There are many ways to photograph birds in flight. The most obvious is with a zoom lens, but I prefer to use my camera’s built-in telephoto setting. My preferred technique for photographing birds in flight involves placing my camera on a sturdy tripod and taking several shots of each bird. First, I aim the camera at the bird and set the shutter speed for 1/60 sec. This allows the camera to focus and acquire the image before the bird flies away. I then lower the camera to about eye level, aim the lens upwards, and take a few more images. This gives me two separate images of the same bird, but the difference between the two images will be clearer. This is because the first image has been taken at a closer range, whereas the second image has been taken at a greater distance.
In this article we discuss two techniques.
The first method, called high-speed photography, enables you to photograph birds as they fly. The second method, called telephoto photography, allows you to photograph a bird flying towards the camera.
Table of Contents
High-speed photography
As soon as you spot a bird in the sky, immediately begin taking pictures. As soon as you click the shutter button, your camera’s autofocus system will begin searching for a suitable subject. Once focused, your camera will begin to fire off short bursts of rapid bursts of light. The faster your camera is set up, the more accurate the resulting image will be. It is essential that your camera is set up for the highest speed setting.
Telephoto photography
The most difficult aspect of bird photography is getting the birds in flight to stay in focus. It’s difficult because birds are constantly moving and changing direction. Since birds are so small, it can be challenging to find them in the viewfinder, especially when they’re flying.
The best way to photograph birds in flight is to use a telephoto lens with a long focal length (200mm or more). This will allow you to get closer to your subject without disturbing it too much. If you have a camera that allows you to zoom using the lens instead of the body, then this will help as well, since you can just get closer without panning around too much.
The next time you see a bird in flight, take a few photographs. Your camera will automatically select the best image. To ensure that the selected photo is taken from the perfect angle, switch to manual focus. This allows you to move the focusing ring around your lens to make adjustments. If you don’t do this you could end up with an unflattering portrait.
How to get a closer shot
To get a closer shot, you can:
Use a longer focal length.
Use a longer exposure.
Use a lower ISO.
You can also use a slower shutter speed. But don’t use a fast shutter speed if you are shooting against the light. If the light is coming from behind the bird, you can’t use a fast shutter speed because the light will be too bright. In this situation, you would have to use an ISO setting of 200 or higher, but if you are shooting in daylight this would mean that your images would be too grainy to be useful.
You could also use a tripod to stabilize the camera. If you are using a DSLR, you could use a tripod, although the extra equipment can be quite heavy. You could also use a monopod (a single pole stand) which will weigh much less and take up far less room than a tripod.
You can also use the ‘self-timer’ function. Set your timer for 1/4 second or 1/2 second and take a picture. This will not only stop the camera from taking the picture, it will also reduce any unwanted blurriness in the resulting image.
Finally, don’t forget to experiment with the settings on your camera. Change the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO settings until you find a combination that works well for the type of photography you want to do.
Try a macro lens
Some cameras are built to take close-up shots. Some have a macro lens built in. Using this lens, you can take a picture that is magnified by a factor of 10 times. You can then enlarge the resulting image to any size.
Taking bird pictures
It’s important to note that some species of bird are more photogenic than others. For example, pigeons are easier to photograph than starlings. Some people even find it easier to photograph a sparrow than a robin. The best time to photograph birds is just before they take off, so you can avoid having to wait for them to return.
Use continuous shooting mode
If you’re using an entry-level DSLR that only has one focal plane phase detection autofocus sensor, then it’s unlikely your camera will be able to continuously autofocus on moving subjects like birds in flight without using continuous shooting mode (or “AI Servo” mode).
Remember to use a flash.
Most bird photography requires you to use a flash to illuminate the scene. However, if you are photographing a bird against the light of the sun, you should not use a flash. A flash will cause the bird to flutter in panic.
Do check the weather forecast.
It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast so that you know what to expect. This will help you plan ahead and make sure that you’ve got everything you need, including a tripod.
Where to find birds in flight
You will usually have the best chance of getting a picture of a bird in flight if it is flying over water. So, to find these areas, try to find a coastal area or a reservoir.
Use a wide angle lens.
A wide angle lens will enable you to include the whole scene in your picture. This will give you a greater range of options and make it easier to frame your shot.
Be patient.
Photographing birds in flight may be a difficult process. It takes patience to wait for the right moment. You may have to go back several times to get the best shot.
Get down on their level.
If possible, try shooting from below the flying bird. This will allow you to get an interesting angle on your subject that would otherwise be impossible from a higher vantage point.
Shoot during peak hours of activity.
There are certain times when birds tend to be more active than others — usually early morning or late afternoon/early evening — so if possible, shoot during these times of day whenever possible!
Experiment.
If you want to take a particular picture, don’t just rely on the settings that your camera offers. Try using different settings to get the exact look you want.
Choose the right bird.
If you want to take a picture of a specific bird in flight, you will need to work out which species it is. It will help to know its name, habits, and feeding and nesting habits.
Know your surroundings.
When taking pictures, you need to consider the effects of your surroundings. For example, you might want to avoid taking pictures of birds in areas where there are lots of people.
Keep the background clean.
The most attractive backgrounds are often those that are free from distracting elements such as buildings and vehicles.
Take many shots.
Try to take a number of pictures of the same bird. This will enable you to choose the best one later.
Use a timer.
Set your camera to take a picture every few seconds. This will allow you to take as many pictures as possible.
Capture the perfect moment.
While taking a picture of a bird in flight, you will need to focus on the moment. Be aware of the bird’s movements and make sure that you catch the bird in mid-air.
Do take notes.
Record as much information about your bird as possible: its color, species, and any markings. This will help you identify the bird later.