​Practical course on bird photography

There is no need to buy very expensive cameras and lenses, canvas prints but having the right equipment can make shooting simple. Most birds are very thin, so you need a lens of at least 200mm (better than 300mm). A telephoto lens not only allows you to shoot from a distance, it also blurs out the background. It's just that a longer focal length (or larger aperture) means a lens is more expensive, bigger and heavier. With that in mind, I think the 400mm f/5.6 lens is the best, providing as long a focal length as possible while maintaining aperture and portability. Of course, you can also use a 100mm or shorter lens, but you need to find very brave birds, or just use birds as part of landscape photography.

In bird photography, almost any DSLR can be used. However, discount canvas prints if you plan to photograph birds in flight, be aware of the speed, sensitivity and accuracy of the autofocus system. If you don't have an SLR, it's harder to shoot, but don't give up -- I'm sure good photographers can do better with their phones than bad ones with expensive equipment.

It's important to know how to set up your camera for a particular situation.

In bird photography, a telephoto lens is often used, great big canvas australia so if you don't want your picture to be blurry due to a crash, it's important not to use too long a shutter. The rule is that the shutter speed should not exceed the focal length of the lens. For example, if your lens has a focal length of 400mm, the shutter should be within 1/400s. However, this formula only works with full-frame cameras. If your camera is a small sensor, you need to multiply by the focal length conversion factor. The shutter speed limit is 1/640s.

Most cameras and lenses today have anti-shake features that help in low-light environments. With anti-shake, you can use a longer shutter speed, depending on the camera or lens. For example, if a 400mm lens has a level 2 anti-shake rating, you can add a level 2 shutter speed (1/100s). Of course, this rule is not so important if you use a tripod.

If you want to freeze the moment, use a 1/1000s or shorter shutter speed. If you want to show movement, use a 1/60s or longer shutter speed.

The aperture

As most of you probably know, the aperture determines the depth of field. In other words, if you want a more blurry background, use maximum aperture. However, some parts of the bird can easily get out of focus with a long lens, so be sure to pay attention to your focus (usually your eyes). Shrink the aperture a bit if necessary.

Bird photography, like other categories, the lower the sensitivity, the better. However, a clear image with ISO 800 or 1600 is better than a blurry image with ISO 200.

There are three best modes of exposure for birds. If you want to control aperture (depth of field), use aperture first; Want to control the shutter (shooting birds in flight), use shutter priority; if you can handle exposure, use manual mode.

If you shoot dark birds on a light background, you want more dark details and can add some exposure compensation. If you're worried about overexposure, reduce exposure compensation.

Whenever possible, I recommend always shooting in RAW because you can easily adjust Settings like white balance later. The next step is to learn how to get as close to the bird as possible, and then you can film it. Some birds are very brave. You can get close to them. The best example is the white swan.

As long as you don't make any sudden movements, many birds will let you approach. Sometimes this works really well, just make sure the bird doesn't see you and you can sneak up on it and carefully photograph it. When you are on the ground, birds sometimes unexpectedly approach you. Just find a good place, or drop some food, and be patient.

This technique is very useful if you want to photograph birds that are very discreet, or if you need to photograph smaller birds very closely. You can use camouflage tape, mesh, or something in your environment. You can hide near something that preys on birds, or you can put food where you want the birds to be. Sunflower seeds are often the best food. If you want the bird to rest on the branch before eating, put the food under the branch.

Whichever way you choose, be patient. If you don't succeed at first, don't look elsewhere. Sometimes the best way is to come back the next day and try again.

Now, let's talk about the photo itself. We already know what kind of equipment is needed, how to set up the camera, if close to the birds, now it's about how to make the birds look attractive.

It all started with good light. The best time to shoot is in the morning or evening, when the light is soft, the colors are beautiful and there are no heavy shadows, the highlights and dark areas have good detail. There is usually some space left in the direction of the bird to indicate flight. The rule of thirds also works. Try some different compositions and see which one works best. Also, avoid distractions in your photos. One last point: try to shoot at eye level.

Birds are best placed where their habits show. Because birds have very different habits, that says almost everything. The background is not distracting, panoramic canvas print and it's usually better not to have the sky as a background (but not always).