Page 30 - Silverlakes December 2021

White Necked Raven
PHOTOGRAPHING BIRDS IN FLIGHT

By Albert Roos

ave you ever attempted to photograph into your sides to help balance the lens and As is the case for most genres of photography,
birds in flight? It can be a rewarding when you turn, do so by using your waist. By try to shoot in good light with the sun behind
Hexperience if done accurately – and keeping it smooth and steady, your chances you. If the wind is blowing from behind you,
frustrating if done incorrectly. of success will only increase. this will cause the bird to fly more slowly and
beat its wings faster.
What you need in abundance (in most cases) The practice that I refer to as “panning”
to photograph birds in flight are patience, means to follow your subject and to keep I recommend that you use Manual Priority
more patience, and lots of practice… it in frame. It is important to practise and Mode when shooting birds in flight. Don’t use
to anticipate what the bird may do in order Aperture Priority Mode as the background
Jokes aside, patience and practice are to keep it in frame. Here are tips that will may change from light skies to dark trees.
essential. You will also require a tripod help you: This will cause the exposure to change and
with a gimbal head, preferably a telephoto 1. Learn about the habits of the bird you will result in the bird being under-exposed.
lens. When shooting with a telephoto lens want to photograph – get to know its That said, it is still possible to correct for
it is important to maintain a smooth and habits and behaviour. exposure in the lightroom.
steady motion as you pan, following the 2. Use a larger telephoto lens to get the bird
birds in flight. If you shoot out of hand, it in your viewfinder while it is still far away. Photographing birds in flight requires you
is important to exercise proper technique. 3. Practise panning in your backyard before to manage the ISO. If you have a full frame
Remember to keep your elbows tucked going to the bush. sensor camera, you can shoot in Auto ISO,

Endangered Bearded Vulture