If you're up for a photography challenge, I've got a good one for you: BIRDS!
Those little fellows are not easy models...
...especially the smaller variety of flittery-jittery birds...
...when they're flying in and out of a bird-feeder for snacks...
...on a very windy, snowy day!
Winter is an ideal time for bird photography--the leaves are off the trees, making the birds easier to spot. But I didn't realize it was so difficult to get good, clear, close-up shots of birds until I set out to do it earlier this week. After some trial and error, I did manage to squeeze out a few decent shots, so here's what I recommend if you'd like to give bird photography a try:
1. Have LOTS of bird seed handy. Think of yourself as the craft services table during the photo shoot--you've got to keep the performers well-fed and happy!
2. If you're shooting from indoors, remove the window screens for the clearest shots. (Don't forget to wipe off any smudges on the panes.)
3. Some birds prefer to eat off the ground instead of from a feeder, so scatter some seeds in a few strategic spots. I noticed this ground-flocking behavior with one of my favorite types of birds, Juncos, and when I looked them up in my "Birds of New Jersey" field guide, it said exactly that: They're most comfortable on the ground.
4. Be patient. Really, reeeeeally patient. Once you fill up the feeders or scatter the seeds, the birds won't just start flocking to them. They take their sweet time to scout out the scene and make sure it's safe from predators.
5. You might need to haul out your extra camera equipment for the quickest or the darkest birds. It was hard for me to capture the details of the jittery Juncos until I started using my telephoto lens mounted on a tripod.
6. Hold your breath when you're ready to shoot. It helps to really slow down your breathing and relax while photographing birds, because they're already giving little twitchy movements--you don't want to add your own!
7. Two photographers are better than one. It's not easy to capture the perfect shot with birds, who flutter away at the slightest sound or motion. If you miss a good shot, your shooting partner might have caught it. My son (who got a new camera for his birthday) took the following two photographs and I gave them the finishing touches in editing. (Didn't he do a great job?)
Tufted Titmouse
White-Breasted Nuthatch
All in all, it was a fun few days of bird-watching with my son, and I think this is just the beginning of our bird photography jaunts. Sometimes, it's good to fly out of your comfort zone and learn a thing or two!
How 'bout you? Have you ever tried your hand at bird photography? Feel free to share or link to your own bird pictures in the comments section--I'd love to take a look!
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