FLIGHT SCHOOL

Stop winging it! Learn how to photograph birds in the air with top tips from wildlife pro Andrew Mason

Photographing birds in flight is one of the most challenging and demanding areas of wildlife photography, and perhaps even photography in general. The advanced AF systems and fast burst speeds of the latest DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have certainly made life easier, and I'll be the first to admit that I wouldn't be without my Nikon Z 9 and super-telephoto primes. However, even the best camera equipment that money can buy will only get you so far. Capturing birds in flight requires a high level of skill, and takes a lot of practice to perfect.

By following these tips, you can fast-track your birds-in-flight photography so that you're out of the starting blocks like a peregrine falcon. If you're willing to put the work in, the results will be spectacular and rewarding.

1 STUDY YOUR SUBJECT 

Learn as much as you can about your subject’s behaviour before heading out into the field. Find out when and where it’s active, how fast it flies, and how it behaves on the wing. All species are different, and learning their behaviour is key to anticipating their next move and successfully photographing them.