How to Photograph Birds in Flight


If you are a bird photographer, you need to know how to photograph birds in flight. Once you get the hang of it, your birding photos will be great and you will look like an expert at every event. These tips will help you get the hang of focusing for birds in flight and creating a spectacular photo.

When you are photographing birds in flight, you must focus on capturing the action. As with any photo, there is a series of objects that must be in focus. Focus on what is happening in the background of the bird to make sure that the bird is in the foreground.

flying bird photography

Some of the animals, like birds, that are in flight may not have much to do with the action. It is these types of photos that are perfect for serendipity. Sometimes you just grab the perfect object that can capture a whole action scene.

You should get into the habit of taking pictures of different objects in the background. Try taking multiple pictures while they are flying. Sometimes you can catch them in mid-flight but don’t have the chance to take the shot of them landing. However, by taking several shots, you will be able to capture them in flight.

Focus on capturing motion. If the birds are flying up and down, then all you have to focus on is the speed of the bird. But if the birds are flying up and down, but just gliding along, then it will be easier to get the birds in flight. But, if the birds are flying in a straight line, you’ll need to get into the habit of taking several photos and getting them into focus.

As you photograph the birds in flight, try to focus on the feathers of the bird. You should always make sure that the bird is in a state of motion so that you can shoot it in flight and make sure that the feathers are in motion. You want to be able to focus on the action so that you can capture the photographs in the best way possible.

When photographing birds in flight, sometimes you can catch their action by looking up. You may see a bird flying at the same time as you are looking up. So, if you have a wide angle lens and a clear view of the sky, you can get birds in flight in the background of the photograph.

Shoot from above the bird, but do not try to zoom in. Instead, make sure that you are looking up and then shoot a few images from above. This will allow you to get more images in focus.

Shoot while the bird is swooping through the air or as it is flying through the wind. Wind gusts can cause birds to crash into each other and spin out of control. While you can usually shoot some images in this situation, your subjects can have trouble getting up into the shot.

Make sure that you are looking in a spot that is not too bright. The birds will be more likely to stop in their tracks and look for safety in the shadows. In the bright sunlight, the birds will fly faster and take off at a quicker pace. When you are photographing birds in flight, try to shoot from as far away as possible and find a spot that is not too bright.

Try shooting in indirect sunlight, but make sure that you are not using flash. Some people use umbrellas that have lights built in to them. Other people try to take their pictures in the late afternoon when the sun is starting to go down.

Now that you know how to photograph birds in flight, you can get those great shots you have been waiting for. Just remember, you can always refine your skills to make sure that your bird photography photographs turn out great.