Birds - What kind of shot do you strive for? (Plus some examples from a noob)

[mrkgoo]

Firstly, I've been somewhat of a lurker to these forums - been around a while, but mostly browsing, in particular, the lens forums. Only very occasionally posting images.

Secondly, I have been spending a bit of time going through some of the bird photos here. I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of bird shots specifically - I kind of try my hand at everything, being relatively new to SLR photography. It's kind of interesting to see how people approach bird shots...even though it's a very wide genre, and the subject variety is near immense, the creativity can be very varied even with the same bird. There're, of course, in flight shots, posing shots, candid, abstract, action - pretty much every aspect you can think of in photography.

But what kind of shots do you aim for? I notice a lot of people are content with closeup, near -portrait style, aiming for extreme sharpness - some wonderfully expert examples here in this forum. Is there a particular 'style' you try to adhere to?

Would love to hear some views on bird photography in general - how strong is your preference to bird photography in relation to other subjects? What is, for you, that makes bird photography so fascinating? Do you find it challenging, or does it seem to come naturally?

Lastly, thought I'd better contribute a few random shots I have taken from my limited repertoire. (note: I don't really apply any PP at this stage, content with my self trying to push my self in terms of the camera side of things first - though I am aware of teh amazing difference a bit of adjusting can do) C+C welcome, of course:

Penguins:
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/3674/img2181yd5.jpg

Uh...Juvenile Blackbacked Gull?
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/9741/img2482un8.jpg

Australasian Gannet
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/4120/img3143ka6.jpg

BlackBacked Gull
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/7112/img4334qi8.jpg

Goose
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2985/img4284ir4.jpg

More gull action
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/2036/img5304ni0.jpg

Lol, not sure what this bird was
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/6312/img5356jr0.jpg

[canonloader]

Well, all of your shots are excellent. Very artistic compositions, sharpness, detail and use of color and light. :)

But what kind of shots do you aim for? I notice a lot of people are content with closeup, near -portrait style, aiming for extreme sharpness - some wonderfully expert examples here in this forum. Is there a particular 'style' you try to adhere to?
I prefer just what you described. Bit it's less being content with it as it is a matter of necessity. The other alternative is to show a tiny bird in the middle of a tangle of sticks and dead leaves. But then, I shoot small songbirds for the most part, also by necessity. Quite a bit different than your water birds. When spring gets here and all the ducks, geese and pelicans come back, I'll change my style to match the necessity. :D

[mrkgoo]

Well, all of your shots are excellent. Very artistic compositions, sharpness, detail and use of color and light. :)

Thanks.


I prefer just what you described. Bit it's less being content with it as it is a matter of necessity. The other alternative is to show a tiny bird in the middle of a tangle of sticks and dead leaves. But then, I shoot small songbirds for the most part, also by necessity. Quite a bit different than your water birds. When spring gets here and all the ducks, geese and pelicans come back, I'll change my style to match the necessity. :D

Of course! I never really considered the whole seasonal thing. Especially since most of my shots are from birds that are pretty much always around (it seems -I'm not much of an ornithologist, haha). I haven't actually strived to really go hunting for some birds...normally just go out and take what's there. Must try and set aside an actual bird hunting exposition one of these days...see what I can find if I really go looking!

Do you specifically go out looking for songbirds? As in specifically go out shooting birds? If so, how long have you been know to spend, out in the field?

[canonloader]

Do you specifically go out looking for songbirds? As in specifically go out shooting birds? If so, how long have you been know to spend, out in the field?
I just got back into photography after several decades of a decadent lifestyle chasing wimmen, consuming large amounts of amber colored liquids and living life as a bachelor. But I've always been more into nature photography than anything else, even in my film days. So I guess it was natural to specialize in birds when I got back into Digital Photography. I could no longer afford fim, and I've been waiting for the sensors to catch up with it, or I would have been in it sooner.

I just love birds, always have. I grew up on a farm in northern Illinois and just had a knack with them. Maybe it's their freedom that I love too. Think, if man had wings, what our society would have been like. ;)

Now I'm retired and have all the time in the world for this hobby. I shoot birds every day, 3-4 hours at a time. When it gets out of the teens again, some time in April, I will spend most of every day out along the river. Look to the left. I joined when you did, but since I don't have a life, I spend all my time shooting birds, learning how it's done and posting the results here. I just love this place. :D :D :D

[morehtml]

I try to get closeups with nothing distracting in front of the bird and get it all in good light. If the scene has merit I'll try to include more of the bird's surroundings. If the surroundings are poor I'll try to get mainly the bird. I usually try to get less dof to isolate subject.

[catsith]

i love all aspects, but close-ups and inflights are my favourites.
mitch, i have really enjoyed your contributions to this forum. I don't have as much time to browse, but the bird forum is my favourite!

[canonloader]

Thanks again Tina. I really enjoy sharing what I learn cause I know the agony of defeat myself. If I can spare others that, even more fun. :)