Seven years ago I took a two-day workshop from Art Morris which provided me with his basic principles of bird photography, which I have built upon ever since.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of hearing Art speak about his bird photography at the San Diego Photo Expo.(The projector casts Art Morris' shadow across his photograph of a sapphire-breasted hummingbird)
His talk was partly to inspire and partly to instruct. He openly shares his knowledge and also openly shares what he has learned from others, so it is in that spirit that I share a few tidbits from his talk. These basic points are covered in his newsletters and blog available at www.birdsasart.com, and of course, in his workshops.
Know your subject.
If you don't love your photography, don't do it!
His basic principle: point your shadow at the bird (birds usually look best with frontal lighting).
Watch your background.
Captive birds provide nice subjects, but be even more selective about your background.
Cloudy days are great to shoot in.
Getting low is more important with shorter lenses (e.g. a 200 mm compared with a 600 or 800 mm). Since you will be closer to the bird with a shorter lens, if you remain at the same height your shooting angle will be towards the ground. Thus, your background will consist of the nearby ground, and not be as pleasing as a blurred distant background you can obtain by getting lower.
(hanging around with Art Morris)
Share your photos with area residents and property owners. You will often benefit from their knowledge of local conditions, birds and animals.
Bird behavior often repeats itself. Observe and be ready!
When a duck or goose dips its head repeatedly in the water, it will usually flap its wings after. Be ready!
You can take a great photograph even of a common species.
If you have over-saturated or strange looking reds in a photograph, try adding cyan to the red with the selective color tool. (I'll have to look for an opportunity to try that one!)
He's probably going to switch his "on-the-shoulder/birds-in-flight lens" to the newer Canon 70-200 coupled with its new 2x teleconverter.
Thanks to Art for sharing his photos, tips, and inspiration. For a steady supply of his tips, check out his website, blog, and newsletter.
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