Oh, you thought that I already knew them? Hardly, but I can give out the first one and maybe some of the more experienced can add to the list.
Number one: I find it results in better photos if I find the food source for the bird, such as a nice looking flower, or a well used perch in decent light. Compose your shot as if the bird were already at the flower. Try to be hidden if possible. Make sure to get DOF set so that the flower or perch will be in focus, then sit and wait, and wait. Bring a chair and your patience. Binoculars are good to see what's starting to show up in distant branches. Be ready to fire when they show up. Chasing birds through the jungle (at least for me) results in poor poses on bad perches in bad light and too much exercise, plus my camera takes a beating.
Posted by Carol Hyman on September 26, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Charlie, The best part of all of it is sitting (or standing) and waiting and waiting and waiting--for the bird, the bee, the tarantula hawk, the sunrise, the shadows, the Gamble quails to appear, the leaf to fall .............
To waiting ...........
Carol
Posted by Ed Erkes on September 26, 2007 at 8:58 PM
The best advice I can give is to use fill flash when possible. It can really add to an image in low light situations. If the subject is in shade and the background is brightly lit, it is the only way to get a pleasing image. Also look for nest sites of birds and photograph them as they perch near the nest. The attached image of a prothonotary warbler was taken near the nest, with flash as the main light on the bird, balanced with the background ambient light.
That's a really good suggestion (and a great shot too, BTW), Ed. I haven't been using fill flash even though I've got all of the required equipment. I'm just not that good at it and it usally would result in the subject being unnaturally lit. Something I will work on. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by Wim Reyns on September 27, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Try to start using fill flash at around -1,5 EV and work up from there, the key is to use as little as needed.
Posted by KC Choo on September 29, 2007 at 11:16 PM
From my recent experiences in the forests of Malaysia, the most important thing is (1) a lethargic subject. Trogons and Forest Kingfishers tend to stay still, by and large. (2) Fill-flash is a must and is generally set at anything between -2 and -3. (3) Shutter speed should be quite slow - 1/15 sec, say - to get a nice background. (4) Use a cable release at all times. (5) Mirror lock-up is encouraged but not a necessity. (6) Go back to #1! My expert Nikon friends in Singapore use Guide Numbers and Slow Rear Curtain Sync as well.
Thanks for the tips all. KC, I also know that you are the master of patience, which has resulted in some of your finest photos.
Sounds like a lot of emphasis on using fill flash. It's nice to have some of the technical details of using fill flash, as it's been one of my weak areas. I'll put it to use from now on.
Discussion
6 repliesNumber one: I find it results in better photos if I find the food source for the bird, such as a nice looking flower, or a well used perch in decent light. Compose your shot as if the bird were already at the flower. Try to be hidden if possible. Make sure to get DOF set so that the flower or perch will be in focus, then sit and wait, and wait. Bring a chair and your patience. Binoculars are good to see what's starting to show up in distant branches. Be ready to fire when they show up. Chasing birds through the jungle (at least for me) results in poor poses on bad perches in bad light and too much exercise, plus my camera takes a beating.
To waiting ...........
Carol
Sounds like a lot of emphasis on using fill flash. It's nice to have some of the technical details of using fill flash, as it's been one of my weak areas. I'll put it to use from now on.