How To Get That Perfect Bird Image?

Bird photography is known as one of the most challenging genre of photography. Apart from good equipment there are other factors that influence this genre like studying the behavioural pattern of birds you are photographing. This is also one of those genres that need at least a crop sensor camera with a 300mm telephoto on the minimal side. Combined with this one should have a steady hand to focus on small objects, flying birds, good composition and proper exposure.

- Sanchit Mishra

Direction of Light

Capturing images of birds depends on the natural light available. while some photographers tend to use external lights like flashes, this isn’t advisable. unless you want to capture something artistic, it is best to capture birds in direct light and the most ideal angle is from the front of the light source and not against it. this results us to have a crisp bird image, which will be easier to expose. this will make the bird portrait look beautiful and elegant.

Time of the Day to Shoot Birds

Like every outdoor shoot, early morning and evening are the perfect times for capturing images of bird. There are two significant reasons to snap them at a particular time. The first is because the birds will be more active at this time of the day than any other. This will help in spotting the birds easily and the second reason is that the light during this time is not harsh making the images look soft without any harsh shadows.

Camera settings for Bird Photography

The best mode to use for bird photography is the Manual mode or the Shutter Priority mode. Manual mode is advisable when you are capturing images in one direction and the light is consistent for some period of time. The photographer will have to keep changing the camera settings a little after every frame to get proper exposure of birds, both dark and light in colour, without the exposure metering spoiling it.