Are you a budding photographer looking for a challenge? Try bird photography—it’s part technique, part timing, and a whole lot of patience. Most of all, it requires a deep understanding of your subjects.
Get some bird photography tips in this guest blog written by NRF Field Trip leader Sunil Gopalan! Sunil is a National Geographic photographer, so these tips are guaranteed to help you photograph birds right here in Wisconsin and all around the world.
Sunil with his trusty camera. Photo courtesy of Sunil Gopalan
The Beauty (and Challenges) of Bird Photography
There are more than ten thousand species of birds in the world, with over a thousand in North America. Yet, increasing development and urbanization seem to have pushed them out of sight and out of mind. But finding them and capturing a fleeting moment in their lives can be a powerful way to reconnect with nature.
The challenge of observing a small and wary creature with the capacity for flight is compounded many times over when attempting to actually photograph it. Be prepared for a lot of misses. It is incredibly important to enjoy the moment in order to avoid being frustrated by results. When it works, it’s magic.
Below are some key considerations to help you get started or sharpen your skills.
Get to Know Your Camera
It is important to be familiar with your gear before investing a lot of time in the field. Modern cameras are complex tools and some time spent up front will pay a lot of dividends when you glimpse a bird and time is of the essence.
- Learn how your camera handles autofocus (AF), including focus modes, AF points, subject tracking, and back-button focus.
- Practice adjusting key settings without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
An indigo bunting, a native species of Wisconsin, perched on a plant. Photo by Sunil Gopalan
Understand the Light
Lighting plays a huge role in bird photography—affecting everything from color to mood.
- When using direct sunlight, try to keep your shadow pointing at your subject. This ensures the bird is well-lit.
- Overcast days offer soft, even lighting and can be perfect for detailed portraits.
- Want to get creative? Try backlighting to silhouette your subject or highlight feathers with a rim of light.
Close-up of a northern gannet in Scotland. Photo by Sunil Gopalan
Nail the Exposure
Even though modern cameras can be complex, the fundamentals of the exposure triangle are the same as ever.
- ISO, aperture, and shutter speed directly contribute to correct exposure and you control those parameters to make your image. Know how to change each one independently.
- “Expose to the Right” refers to adjusting your camera’s exposure so that the histogram shifts toward the right (highlight side), without clipping. This maximizes detail in shadows and midtones for better editing later.
A king eider flying close to the ground in Alaska. Photo by Sunil Gopalan
Master Composition
A technically perfect photo still needs good composition to stand out. Here’s how to create visually compelling images:
- Rule of thirds – a balanced image is best achieved by placing key elements – whether that is the bird or a key part of the habitat along thirds of the frame. For example, in the image above, the focus point of the image (the bird’s eye) is one-third of the way from the right edge of the image.
- Negative space – it is tempting to fill the frame with as much as possible. But it is important to leave an uncluttered area to define and emphasize the subject.
- Be mindful of your background and try to get at eye-level with your subject. This helps with intimacy and connection.
Tell a Story
Like with most other forms of photography, strive to do more than just document your encounter. What is it you want the viewer to see? Birds have complex behaviors and you will want to think about how to capture the fleeting moments that highlight something special.
- Focus on unique behaviors, expressions, or interactions.
- Use creative angles or framing to highlight something beyond just identification.
- Include environmental context if it adds to the story.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Perspective is powerful—show us something we haven’t seen before.
Two ruffs approaching each other in Finland. Photo by Sunil Gopalan
Know Your Subject
Gear aside, it is important to be familiar with bird behavior and habitats. Your subjects are not usually cooperative and having an idea of how they behave will help you get an advantage.
- Study field guides or birding apps.
- Observe before you shoot—take notes on behavior and patterns.
- Patience and quiet observation often lead to the most rewarding shots.
Expand Your Horizons
Rules are useful—but they’re meant to be broken. Challenge yourself regularly.
- Try photographing different species, in varied environments.
- Experiment with shutter speeds for motion blur or high key exposures for dreamy effects.
- Revisit the same location in different seasons or light.
Aroseate spoonbill mid-flight in Florida. Photo by Sunil Gopalan
Stay Motivated
Find joy in the process, not just the results. You will not always come away with good or even acceptable results.
- Set goals for yourself and celebrate progress.
- Join online communities, local birding groups, or photography clubs for inspiration and support.
Whether you’re just starting out or honing your craft, bird photography offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and tell compelling visual stories—one frame at a time.
If you found these tips helpful, share your own favorite bird photography experiences. I’d love to see what you discover! Feel free to connect with me on Instagram.
Guest Blogger
Sunil Gopalan
Bird photographer and NRF Field Trip leader
Sunil Gopalan is an NRF Field Trip leader based in Madison whose photography has been published in National Geographic, Audubon, Birding, and National Wildlife, and has been exhibited in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. He has photographed birds on five continents.
Practice your photography skills on NRF Field Trips
Our popular Field Trips program features many birding trips annually, and often includes nature photography trips as well. This year, Sunil led a Field Trip titled “Bird Photography Workshop at Horicon Marsh” where participants learned pro tips for bird photography. Other Field Trips for practicing your bird photography skills include “Urban Nature Photography,” “Kirtland’s Warblers & Pine Barrens,” and “Fall Waterfowl Viewing on the Chequamegon Bay.”
Become a member (or make sure to renew your membership) to be sure you’re ready for this season’s trips.
‘Practice your photography skills on NRF Field Trips’ section written by Emma Schatz, digital communications coordinator