Photography Masterclass Magazine
TIPS TO CAPTURE BIRDS IN FLIGHT
Here are some practical tips on how to physically capture photos of birds in flight, including how to hold your camera if shooting handheld.
1. STANCE AND HOLDING TECHNIQUE
Adopt a stable and balanced stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to provide a solid foundation. Hold your camera close to your body: This minimizes camera shake and allows for more controlled movements.
2. HAND-HOLDING TECHNIQUE
Cradle the lens: Support the weight of your camera and lens by cradling the lens with your lefthand underneath. This provides stability and control. Use your right hand for control: Grip the camera with your right hand, keeping your index finger on the shutter button. This allows for quick and precise shots.
3. PANNING TECHNIQUE
Practice smooth panning: When tracking a bird in flight, pan your camera along with the movement of the bird. This technique helps maintain focus on the bird while creating a sense of motion in the background. Keep the bird in the frame: Anticipate the bird's movement and try to keep it centered in your frame as you follow its path.
4. CONTINUOUS SHOOTING MODE
Use burst mode: Set your camera to continuous shooting mode to capture a series of shots in rapid succession. This increases the chances of getting a perfectly timed shot during dynamic bird movements.
5. FOCUS AND TRACKING
Utilize continuous autofocus: Enable continuous or AI Servo autofocus mode to keep the bird in focus as it moves. This mode adjusts focus continuously, crucial for dynamic subjects. Select the right focus point: Choose a single-point or dynamic-area autofocus mode to pinpoint your focus on the bird, avoiding distractions in the background.
6. ZOOM AND COMPOSITION
Zoom out for initial tracking: When a bird is at a distance, zoom out to easily locate and track it in your viewfinder. Zoom in for detailed shots when the bird gets closer. Pay attention to composition: Aim to capture the bird with appealing backgrounds and consider the rule of thirds for a balanced composition. An remember if you are using a camera with a high enough megapixel count you can always crop your image in postproduction, if you didn’t manage to get the composition quite right in camera.
7. PRACTICE AND PATIENCE
Spend time practicing by familiarizing yourself with your camera's controls and autofocus settings by practicing on slower-moving subjects before tackling birds in flight. Be patient and observant: Understanding bird behavior and flight patterns enhances your ability to anticipate movements, increasing your chances of capturing compelling shots.