Decoding the Unspoken: The Silent Language of Bird Photography

Bird photography is more than just taking pictures. It is an art form that requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of your subjects. Every click of the shutter captures not just a bird but also a moment of emotion and a story waiting to be told.

It's the subtle nuances that can make all the difference to your bird photography - a hobby that is equal parts challenging - sometimes frustrating - but rewarding.

Understanding Bird Behaviour

Knowing your subject is key to capturing stunning images. Birds can be unpredictable, quickly influenced by factors like their environment, season, and social interactions and going into 'flight mode' - meaning you can miss shot-after-shot if you're not careful.

By observing quietly over time, you become familiar with your subject and can anticipate movements and capture unforgettable moments. It's the not-so-secret formula for getting a successful shot.

OK, well that's all nice and good BUT HOW?

1: Find the food. Look for feeding hotspots and food sources. Find out what your target species likes to eat. Sometimes I'll see a flowering shrub and sit nearby to see who comes past for a taste. If I notice swarms of insects, it's usually a great place to hang around. (Don't forget the bug repellant 😅)

2: Find the water. Lakes, riverbanks, estuaries and waterways where birds gather can yield fantastic results. These areas can host hundreds of migrating birds, providing remarkable opportunities for dynamic shots. Often a more exotic species is tucked in with the common local birds, so make sure you spend time observing before approaching too quickly or passing up on the bird selection.

3: Bird of a feather stick together. Many eyes mean extra safety from predators. Many types of birds stick out together, especially small birds. I find this really helpful in windy conditions where I'll often locate a wide variety of species sheltering together in the one spot.

The clue can be the common species you hear in the distance but aren't really interested in photographing (Grey Fantails spring to mind 😁). Approach carefully for a closer look and see who they are hanging out with, you might be surprised!

The Art of Composition

Composition is key to visually striking bird photography. Capturing creative compositions means being adaptive and not being afraid to step outside of the box. I love to experiment with different techniques. Lots of them don't work out, but having a tool kit of ideas means I can make the most of the conditions that present themselves - which are mostly far from ideal.

Try not to go on location with expectations. Instead, be open to possibilities, keep eyes and ears alert and be ready work with what you have.

'Clean' shots with minimal clutter usually work best, but for a more unique shot, try including surrounding elements of nature that add to the story. In the photo below I used a technique 'Shooting Through Objects' to achieve a soft colourful blur to frame the subject.

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Patience and Perseverance

I know I keep banging on about this, but the right headspace is a BIG part of getting successful shot. Bird photography requires A LOT of patience and determination. Unlike other types of photography, capturing birds in their natural habitats means sometimes waiting for hours, days, weeks or even years to attempt to capture that special moment.

Many stunning photographs are the result of long waits. Bird photography legend Jan Wegener revealed in a recent video he took 8 years to get a particular shot! Such dedication leads to remarkable images.

The Power of Light & Colour

Light and colour can play powerful roles in introducing emotion, creating a sense of drama, calm, vibrancy or even fun. Think bright pops of colour compared to a muted tonal palette.and highlighting details that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Look around - what is the colour palette? Is is bright or muted? Analyse the light and how it's working with colour in the landscape. Think about how you can best work it to your advantage. I keep my eyes out for block of colour which, from a distance, can provide a perfectly toned blurred background if I'm in the right spot.

QUICK TIP: When on location, look through the viewfinder and circle around, paying attention to how the light looks in different directions. Position yourself to optimise!

Capturing Emotion and Storytelling

Great bird photography is about storytelling and conveying emotion. A well-composed shot can showcase a bird's personality and tell the viewer something about them they haven't seen or don't know.

Offer insight into the environment. Extremely clean shots are all the rage, but TBH I find myself scrolling past very clean shots these days unless they have another ingredient, as are they are the norm rather than the exception.

I see bird photography moving past this trend into something more creative.

Action shots always captivate and there's a good reason for that. The high shutter speed of modern cameras captures far more than we could ever see with our eyes and it's fascinating! You don't necessarily have to have every element razor sharp, but rule of thumb: ALWAYS have the eye sharp if it's visible. It's the natural focal point and if it's not sharp....

Capturing moments resonate deeply with viewers, creating a connection between the photographer, the bird, and the viewer.

Respecting Wildlife

As photographers, it is essential to respect the wildlife we capture. Ethical bird photography means minimising disturbance to birds and their habitats. Always keep a safe distance and avoid nesting areas. If you notice a bird becoming stressed or overly alert, step back and give more space.

Practicing this kind of respect not only benefits the birds but also enhances the reputation of the photography community as a whole. I have noticed some resentment between bird watchers who observe from afar, and photographers who - let's face it - do need to get much closer than someone with a telescope checking birds off a list. Unfortunately there are bad apples but please don't be one of them, even if it is tempting sometimes. I am particularly secretive if I come across young or nesting birds

Post-Processing Techniques

After capturing your images, post-processing plays a vital role in refining your photos. I'm not one for complex photoshop edits, but don't underestimate the power of small adjustments to exposure, contrast and colour balance - it can drastically improve your images. Re-editing older photos is a perfect rainy day activity and can show you just how much you've progressed.

I personally prefer a fairly natural style so I'm wary of over editing, as it ruins more photos than under-editing. But occasionally I like to lash out and push something a lot further just to see what happens. Experimentation can be fun and there's always the reset button!

Engaging with a Community of Bird Photographers

Connecting with the bird photography community is invaluable for growth and skill improvement. Participating in forums, attending workshops, or joining local birding groups can provide valuable feedback, support, and inspiration.

Online courses can be great, but with no one to discuss ideas with or talk to in person: it's not surprising the completion rate for this type of training is low. I have wasted plenty of money on 'cheap' courses that I never finished as they're often just an overwhelming dump of hours of video and lessons that I find it hard to make sense or find the time for.

Sharing experiences with other photographers opens doors to new techniques and fresh perspectives and many of us turn to social media to connect with others. I'm sure I don't need to tell you there is a dark side. I've repeatedly seen people become very disheartened when the photo they are quite proud of gets ignored.

Don't slip into the self-destructive habit of comparing yourself to others. If you find yourself feeling like your work doesn't match up as you're browsing your favourite photographers latest amazing works, change the internal messaging. Put your criticism for yourself aside and swap it for your analytical hat: ask 'what do I specifically like about this photo and how can I achieve it?' Break down the technical elements and make mental notes for your next field trip.

What's worked for me: talking with people I meet in the field (great for insights on finding birds!) Lots of YouTube tutorials. Meeting up with and talking on the phone to other photographers. My local photo club (I don't go often but always glad when I do). A small supportive group of friends from afar that I chat with on Instagram. And recently I've been enjoying Reddit threads.

Want to chat? I'd love to talk birds and photography with you! Book a zoom with me here:

https://calendly.com/flyingparrot/photographysurvey

Final Thoughts

Bird photography is a rewarding journey into silent communication with nature. By spending time observing, knowing your settings, honing composition skills, and practicing patience, you're on the path to creating stunning images that tell meaningful stories.

Each photograph captures a moment that not only freezes time but also tells the untold narratives of our feathered friends. As you embark on this exhilarating journey, remember to respect nature, embrace learning, and engage with the vibrant community of fellow bird enthusiasts.

What will you discover while behind the lens?