I'm Bob a new guy here, I live in Jakarta Indonesia and this is my first post.
I've been lurking here for several weeks now, trying to learn all I can about bird photography from this site, I learn a lot and still have a lot more to learn.
I'm new to bird photography (and in bird watching, never done it before), I've never taken any pictures of birds except for some pictures of sparrows from my backyard. I just recently purchased a 100-400 with the intention of learning about and doing bird photography.
Anyway, my question, and this may sounds stupid: When you go out to photograph birds, do you plan what birds you're going to photograph on that particular day and spot, or do you just go to a certain birding spot and take pictures of birds that interest you and happen to be there?
I'm also an amateur astronomer and usually when I go out observing (even when I only take my scope out to my backyard), I plan ahead what I'm going to observe. Every now and then, I just grab my scope and observe whatever objects happen to be visible in the sky at that time, but most of the time I plan ahead.
Being a completely newbie in bird photography who has no idea what so ever on how it is usually done, how do you guys usually do it?
Hi Bob, big welcome, I hope you can feel right at home here!
About your question. Sometimes we can "plan" to get certain birds but reality may not cooperate. Nature has a way to do its own thing and not always accommodate our plans.
Normally you go to a certain area and get the best available. Having said that, location has a lot to do with it. For instance, and talking about the US. If you go to Bosque del Apache Wildlife Reserve wanting a picture of Sandhill Cranes or Snow Geese, you may very well get your wish because there are a lot of them there.
But if you go to Okeeheelee Park, Florida, looking for a Painted Bunting, you may come home empty handed because there are some there but they may be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
My advise to you is to have patience and make use of whatever nature hands your way. Love your subject more than your picture and ALWAYS have fun!
Hi Bob,
A hearty welcome to BPN !
To briefly address your question ... I first head to a destination where I think birds are likely to be seen, look for the location with the best light available ... and wait. Sooner or later -- usually later -- birds arrive and opportunities arise.
Fabs was absolutely right about patience. Other than light, it's my biggest factor for success.
When I first started nature photography several years ago, after having been a photojournalist, I used to arrive at my general location, and zip here and there in search of birds.
At least in my case, that proved the wrong strategy, and a real time-waster.
Now I just situate myself in the ideal spot, with light being the primary influence -- and wait.
If I get just one good image a day, I consider it a success.
Oh yes, my final tip that has proven right for me over and over.
Want to see some birds?
Sit somewhere for hours, give up, head to the vehicle, pack your gear in your trunk, sit in the driver's seat ready to leave, and look out the window to your left.
All those birds you were waiting for will be sitting right there in the bushes and trees, to bid you 'adieu.'
Works nearly every time. :D
Hi Bob - I don't do too much planning, I just make a point of knowing each bird's habitat and go there to see what happens. Even if I miss out on the birds, I will try to take a few nature or landscape photos of the area to make the most of outings. Normally, I don't wait very long, I have walking routes at my normal birding locations and will often do several laps of those while hoping for the best.
Welcome, Bob. I have spent a lot of time the last year, sitting in a popup blind or a chair in my backyard. I have various feeders and perches. I occasionally get an almost good picture, but I am learning. I am also learning patience, learning about avian behavior, and just getting entertained by the birds. I do issue a word of caution, because bird photography is very addictive.
I'm an amateur astronomer too (professional one too).
You'll likely find in your area that certain birds like specific locations at certain times of year. So if you go to those spots at those times, you will have a high probability of finding those species. Many of us plan trips that way, but probably most us will also look for new opportunities and different birds.
Hello everyone, I'm new here today. I was looking for an introduction thread but this is the nearest I could find to it. Please forgive me for jumping on someone else's intro.
I live in Melbourne, Australia and am a keen amateur photographer and have realised over the past year that I really enjoy bird photographer. I'm an active member at an Aussie photo forum and one of the members there told me about this one and suggested I come check it out. So here I am.