Bird photography
By Gil Tuzon
Contributing Writer
Of all the nature shots I've explored so far, nothing compares to the exhilaration obtained from bird photography. There is always that dynamism of imminent movement that puts the heart beat in a crescendo. The variety of colors, forms and behaviors of birds keeps the interest in looking for more to photograph. One is mesmerized with the elegance of the nesting or the forcefulness of hunting flights. The challenge is not on capturing bird images. The challenge is capturing satisfying moments.
Appreciation of nature
Before one pursues the "hows" of photographing birds, one must first ask the "whys." Photographic birding is not about just capturing bird images but more of a state of mind the ability to enjoy nature and have fun doing so.
Different photographic techniques abound but seldom is there a discussion on the appropriate attitude. If ones goal is just to look for bird subjects and try to take shots, the success factor will be limited and frustrations easily obtained.
Appreciation of nature must be the prime motive in any photographic birding adventure. Capturing images is only a bonus. When the mindset is conditioned to this motive, the satisfaction level and fun factor increases. If some shots do not materialize, charge it to experience, as there is always another day. If all you capture are body parts, take them home and who knows, you may be able to do image stitching to form a "new" species. With the right attitude, one can proceed with the basic requirements.
A whole book on the subject is needed to cover all the ins and outs of digital camera settings and techniques for photographing birds. But to begin, here are the very basic requirements and setups that I find work well.
Getting close to the subject
A critical factor related to photographic equipment is the ability to get closer to the subject. Unless one has a stealthy nature, any small movement would scare away most birds, especially small ones. One needs to use a camera with good zooming capabilities for effective photographic birding.
Sometimes a 3X or up to 5X zoom just won't cut it except for photographing the ever present Mallard ducks and Canada Geese where even close up shots are highly possible. A number of 10X and 12X affordable zoom cameras are now on the market. I use a Panasonic FZ20 with a 12X zoom plus a 1.5X teleconverter add-on to stretch my reach. This setup gives me 648mm (35mm equivalent) at maximum optical zoom. Using a long zoom requires image stabilization. If your camera doesn't have a stabilized lens, use a monopod or tripod with a pan head.
Photos Copyright 2005 Gil Tuzon All rights reserved
