This article marks the first in a series to discuss bird photography. Topics covered will include camera equipment, composition, exposure, film choices, blinds, backyard photography and others. Periodically, photographs will be included that illustrate specific ideas or techniques.

This month’s tip concerns designing a photo. In the Bird Photo of the Month" (Oct 98) we have an Eastern Bluebird. While many photographs are the result of being in the right place at the right time, you can increase the number of good photographs you get by planning ahead. This allows you to gain some control over lighting, composition and the subject. This photograph is an example of creating circumstances that will give you a better chance of getting the picture you want.

When planning a photograph you must consider carefully the elements that make a good image as well as the welfare of the subject. This includes lighting, composition, exposure and minimizing the disturbance to the bird. In this case, a natural perch was chosen and carefully positioned. It was intentionally placed 10-15 feet from the nestbox. This provided incoming parents with a stopping point on the way to the nest. Often birds will stop before going to the nest if a suitable perch exists.

In placing the perch, you must consider the lighting that will be present when you plan to shoot. The type and quality of the light that falls on your subject is critical for creating the best photograph. Light from the midday sun tends to be very harsh, creating distracting shadows. The first few hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset generally give the best light. At these times the sun can evenly light the subject. The quality of the light is also important. During these early and late hours, the light tends to be “warmer”. (More reds, yellows and oranges) This lighting compliments the warm colors present on the male’s breast.

In choosing the time of day, you must consider the activity of the bird as well your own schedule. In this case afternoon was chosen. Therefore the perch was placed to the east of the nest box so that the sun would illuminate the subject from behind the concealed photographer.

Where the subject is placed within the frame can make or break a photo. Often the photo is much more interesting if the subject is placed off center. By composing with the bird slightly higher or lower in the frame, a more interesting composition is created.* A common problem with many photographs is distracting backgrounds, such as crisscrossing sticks, or branches that seem to come out of the top of the subject’s head. One way to control the background is to vary the depth of field used in the exposure. * Since the perch was artificially placed, it was simply a matter of proper positioning to eliminate background clutter. This could compete with the subject for the viewer’s attention. The tripod was carefully positioned both horizontally and vertically in order to eliminate clutter and/or bright highlights. This way a pleasant green background is created which makes the subject “pop”. You want to avoid the subject and background having too little contrast, as they will blend together.

In summary, it is possible to have control over some of the variables in bird photography. Here the perch, the background, the lighting and to some extent, the subject are controlled to produce a more pleasing image.

* Subject of future articles ( Scott Fairbairn and John Reaume)