Bird photography is one of the most challenging types of nature photography, but remains an incredibly popular hobby for many people. The subject is usually small, may not stay still, moves rapidly from branch to branch, sits in less than favourable lighting conditions and is extremely aware of an approaching photographer. Tricky! In this showcase we have collected 100 beautiful examples of bird photography, and a few tips to help you out.
Examples and Inspiration
Red Kite
The lost prey
Every day is sushi day…
A certain smile…
Totally in Love
Food for the Kids
This is love
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Palestine Sunbird.
attack
Common Tern.
As white as snow
White-throated Kingfisher
Kingfisher
Splash
Sealed with a kiss
Bombycilla garrulus
Siesta
Flying puffin
"Fly away from my branch!!!"…
Pop-up Breakfast
Eyes left
Shaking
Kingfisher and Dragonfly
Thirsty
The spaghetti incident
Kingfisher landing
"Measurement of the horses" – which is greater
Feeding
Egyptian Vulture
collared dove
collared doves
Sparrows in flight
bird reflection
A Robin for New Year
Parrot escapee!!!
Baby bird
Freedom dove now home!
mandarin duck in full colour
Love Bird
Toucan bird
Mystery Bird Eating Oceanspray
Birds
Flightless birds
Birds
Birds
Humming bird
Love Bird at g’pa bill
Buffy Fish Owl
The Seven Year Itch
Dopo il tuffo
Silly Walk
Eurasian Curlew
BABY BIRD IN NEST
Welcome to the New Year!
A Bird in the Hand
Wings of gold
Thirsty birds at St Ives village green.
Who’s afraid of red, yellow and blue
Woodland Kingfisher
Bird Bath
Blue Song
green ON green
Buffalo Buffet
Seconds from disaster…
Birds of a feather..
Lady Bird
Indian PeafowlÂ
See! I’m more than just a cottonball
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
stir-fried …
In Frozen Time
Birds’s Life!
Below Zero
Feed Me……!
Weapons
Reed Warbler.
Got a whole lot of Living to do…..
Three of a Kind
Ulula
Conversation
Vulgaris
Graceful Prinia.
We are The bird- Beatles
Food Fight!
Pekin Robin
Fulvous-faced Flycatcher Warbler
Hello world!
Within the Focus Point
robin redbreast
Under the wing
Taiwan Blue Magpie
Firecrest Superman
Bubo Lacteus
Allen’s Hummingbird
Firecrest
Bird on a fence
Black-winged stilt.
Loros
Tips & Resources for Bird Photography
Practice on Your Pet!
Home is where the heart is, and there’s certainly something to be said for starting out photographing your own pet. Granted, you’re unlikely to own a collection of exotic birds, but many animals offer similar challenges. It’s easy, risk-free, and you have all the time in the world to stalk around your house like a member of the feline paparazzi.
Let Nature Come to You
Keep your distance, stay still, and play the waiting game. If you’d rather practice in the comfort of your own garden, why not set up a bird feeder? You’ll know (more or less) exactly where to point your camera in advance, and it’s a simple way to get started with bird photography on your own turf.
Continuous Shutter
This one might go without saying, but using a continuous shutter is a great technique to practice when shooting a subject that’s liable to move quickly. Stock up on memory cards, and don’t be afraid to hold the shutter down for a few seconds when you’re close to getting that perfect bird shot.
Other Resources
Be sure to check out a few of these other articles and tips for perfecting your bird photography technique!
- Backyard Bird Photography
- Bird Photography Tips
- Nigel Blake’s Blog
- Mike Atkinson’s Bird Photography Tutorial
If you have any hints and tips of your own, I’d love to read them in the comments.