Capturing Compelling Bird Photographs

Enchanted by feathers and wings? Pro wildlife photographer Drew Buckley uncovers the key components behind compelling bird photographs

Drew Buckley

Bird photography. What does it conjure up in mind? Silhouetted songbirds singing in the amber mist? Beautifully detailed portraits of exotic species or an airborne bird of prey? Going in for the kill? Whatever your vision, photographing birds can be one of the most significant challenges for a photographer.

Rather than just recording shots, bird photographers strive to capture photos to captivate and immerse viewers. However, photographing birds can be frustrating and often requires immense patience and perseverance to capture that unique and charismatic image finally. To take great photos of birds, you will need to bring everything together, from camera technique to composition. Don’t forget to use fieldcraft to track down a species and approach it correctly to avoid any disturbance. To become a better bird photographer, you first need to become a better naturalist. Knowing where to look for wildlife and how to approach them using fieldcraft and hides will significantly benefit you and your images. Great wildlife photographs aren’t just about the image itself – that’s just the cherry on top. The most crucial element that goes into the shot is preparation. Plan out what you hope to achieve and how you will do it.