Beginners Guide to Bird Photography with Simple Gear (VIDEO)
You don’t have to be an experienced wildlife photographer with exotic gear to capture memorable photos of our feathered friends. Nor is it necessary to travel far from home, because there are numerous opportunities at local parks, a nearby nature reserve, or even in the comfort of your backyard.
This basic primer comes to us from the India-based Adventure with Lens YouTube channel—a great gateway into the untamed world of wildlife where every how-to video takes you closer to the heart of nature and travel photography. They also discuss important issues regarding conservation and the environment.
Our unnamed instructor introduces today’s seven-minute episode like this: “In this beginner-friendly guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the best camera settings to simple field tips for getting stunning bird shots—whether you’re shooting in your backyard or at a sanctuary.”
Your outing begins by understanding how to make the most of your location and the best times of day to shoot, depending upon the species you expect to encounter. Proper equipment is also part of the discussion, and you’ll learn the best camera and lens options for those on a tight budget.
Next on the agenda is configuring the camera with correct settingafor stationary subjects, fast-moving birds, or those on the wing. A bit of stealth is also essential, and our instructor has some interesting advice for approaching cautious birdswithout disturbing them—especially if you’re shooting without an ultra-long lens.
Once you’re all set up and ready to go, the last task is thoughtful, creative composition that accentuates your subject, guides the viewer’s eyes through the frame, and enables you to tell a compelling visual story. These skills can make the difference between a decent shot and one that’s spectacular.
The Adventure with Lens YouTube channel is a great resource for all types of wildlife photography techniques whether your subjects are adorned with features or fur.
And on a related note, check out an earlier tutorial we featured with another bird photography expert who demonstrates when, why, and how to use your camera’s different Shutter modes for optimum results when photographing animals in various situations.
