An artist starts with a blank canvas. A bird photographer chooses the canvas—and hopes the bird cooperates.
Do I want a smooth wash of color behind the bird, an open blue sky, or a wider view showing its habitat? I’m learning that the background deserves as much attention as the subject. Here are a few things that have helped me.
Start with Separation
When I want to isolate a bird, I look for distance between it and the trees or shrubs behind it. A telephoto lens and a wide aperture help soften that background. I often shoot at 600mm, but focal length alone won’t make nearby branches disappear.
Sky backgrounds offer a clean alternative, though exposure needs attention. A bright sky can leave the bird too dark. I add positive exposure compensation as needed while watching the highlights—a challenge I covered in my exposure article.
Choose a View, Then Wait
Once I find bird activity, I look for promising backgrounds and perches. Where could a bird land with distant foliage or open sky behind it?
Birds rarely stay where I want them. One moment, branches hide the head; the next, the bird emerges into a clear opening. I follow its movements and wait for those brief opportunities.
I don’t need every branch to disappear. I want the surroundings to support the photograph without competing with the bird.
Change Your Position
Sometimes the bird is well placed, but my viewing angle isn’t. A small step sideways or a lower shooting position can put a cleaner background behind it.
I move slowly and watch how the bird responds. If it becomes uneasy, I stop. A better background isn’t worth disturbing it.
Check Around the Bird
I’ve photographed a bird against a beautiful background, only to discover later that a twig appears to grow out of its head.
Before shooting, I try to check around the head, along the body, and near the frame’s edges. Bright patches, crossing branches, and other distractions are easy to overlook when I’m excited.
Environmental photographs require the same care. Habitat adds context, but I still want the bird to be easy to find.
Finish with Restraint
In Lightroom, I adjust light, color, and contrast to help the bird stand out. I prefer to preserve the scene I photographed and improve my choices in the field.
Nothing compares to seeing the bird, background, light, and pose come together. Those moments make all the near misses worthwhile.
Leave a Reply