Capturing great shots of birds-in-flight can be quite challenging, but by following a few basic techniques, your chances of getting great shots will improve greatly.

#1 Use Continuous Focus

By using Continuous Focus (or AI Servo for Canon users), you will have a much greater chance of getting well-focused shots of flying birds. Lock your camera’s focus point on the bird while it’s flying and keeping it on the bird, while holding the shutter button half-depressed. The focus will stay on the bird and when you are ready, take a series of shots using the Continuous Shot or Burst mode.

#2 Leave Room In The Direction The Bird Is Flying

When photographing flying birds, always leave room in the direction the bird is flying, be it left or right. It’s important to leave more room in front and not have ‘wasted’ space behind the bird.

#3 Using Back Button Focus

Back-button focus is recommended for birds-in-flight, as the focus stays on the bird and doesn’t jump to the background as soon as the focus point misses the bird. The focus button is set via the camera’s men, so it on the back of the camera and totally separate from the shutter button on the top.

#4 Zoom Out

One suggestion for getting sharp shots of birds flying is to zoom out wider, making it easier to find the bird. Once you have locked focus on it, you can then zoom in closer. It’s much easier keeping focus on a flying bird, once you have found it in the frame.

#5 Eye Level

Try getting as close to eye level as possible when photographing birds, as this makes for much better composition. If the bird is high in a tree, step back some metres, as the image will be much more aesthetic. Also, if the bird is on the ground, I suggest getting down low with your camera before taking the photo.

#6 Watch Your Background

For many years, I have been teaching my photo workshop students to watch their backgrounds when photographing birds, especially trees sticking up out of heads etc. If the bird is sitting, spend a few seconds looking for the most natural background, compose and shoot!

If you have a passion for African wildlife, nature or travel photography and would love to go on a specialised small-number, professional African photo safari, please get in touch with Michael Snedic at WildNature Photo Expeditions. You can call him on 0408 941 965 or fill in this Contact Form and he will get back to you ASAP.

For the last 15 or so years, I have been presenting photography workshops and tours across Australia and overseas. These vary from short beginner courses that are a few hours in duration, right up to two and three week photo expeditions to places such as Antarctica, The Arctic, Africa and the Galápagos Islands. Often people ask me “which Photo Workshop or Tour do you recommend for me”, so I am going to give a few suggestions here.

#1 What Is Your Primary Goal When Choosing A Photo Tour

Are you wanting to experience wonderful new places, get shown amazing subjects and be shown how to best photograph them? Are you simply wanting to improve your photo techniques? Do you enjoy the company of like-minded people, who are there to learn how to take better photos? What is your budget? How long can you afford to be away?

Think about these questions before choosing which type of photo workshop or tour you wish to join.

#2 What Experience Does The Photography Tutor Have?

A very important feature to consider when choosing a photo tour is what type of experience does the tutor have (and how long have they been tutoring). There are lots of people who think that by registering a name and creating a Facebook page, they can start selling tours. Customers want experience and that’s what they are paying for. I can honestly say, that after presenting hundreds of photography courses, workshops and tours, over 15 years and to thousands of participants, I am one of the most experienced photography tutors in Australia. I know all camera brands well, hardly ever need to look at an owner’s manual and know photographic settings like the back of my hand.

#3 Photographic Tour Companies – Are You Covered?

Many Photo Tour Companies don’t have Public Liabilty Insurance or aren’t covered by National Parks permits. If something goes wrong, you need to know you are fully-covered in case of an accident or emergency. WildNature Photo Expeditions has 20 000 000 Public Liabilty Insurance and has permits for all National Parks where it is a requirement to have a Commercial Activity Agreement.

#4 What Is Included In My Photo Tour

It is important to read the ‘Inclusions’ and ‘Exclusions’ section, to see exactly what you are getting. You don’t want any nasty surprises halfway through your photo tour!!

#5 Does The Photo Tour Accept Different Skill Levels?

Photo Tours often don’t accept beginners, or are beginner-specific and some cater for a broad range of skill levels. Its important to research what levels of photography skills are taught and choose a photo workshop or tour that suits your needs.

If you have a passion for African wildlife, nature or travel photography and would love to go on a specialised small-number, professional African photo safari, please get in touch with Michael Snedic at WildNature Photo Expeditions. You can call him on 0408 941 965 or fill in this Contact Form and he will get back to you ASAP.