If you want to continuously improve your skills as a photographer- whether a hobbyist or professional- one of the most important things you can do is simply make sure to get out there shooting on a routine basis. The more you pick up your gear and keep at it, the better your skills will become with time. Looking for a photo challenge to take on this weekend? We challenge you to practice your nature and landscape shots with a specific subject- birds. Getting started, here are a few tips to help you do your best work.
Consider Low Angle Photography
If you want to capture a very clear close-up shot of a bird, consider capturing it at a time when said bird is on the ground, not in flight. If you travel to a nearby nature reserve, for example, pick a quiet spot where you see a good amount of bird activity. Get down low, get your gear ready, and wait until your subject lands somewhere, giving you the chance to focus in and capture a clear close-up.
Use Burst Mode for Action Shots
If you would much prefer an action shot of a bird in flight, working in burst mode is a great way to do so effectively. Check out your camera’s continuous shooting mode capabilities to confirm how many frames per second it is able to capture. For example, if your device allows you to capture 4 per second in burst mode (most can capture even more), you can create a 8-shot photo series simply by holding the shutter for 2 seconds.