How to Shoot & Edit Brilliant Bird Photos in Bad Light (VIDEO)
Harsh midday sun may be great for working on your tan at the beach but when it comes to photographing birds, well, not so much. We all prefer shooting under more favorable conditions early in the day when birds are more active, or at Golden Hour in late afternoon when the landscaped is bathed in beautiful warm light.
Unfortunately, we all have obligations that may prevent us from getting out in the field at prime time, but this tutorial from Wild Parrot Photography will inspire you to embrace “bad” light with simple techniques for shooting brilliant, midday photos of our feathered friends.
Instructor Sonia is an Australian bird photographer whose instructional YouTube channel is devoted to “helping you find art in nature and boosting your creative confidence when shooting in the field under all conditions.” So if you think that midday sun means packing up your gear and waiting for Golden Hour, think again!
Sonia describe today’s episode like this: “I’m sharing 15 practical tips that will help you capture and edit spectacular bird photos even when the light isn’t optimal.” By following her shooting and post-processing tips you’ll be surprised at the quality of your bird photos—even when shooting during your lunch hour.
The lesson covers a wide range of topics in 10 minutes, including the camera settings Sonia recommends, the power of unique camera angles, and understanding when it’s time to switch up your vantage point relative to the sun. A thoughtful approach to composition is also part of the game.
Expect to be inspired by the amazing photographs Sonia uses to illustrate her in-camera techniques and the manner in which she enhances them during post processing. Be sure to check out the Wild Parrot Photography YouTube channel, especially if wildlife photography is your thing.
And don’t miss the related tutorial we featured recently from another experienced wildlife expert who demonstrates how to use your camera’s Spot Metering mode to capture beautiful nature images with perfect exposure—even when the light isn’t right.
