Bird Photography!

Unknown said:

Hi Sarah

Just had to say that is such an excellent photo!

Hi Coal,

Good luck with your Dad's camera, look foward to seeing your photos soon!

Thanks Kezmo, Im looking forward to it too!

Regards, Sam

bramble67 said:

Hi coal,

Photography is mostly about trial and error to begin with and birds make such a fab subject that even bad pictures can tell a story or look interesting.  They are always useful to check identification and if you practise lots as Sparrow has been doing you will be amazed at how quickly you will improve.  I am afraid i'm still on auto settings on my cameras, but even so you can get lucky.  This is one of my favourite pictures, but more for the pose that quality of the shot and it was taken through a window.

I think that photo is quite brilliant sarah. He looks like a goalkeeper - make yourself big - fill the space
have to say this is my favourite from mine, not the most clear and I am still on auto 95% of the time,but I can almost hear the Robin saying " That's it squirt do what I do - always be on the lookout "
In respect of Coal's original thread, I think it's 50% patience and 50% good luck. For every photo I keep I must discard 10

Unknown said:

Coal, Good luck with the photography. I can only echo what the others have said here. But would emphasise patience.

For those of you who are still shooting on Auto you might like to take a look at these websites:

http://stopshootingauto.com/

http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/

I use a Monopod which, for me, is easier to use especially when you need to set up quickly. It also doubles as a walking stick!

Best of luck and don't forget to post your photos,
Graham

Thanks for the links Graham. I have a monopod and a tripod, but I always find that by the time I get focused (my eye sight is not good) the bird has flown. Only manage to get the ones that are asleep

Yes, thank you Graham. I've had a quick look at your links and have bookmarked them. They look very useful.

LOL Judi. I've never tried any sort of pod and rely on my not very steady hands, with a bit of help from my elbows leaning on something!!! I can't imagine having time to set up tripods or similar. I like to catch the birds in candid poses and end up following them round the garden with the camera and snaping as I go! Not exactly professional, but the odd one works.

I think all the photos on this thread are great.

Hi GrahamC

I have just been reading through the links you posted and at this point in time I could actually kiss you!!  sorry for being brazen but your links are exactly what I was looking for - all I wanted was a website that put everything into layman's terms without the jargon and it's all clicking into place now - thank you so much! :-)

Thanks Graham.  I too have bookmarked your sites and will start to try and get away from Auto mode.  I am better on my daughters Sony camera, but my canon i just seem to find I always get fuzzy or dark shots if i venture away from auto mode.  Still Practise, practise, practise.

Sarah

Hi,

if you  have an SLR  I suggest you try using speed priority whenever possible- escpecially with small birds and flying birds. Aperture priority works better as the light fades or if you want certain types of effects.

On my digital camera I have set my own custom program for digi scoping- after reading a lot stuff on internet digi-scoping sites.

Personally I like to shoot on as low an ASA as well- 100 to 400 is always going to be best :)

S

Coal said:

Hi all,

I have decided I am going to start bird photography in my spare time. I am going to ask my Dad if I can borrow his ( Probably Ancient ) camera! I was wondering if anyone has any tips and could show me some of their favourite piccies. ( I know that sparrow has quite a collection ) LOL!

 

Best Wishes, Coal ;)

I have just added some new digiscoped images taken last week to my gallery :)

S

Hi Kezmo & Bamble,

I know how you feel - I felt as pleased as punch when I found these Sites. I then re-read my User Manuals which basically said the same thing, only with 10-syllable words :)

I've just got back from a visit to Rye Meads and took all manual photos. I'm going to post them on the Rye Meads page......

As you say - practice, practice, practice.....

Best wishes, Graham