Photography is the art of creating a special medium beyond your self-expression. It requires good taste, a good sense of appreciation and technical skills in capturing the subjects. Many believe that they can profit in this chosen field as long as they develop their technical skills and knowledge in becoming a talented professional photographer.
Nature photography has always been inspiring and exciting. It thrills every photographer with its mystery and the beauty of wildlife. One of the most amusing subjects for nature photographers are the birds.
Bird behavior has had great impact on pictures. Birds attract many photographers with their mastery of flight and their distinct diversity in nature. Here are some guides that will help you focus on improving your skill in capturing images on these (and many other) magnificent creatures of nature.
1. You need to know what interests your mind. You have to know your topics so that you will not be confused. You should learn more about birds (or your chosen interest) by investing on a good birding guide. This will help you know more about their behavior, breeding season, and bird eating habits.
2. You should always keep your subjects well being in mind. Avoid those instances that create stress on your images. If the bird/animal is not in its natural behavioral characteristic, you should leave it alone and allow it to recover first from its stress. It can also be a sign that the animal might be nesting somewhere near the site and that is why it portrays a “predator luring” behavior.
3. You should make your vehicle just like your camera: an accessory. In some areas, like some national parks, you may see animals more adapted to vehicles and consider your vehicle less harmless than a person positioned on his tripod trying to take a good shot. You should learn how to be patient in finding the right place where the animal can accept the presence of your vehicle.
4. You may use fast shutter speed cameras. This device is good in taking great bird images. Most birds are fast and can disappear quickly in the air. You may need a 1/500 second shuttering speed. This can capture sudden movements and flights.
As a nature photographer, you should maximize your surroundings. A good place for you to start your hobby in nature photography especially with birds is in your own backyard. You can then practice the art and techniques of capturing great shots and wonderful images that nature has to offer.
Julianne Alvarez-Wish is a military wife, mother, homeschooling mom, business owner, professional writer, blogger, nature photographer and legislative advocate. She is the Colorado State Leader for the National Association for Moms in Business and the owner of The Wish Place. She is theColorado Springs Stay-at-Home Mom Examiner for Examiner.com. She also blogs at A Wishful Thought. Her passion, purpose and goal is to help parentswork from home so they can be home with their children.