sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

Ok, COVID has me pointing my focus point on birds more recently. I've mainly done sports and am learning birds and how hard they are.

That said, I've learned that some of the basic "sports" paradigms apply. Plan, anticipate and get a good background. I'm not good at any of these with birds yet.

For the background with birds (maybe most wildlife), what is generally considered a good starting point (like the rule of thirds for example)? A busy, colorful environment, or more mono-tone with the bird being the subject?

I've decided that I need to get more eye-level and closer (same with sports). I don't like the "bird in the sky", but I don't know about the other types of backgrounds. Curious if the crew has ideas. Below are two examples from this weekend, but I don't know if either background is good. The Tern should be much tighter, but I was lazy and didn't get closer.

If you have favorites, or favorite photographers, point me at them. I'm right on the edge of getting interested in chasing birds more. I'm about to start planing my location to set up backgrounds, but I don't think I know what is good for the birds as I'm getting blan or busy.

Blan background with bird as subject

(Download)

Busier with more of the environment

(Download)

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Tighter crops. It’s not always possible to track BIF with a tight crop. The key is sharp enough focus to allow generous cropping. Both of those look like they cold hold up to more cropping. I especially like the tern.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Agreed and seconded. Both the example images could improved by simply cropping to the full screen version, somewhat eliminating the whole background question. Use the rule of thirds ideas in how you crop, with the idea of placing the bird with room to fly "into" the open space of the frame. You don't have to be religious about placing the subject at the four intersections of the 1/3 guides. Sometimes, having an eye at the middle vertical guide helps to 'split' the frame, with some aspect of the animal following one of the 1/3 guidelines within the frame, such as the angle of the wing.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Yep, with the tern I woul place it up around the upper right third, leaving a little more space below and to the left.

Drip Dry McFleye

The tern, I would crop but, to me, the hummer looks just right with the flowers included. well, maybe a little cropping so as to still keep it environmental.

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

Thank you both. So, I agree theses are too loose, but that was user error. Given proper composition, the background is less of a thing.

They are smart too. In backyard without camera and one is sitting very close...

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I like environmental critter and bird portraits, but light has a bearing. Busy with bright sun on white isn't ideal, but early morning backlighting and reflections can add to the story:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/186620851@N02/albums/72157712831625121

Happy hunting!

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

Thank you!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Lots of how to videos online. You are off to a good start, though.

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

Thanks. I get a few minutes into a video and I decide to run out without finishing it. I'm not a model student in any way.

Like almost every time I try a new genre of photography, I have a lot more respect for it after.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

After a second look I’ll make one more recommendation and that’s just pay attention. It’s easy to get. Tunnel vision when shooting, only seeing the subject. When shooting BIF this is even more prevalent. And birds don’t always give us a choice when the fly, but with the hummingbird if you hade moved a little either direction and changed the angle you might have avoided that dividing line right down the center and either had the white filling the background behind the bird or the open background. I don’t think it ruins the shot but moving either way might improve the shot. As I said though, birds don’t always give us those options.

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

This is indeed a fence post and moving a tiny bit would have changed it a lot. I was being lazy, sitting on the top step by my coffee. Moving down two steps and over a little would indeed have improved it.

Appreciate the thoughts. And, you are 110% on tunnel vision. I think that even extends well beyond the shot. I often go back and look at some old images I liked and can't believe that I didn't notice some of the stuff in them.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

We’re all always learning. There are shots I took a year ago I was proud of that I look at and cringe now. I got tired of hearing how good my stuff was from family and friends and wanted better peer review so I joined my local photography club. I’ve found the critiques from the monthly competitions to be invaluable and I’m really starting to look for the things that I can do to improve my work. I don’t always agree but I like getting the feedback.