continuous focus mode.

There are numerous videos and blogs online about bird photography, and here, I'll share what has worked for me. Bird photography demands practice, especially in swiftly locating and tracking your subjects. Here are my insights into bird photography:

Finding the Subject in the Viewfinder:

Locating the subject at the strongest zoom can be challenging. Practice at home by setting your lens to maximum power and bringing your camera up without moving your eyes or head. If unsuccessful, adjust and repeat until mastered.

Following Birds in Flight:

Mastering bird photography in flight involves the following:

• Prefer handheld shooting for agility.

• Set shutter speed to a minimum of 1/500 (1/1250 preferred) for freezing action.

• Maintain a solid stance with planted feet and stabilize your arms for precise shots.

• Be patient and practice with simpler subjects before venturing into the wild.

Camera Settings:

My preferred settings are as follows; however, feel free to adjust based on your evolving style:

• Focus Points: Use continuous focus, and adjust settings based on your camera model.

• Aperture: Aim for f/8 to ensure focus on the bird's eyes, beak, and body.

• Shutter Speed: Maintain a minimum of 1/500, increasing to 1/1600 if light conditions permit.

• ISO: Leave it on Auto for versatility, adjusting exposure compensation as needed.

• Exposure Compensation: Familiarize yourself with this feature to fine-tune exposure in-camera.

• Histogram: Check your histogram, ensuring peaks are to the right without hitting the extreme right to reduce noise.

Last Few Tips:

• Learn bird behavior to anticipate their actions.

• Exercise patience; great shots often require waiting.

• Experiment with settings, combining suggestions with your ideas for a unique style.

To book a workshop with me, please contact me here.