Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I found this article on my computer just now I thought it might interest other here.

http://digital-photography-school.com/8-tips-for-photographing-birds

MadMike Loc: SALT LAKE

Great information, especially since I'm going to Oregon in two weeks to visit my brother, and take pictures of birds. I only have a couple of House Wrens here, and they are really fast when they leave the feeder.

Scarlet Loc: Western Australia

Thanks for sharing that..obviously I am doing it wrong going out birding in the golden hour.

Tina

I'm not a professional photographer but, I don't think you were wrong.The best pictures I have ever taken of waterfowl was during the golden hour. When I took pictures on a sunny day, I ended up with harsh shadows. I also, used a fill flash to try and reduce/eliminate the shadows but, that was cumbersome for the birds and myself because I was trying to shoot in continuous mode. I love the warm hues generated in the background and across the water before sunset.

I cut and paste the attached information:
The light
Everything starts with a good light. The best time for photography is morning or evening because the light is soft and has a pleasant hue, shadows are not so distinct, it’s easier to get details from very bright and dark areas.

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/an-introduction-to-bird-photography#ixzz1yWDpgwE6

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I have to agree with this article about the lighting as it is one of the most important factors in a good image. Morning and late afternoon are the best but can be challenging with low light levels.

Tina

The light levels change so quickly during the golden hour. I agree, I encountered low light issue as well. Toward the end, I used a flash. Starting out earlier enough to be on sight and set up beforehand helped. Another reason they called it the golden hour (LOL) because it didn't last too long.

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

I think the author of that article was unclear as to what he meant. He is suggesting that the bird not be in the shade but be in direct sunlight, not just mid day light. Time of day does have an effect on the quality of light. I dislike the harsh shadows of the noon day sun, prefering to shoot early morning and later in the day. The golden hour is a great time to shoot birds! Check my posts and those of Swamp Gator for using lower sun angles.

EarthArts Loc: Schenectady,NY

Thanks for posting this Harvey. I have seen this before but I am sure it will be very helpful to many members.

John345 Loc: Massachussetts

Thanks for posting. birds are hard to shoot. good tips.Just got some good shots of a red tailed hawk today

EarthArts Loc: Schenectady,NY

Not at all, Scarlet. There are differences as to your approach, Whether you are birder and/or photographer. First, I must totally agree with Birdpix on his post. Now, the "Golden Hour", either AM or PM, is the best time to find birds, early morning being the best. However, you have an extended period where the light quality is excellent. Here in the Northeast, US, I like to be on location at daybreak, this gives me some time to get acquainted with the area and for the local wildlife to watch me and learn that I am no threat. After sunrise the light intensity increases rapidly, BUT, I still have several hours where the angle and intensity is very good. Most days I am done shooting by 10 am. Between 10 and 2 I find the intensity just too harsh, I too do not like harsh shadows. In the summer months, where the sun does not drop below the horizon until about 8:30 pm, I will be back out in the field about 4 pm. Again I have a low angle of light and the light quality gets better as the sun gets lower. I must also mention that if you have a bright day with high thin cloud cover you may be able to shoot all day as the light will be diffused . All things considered you will ultimately have to make the decision based on lighting conditions in your part of the world. One last thing, well maybe two, KNOW your camera, it's strong points and it's limitations. AND KNOW your intended subject. No two birds or animals, or humans, react the same way. Watch, learn and enjoy. Sorry for the wordiness, I hope something here is helpful in some way. Good luck. I hope to see some of your images posted here soon.

Scarlet Loc: Western Australia

Great information, thanks for steering me back on path.


Thank you, I checked your link and I do remember seeing some of your amazing bird pictures here before. Your advice will be heeded, I would love to be able to capture active birds as sharp as yours.


Thank you so much for spending the time to explain this so well. Very intimidating posting my ordinary shots up, I still get much pleasure in just being out there. Sometimes I wonder if the camera is just an excuse to be with nature.