Bird photography is a logical and exciting way to expand and enrich the hobby of bird watching. Following is some basic information on some of the equipment that's recommended for photographing birds, and some tips for getting great results.
Bird-Photography Equipment
- To take good photos of birds you'll need a high-quality 35mm camera (figure A). With this type of camera, you have the choice of shooting print or slide film. Many nature photographers prefer slide film since it tends to yield better image quality overall. (You can still have prints made from individual color slides if you wish.)
- You'll also need a good tripod for your camera (figure B). A tripod prevents camera-shake and helps you get sharp pictures without blurring.
- A tripod is also recommended since, with bird photography, you'll want to use a long focal-length telephoto lens (figure C). To the "bring the birds in close," you'll want a lens of at least 400mm. A tripod is essential for holding the camera steady, particularly when using a long lens.
- If you want to document your bird-watching with video, get a high-quality digital video-camera (figure D). This will allow you to capture video images of birds in high resolution and with good image quality. Mini-DV tape is available in 60-minute cassettes, and is reasonably priced.
- A good, strong tripod is also recommended for videography. The tripod should have the ability to allow the camera to tilt and pan, and a long handle for added control (figure E). Adjustable resistance on the tripod will assist you in getting smooth pans when following your subject as it moves.
Bird-Photography Tips
- Typically, the best times to photograph birds is in the early morning and the late afternoon. These times of day are characterized by more beautiful and subdued, low-angled lighting that is more conducive to quality images.
- When photographing birds, always move very slowly to minimize the possibility of frightening your subject away.
- Begin photographing from a distance, and with a wider lens angle, to photograph birds in a larger context. Then carefully move (or zoom) in more closely to get detailed photographs.
- Utilized natural visual barriers, such as vegetation, to block the birds' view of you and provide concealment as you take pictures.
- Read and learn about the behaviors of bird species you intend to photograph. The more you know about your subject, the more likely you are to be able to approach them successfully and get good photos.
- In some situations, birds are less fearful of vehicles than they are people. You can sometimes use your car as a "blind" (figure F) -- and successfully take photos of birds who might fly away if you were to get out of your car. There are car-mounts available that will allow you to steady your camera on your car with your window rolled down.
- You may have some of your best luck with bird photography at wildlife preserves and bird sanctuaries. Frequently, bird residents of these areas have grown somewhat accustomed to human spectators, and may allow you to approach more closely (figure G).
- Be patient. Bird photography requires subtlety, careful observation and perception. Patience and time spent will be rewarded with great photos.
- Be ethical and Earth-conscious. Never do anything that harms or disturbs birds or other animals in the wild, or damages the ecosystems in which they live. Don't litter. Take nothing out of wildlife sanctuaries or wilderness areas except what you brought in with you. Leave behind only footprints.
RESOURCES :
Stokes Butterfly Book
Model: 0316817805
Author: Donald and Lillian Stokes and Ernest Williams
October 1991
Little, Brown & Co.
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-227-0730
Fax: 800-286-9471
National Audubon Society
700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 979-3000
Fax: (212) 979-3188
Web site: www.audubon.org
Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs: Western Region
Model: 157042588
Author: Kevin Colver, Donald Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Stokes Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds (A Stokes Backyard Nature Book)
Model: 0316817457
Author: Donald Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Stokes Beginner's Guide to Shorebirds
Model: 0316816965
Author: Donald Stokes, Thomas Young, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Don and Lillian Stokes' website
Stokes Birds at Home
Website: www.stokesbirdsathome.com
Stokes Birdhouse Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Nesting Birds
Model: 0316817147
Author: Donald W. Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
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