|
Ever spot a quail perched protectively on a weathered
gray stump and thought, "That would make a great picture!"? Watching our backyard feathered friends is
an amazing hobby with many great images we wish we could preserve. Capturing the color, character and beauty of
nature in photos is a fun and rewarding hobby. Of course, it takes skill and practice to get a professional photo like this one, but with a little beginner's luck and some helpful hints, you might just come up with some good shots.
A GOOD START
If you have bird feeders or a birdbath in your yard, you're
halfway there. Many bird-watchers and
photographers trek into the wilds to wait and wait for their chance at a
shot. You have already provided the
attraction, now set yourself up to shoot the action.
LOCATION
Choose where you are going to try to photograph the birds
and position your feeder conveniently close.
You will need a "blind" to hide yourself in, because most birds are easily scared away by humans. If you have a window in your home or garage that you can "hide
out" in, then place the feeder close by. Make sure to keep the glass clean. Also, observe the surrounding scenery and
background so you choose what pleases you and might look good in the
photo. If dead branches are nearby,
trim them back so that only a convenient and simple perch is available near the
feeder.
If you are serious about setting yourself up in a "blind", then get out the old camping tent a
few days before and let the birds get used to it, then stalk the wild kingdom
of your backyard domain.
KNOW YOUR SUBJECT
After placing your feeder, sit back and observe. Study your subject, his habits and patterns. It always helps to research the particular
birds you are watching to understand his feeding, breeding and nesting habits. The more you know about him, the better. You can anticipate his moves and save
yourself time. By simply watching the
hummingbird, you will soon see a pattern in when and how often he returns to the feeder
and how long he will stay at each visit. Notice what time of day the Scrub Jay likes to visit your feeder. All helpful info when setting up a photo session for taking pictures of backyard birds.
EQUIPMENT
Whether using a conventional 35mm camera, or a digital
camera, it is important to have a fast shutter speed and a steady camera. If using a 35 mm camera, use film that is
slower, usually around 400 iso, so that the pictures will not be too
grainy. The faster films produce a
grainier picture that does not enlarge well.
A shutter speed of at least 1/500 second will help in
catching the quick movements of birds.
For a clear and focused shot, use a tripod or steady your camera on a
windowsill, car door, or sit and use your knee if necessary. A remote control is helpful if you want
to set your camera on a windowsill, set
the focus just right, and sit back and wait.
Use the longest focal lens you can find, at least a 300 mm
range if possible. These can be pricey,
so moving up on your subject might be a more economical method. Never go closer than about 4 feet.
Digital cameras are nice, if there is not too much of a
delay between pushing the button and shutter action. You just might loose your good shots. Digital gives you the luxury of proofing your shots immediately
and changing the background, lighting or angle.
Sometimes a flash is the best way to capture the bright
colors up close. Experiment with each
setting and lighting.
If you are not satisfied with the digital picture download
appearance, you can experiment with a photo-editing program to increase color
saturation to bring back the colorful feathers, beaks or feet. Cropping can make a world of difference in
the composition of a shot, including or excluding objects that detract from the
main subject. This is a whole new art
form!
COMPOSITION
Make the picture live.
Shoot something that is interesting.
Birds doing something that birds do: singing, playing with friends,
posing, strutting, eating.
LIGHTING
Many professionals like dramatic side or back-lighting
provided at dawn or dusk. Dawn is a
softer light, dusk more striking and bright.
A back-lit subject requires adjustments in shutter speed. Many digital cameras have automatic
settings for back-lit subjects. Read up
on your own equipment for new ideas.
Experiment until you like what you see.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Study other bird photos that you particularly like. What is it that makes them attractive? Is it the position of the bird in the
frame? Or, do you like the lighting or
the background? Do you like to notice
what is behind the bird and does it bring out his colors, or does it detract
from them? You will get good ideas that you can try to copy in your own photos.
DON’T GET DISCOURAGED!
If at first you don't succeed and the bird looks like a little speck in
the picture, just move closer and try, try again. The closer the better! Eventually, you will come up with
something that really pleases you. Even
the pros take many shots before they get a winner!
GOOD LUCK!! (Copyright Photo by Ted Steinke)
Home www.BackyardBirdsandGardens.com
|
Education