Emilie Meyer
Capturing birds in flight is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour for photographers. The fast-moving and erratic nature of birds requires a steady hand and quick reflexes to keep them in the narrow field of view of a telephoto lens. One technique to capture the sense of speed and elegance of birds in motion is panning, which involves moving the camera at the same speed and direction as the bird. This results in a sharp image of the bird with a blurred background, showcasing the swiftness of the bird's movement. Panning is best accomplished with slow shutter speeds, typically around 1/30 to 1/50 of a second, and in locations with bright and even lighting, such as near bodies of water or during the ends of the day. By mastering the panning technique and utilizing the right settings, photographers can create stunning images that capture the graceful flight of birds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shutter speed | 1/20 – 1/40 of a second, depending on the size of the bird and the amount of blur required |
| Aperture | Small, e.g. f/8 – f/13 |
| Camera settings | In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) set to Vertical Only Image Stabilization; Continuous AF mode; high frame rate |
| Technique | Pan at the same speed as the bird; shoot continuously before, during, and after the bird is in position; pan with the longest focal length possible |
| Time of day | Just after sunrise or before sunset |
| Location | Bodies of water, where birds fly close to the surface for takeoffs and landings |
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What You'll Learn
Use autofocus mode to help keep the bird in focus
Capturing birds in flight is one of the most challenging photography skills to master. Using autofocus mode can help keep the bird in focus and improve your chances of getting a great shot. Here are some tips for using autofocus mode effectively when photographing flying birds:
Firstly, it is important to understand the autofocus (AF) modes available on your camera. Most modern cameras have at least one type of autofocus mode, with more advanced cameras offering multiple options. The two most commonly used AF modes for bird photography are One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF. One-Shot AF is useful when the bird is stationary, while AI Servo AF is better for capturing birds in motion as it tracks and keeps the bird in focus as long as it stays within the AF frame. This mode uses motion prediction to keep the subject in focus, which is particularly useful when the bird is flying towards you, as the human eye struggles to recognize subjects moving towards the camera.
When using autofocus, it is also essential to consider the number of autofocus points you use. Group-area autofocus activates all the focus points simultaneously, giving you a larger focus area. This mode is useful when you want to ensure the closest object is in focus, and it works well in most situations, even with an erratically moving subject. However, if you are shooting against a complex background, it may be better to use a single autofocus point or a smaller number of points to ensure the camera focuses on the bird rather than the background.
Additionally, some cameras offer autofocus tracking with a 'lock-on' feature. This allows you to set a delay so that the camera stays focused on your subject for a predetermined amount of time, even if it briefly goes behind an obstruction such as a tree. This can be very useful when photographing birds in flight, as it prevents the camera from refocusing on the obstruction and ensures the bird stays in focus.
Finally, remember that while autofocus is a valuable tool, it does not replace the need for practice and understanding of your subject. Study the birds' behaviour so you can predict their movements, and practice your panning technique to smoothly follow your subject in the frame. By combining your knowledge of bird behaviour with the autofocus capabilities of your camera, you will greatly improve your chances of capturing stunning images of birds in flight.
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Shoot at a high frame rate to capture multiple photos
Capturing images of flying birds is challenging due to their fast speed and erratic movement. To increase your chances of getting a good shot, it is recommended to shoot at a high frame rate, which will allow you to capture multiple photos in quick succession.
When shooting at a high frame rate, your camera will capture a sequence of split-second images, increasing the likelihood of getting at least one sharp image. This is especially useful when photographing birds in flight, as it can be difficult to track their movement accurately. By shooting at a high frame rate, you can capture the bird in different positions, with varying wing positions, and at different points in its flight path.
To effectively utilize a high frame rate, set your camera to its fastest burst mode or continuous shooting mode. This will enable you to capture a rapid series of images as the bird flies by. Additionally, consider using your camera's tracking AF-area mode, which will help keep the bird in focus as it moves through the frame.
It's worth noting that while a high frame rate can improve your chances of getting a good shot, it's not always necessary. When photographing larger, slower-moving birds, a single-frame capture may be sufficient. Additionally, using a fast frame rate can fill up your buffer quickly, so it's important to consider the trade-off between capturing more images and preserving storage space.
Finally, remember that the success of capturing images of flying birds depends on various factors, including your camera's capabilities, the bird's flight style and speed, lighting conditions, and your perspective. Experiment with different frame rates and other camera settings to find what works best for the specific scenario you're shooting in.
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Use a tripod to keep the camera steady
Capturing images of birds in flight can be challenging due to their fast and often erratic movement. Panning with a slow shutter speed can create artistic photographs with a sense of motion, but it is crucial to keep the camera steady to avoid blurry images. Using a tripod is an effective way to achieve this.
A tripod provides a stable base for your camera, eliminating unwanted camera shake and movement. This is especially important when using slow shutter speeds, as any camera shake will result in blurry photos. By keeping the camera steady, you can capture crisp and clear images of birds in motion.
When setting up your tripod, look for a sturdy and level surface to ensure maximum stability. Extend the tripod legs to the appropriate height and lock them securely in place. Attach your camera to the tripod head, ensuring it is securely mounted and balanced. Some tripods offer different head options, such as a ball head or a pan-tilt head, allowing for smooth and controlled panning movements.
Additionally, consider using a remote shutter release or the camera's self-timer to trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera. This helps to further minimise any potential camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button. If your camera has a mirror lock-up feature, you can also use it to reduce internal vibrations inside the camera body.
Using a tripod in conjunction with other techniques, such as panning at the same speed as the bird and choosing the right shutter speed, will greatly improve your chances of capturing stunning images of birds in flight. While it may take some practice to master, using a tripod as a stabilisation tool will result in sharper and more captivating photographs.
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Pan at the same speed as the bird
Capturing images of birds in flight is challenging due to their fast and often erratic movement. Panning your camera at the same speed as the bird can create a sense of swiftness and capture the graceful movement of the bird. Here are some tips to achieve this technique effectively:
Choose the Right Location:
Select a spot where you can observe the birds' flight patterns. This will help you anticipate their movements and pan with them. Seabirds, especially albatross, are excellent subjects for panning due to their sleek bodies and large wingspans. Bodies of water, such as oceans or rivers, can create stunning backgrounds and reflections, adding a unique artistic element to your photographs.
Camera Settings:
Use a slow shutter speed to capture motion blur in the wings, creating a sense of movement. A shutter speed between 1/20 to 1/50 of a second is a good starting point, depending on the bird's speed and lighting conditions. Adjust the aperture to a smaller setting, such as f/8 to f/13, to ensure correct exposure. If you want to freeze the wings with no blur, a faster shutter speed is required.
Panning Technique:
It is essential to maintain a steady panning motion. Stand firmly, with your elbows locked to your chest, and swing smoothly from the hips as you follow the bird's flight path. Practice is crucial to perfecting your panning technique, so don't be afraid to take multiple shots and experiment. Using a tripod or monopod can also help stabilize your camera during panning.
Focus and Framing:
Use Continuous AF mode to keep the bird in focus as it moves. Spot focusing on the bird's eye can help create sharp images. When framing your shot, try to leave some space in the direction the bird is flying to create a sense of motion. Additionally, shooting at a high frame rate will increase your chances of capturing crisp images.
Image Stabilization:
If your camera has In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), set it to Vertical Only Image Stabilization since you will be panning horizontally. If your camera lacks this feature, consider turning off image stabilization to reduce unwanted movement.
By following these tips and practicing your panning technique, you'll be able to capture stunning images of birds in flight, showcasing their graceful movements and adding an artistic touch to your photography.
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Shoot during the early morning or evening for darker exposures
Capturing images of birds in flight is challenging due to their fast and erratic movement. Panning your camera can help express the swiftness of a bird in motion, and a more artistic look can be achieved by using a slow shutter speed to blur the wings while keeping the head in focus.
To get darker exposures at slower shutter speeds, it is best to shoot during the early morning or evening when there is less light. This will allow you to capture the movement of birds in flight with a sense of speed and artistry. Here are some tips for achieving darker exposures during these times:
First, set your camera to Manual Mode to have full control over the exposure settings. This will enable you to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to achieve the desired effect. For darker exposures, use a slower shutter speed, such as 1/30 or 1/50 of a second, depending on the speed of the bird and the available light. Remember that a slower shutter speed will create more blur in the wings, adding to the artistic look.
Second, use a small aperture to limit the amount of light entering the camera. A smaller aperture, such as f/8 to f/13, will result in a wide depth of field, making the image sharp from front to back. This is ideal for capturing the bird in focus while creating a dark exposure.
Third, use a low ISO, such as ISO 100 or 200, to reduce noise in your images. Noise creates a speckly look with dull colours, so a low ISO will help you achieve clean, crisp, and colourful photographs.
Additionally, it is recommended to shoot in RAW format and post-process your images using software like Lightroom or Photoshop. This will allow you to enhance and boost the colours, creating a more aesthetic image. It also gives you more flexibility to adjust shadows and highlights for a more balanced exposure.
Finally, remember that panning technique is crucial. Practice your panning movements to maintain a steady camera throughout the shot. Use a tripod or monopod to keep everything as steady as possible and eliminate unwanted movement. Take lots of photos, starting before the bird is in the prime position and continuing after, to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.
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Frequently asked questions
A shutter speed of 1/20 – 1/40 of a second is recommended. This will vary depending on the size of the bird and the amount of blur you want on the wings. A shutter speed of around 1/30 of a second is a good starting point.
A smaller aperture like f/8 – f/13 is recommended.
The ends of the day just after sunrise or before sunset are the best times to get dark enough exposures at slower shutter speeds.
It is recommended to pan at the same speed that the bird is flying. You can also try to anticipate the bird's movements and pan steadily with it.
It is important to take a lot of photos and practice. Using a tripod or monopod can help to keep the camera steady. If your camera has Image Stabilization (IBIS), set it to Vertical Only Image Stabilization.
