Starting Birding Photography

From NaturePixels.org

Author & Editor

Author: Starrynight

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Photographs and article are copyright of starrynight

Introduction

Interested in wildlife and bird photography? Want to start as soon as possible?

First and fore most, DO NOT rush out to get the expensive long lens unless you do have too much $$$ to spare (In that case, please let me know. I can do with a 600mm.) Ask oneself why one is interested in bird / wildlife photography. It can be a dirty / time consuming / expensive hobby. So to answer the question, best option is to go out and experience with the more season photographers.

Often nature photographer found themselves in the most 'wild' situation. In this case, these guys are sitting among dead birds, birds' dropping, mud and shed feathers.

Ok … now you have decided you like bird / wildlife photography … so what’s next?

Equipment

Canon and Nikon are the 2 system that are commonly used. Both has advantages and disadvantages. Canon claimed to have a faster AF and Nikon has a better colour. Well, this is subjective to a certain extent. It is your choice. But one must know that once you began the purchase, you will be ‘stuck’ with a particular system.

Camera bodies

Actually the entry level SLR is good enough to start. Remember that it is NOT the camera but the person behind counts! What we go for is the cropped factor, AF speed and frame rate. Why? Because the subject can be moving and one may have only a small window of opportunities. Also the subject may be tiny and far away!

Lens

As long as you can afford! The ‘standard’ lens is 500mm or 600mm. Also sigma offers a 300-800mm lens that has canon or Nikon mount. For a start (well, it had been discussed several times), the conclusion drew was 400mm 5.6. Because it is relatively cheap and long enough. But you may want to consider 100-400mm (canon), 300mm 2.8 (because can put TC), 200-400mm (Nikon) etc Do take note though … zoom lens don’t do well with TC.

Discussion on Lens: What lens for bird photography

Price list for canon

Camera Body

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=184322

Lens

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=131801

Acessories

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=154099

Price list for nikon

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=292045

Support system

Tripod leg and tripod head. Need to get sturdy ones that is appropriate with your camera and lens’ weight. Most uses Gitzo legs and whimberley head for 500mm / 600mm and 300-800mm. It is necessary for long lens.(see long lens technique below)

Website for support system (US based)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/category/8310/General_Accessories_Tripods_Support.html

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php

As you go along, you may develop your own style!

Others

There will be a long list …

Camera accessory:

Flash ( as fill in and birds under canopy)

Flash brackets (to minimize red or silver eyes)

Lens protector

Cable release or remote

CF or SD card

Portable hard disk (especially if you are traveling)

Lens cleaning kit

Dry cabinet to fit your big lens

Bags

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150613

Nature / trip equipment:

Binoculars

Blinds

Proper clothings (dull colours or camo)

Proper shoes

GPS system

Website for equipment

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ (camera, lens, tripod etc)

http://www.naturescapes.net/ ( Camera accessories, tripod etc)

http://www.basspro.com( clothings / foot wear etc)

http://www.cabelas.com ( clothings / foot wear etc)

For a better understanding of camo pattern

http://www.naturepixels.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=254

Bird Guide Book

For South East Asia – A field guide to the Birds of South East Asia by Craig Robson

3 major component to a successful pic

Know your subject

Read up on your subject and its' habitat. Best place to start is at a park where the birds are familiar with human and not so skittish. Some of these are: Jurong bird park, Mandai Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Garden, Chinese Garden, Sungeo Buloh Wetland Reserve etc And yes … you will not see a lot of birds etc when you first started. Don’t be discourage … slowly your eyes and mind will open up and you will surely start to ‘see’ them! And … yes … Jurong Bird Park has wild birds too! JBP laso provide a great variety of subject to let you familiarize with your equipment! Last but not least, watch more National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet! They are good source of information where you can get close to these birds and animals to know their behaviour.

Occasionally there are few that will be cooperative ...

But remember, you are the guest in THEIR home!

Know your environment

Photography is all about light. Knowing the environment allows you to maximize the chance of getting a great shot! Also knowing the environment will allow you to know the birds habitat and hence further understanding their behaviour. For example, knowing tide in SBWR will allow you to get ‘closer’ to the wader. As tide comes in, they will push the waders closer to you when you are in a hide. As it became high tide, the waders will be gone because they can only feed in the mud flats …

Weather / wind forecast of singapore

http://www.ulfp.com/ulfp/mod_page/view.asp?ID=1&COLS=3