Master The Basics Of Bird Photography

It's important to aim to achieve the basics of bird photography whenever you're out photographing birds. The more of the basics you can achieve in your shot, the more successful it is likely to be.

Bring the eyes to life with a catchlight

A catclight in your photograph of a bird will bring its eyes to life and draw attention to them. The eyes can look lifeless without it. A catchlight is simply a reflection from a light source, natural or artificial (flash).

It is usually very subtle. Compare the two Barn Owl photographs below. The first one has a catchlight but the second one doesn't. You will need to enlarge each one by clicking on it to see the catchlight properly.

Barn Owl with Catchlight - Click to Enlarge

Barn Owl without Catchlight - Click to Enlarge

Get The Head Angle Right

When taking a photograph of a bird, your shot is more likely to succeed if you get the right head angle.

When the bird is completely side on, the head should also be side on Even better is if the head is facing towards you you a few degrees. If the sun is directly behind you then the face will be perfectly illuminated and you're most likely yo get a catch-light in the eye.

Compare the two shots below. The second one was taken after waiting for the Peregrine Falcon to turn its head slightly, resulting in a good head angle.

Peregrine Falcon with poor head angle - Click to Enlarge

Peregrine Falcon with good head angle - Click to Enlarge

If the body is angled towards you then try to keep the head either looking in the same direction as its body is facing or straight at the camera.

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