New to bird shooting

OK, so first off bird shooting is not really my style or thing. BUT, we have an awesome wetlands by me, great relaxing vibes, good walk and TONS of birds and stuff so I am trying to get into it for kicks. I really feel like I do not know what to do in the sense that my mind is trying to make pictures I would make with people or things.

So are there general rules of what makes a good bird shot? Like, should the head be a certain way, or how are you even supposed to compose birds? I think part of my problem is not knowing in my mind what is worth shooting or not. I am not a spray and pray photog at all, and don't take many shots when I shoot, but I feel like I don't know what to shoot because there are birds everywhere and it is like the same thing over and over. lenswise, I don't have anything superlong, I have a sigma 100-300 f4 and a 135 and a 1.4TC. I kinda like the 135/TC combo best for a nice walk.

Here are what I consider my best shots from my last 2 trips.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/stonemaster/11​608742375/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/stonemaster/11​627820246/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/stonemaster/11​627428604/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/stonemaster/11​669889705/

The last shot has next to no processing, but I definitely feel like I am trying to do too much in post to make the shot more interesting(like in the second pic for sure). That can be cool and I like to play in post, but I also like at least knowing when I take a shot what is in my head for it and why. I think with birds I just shoot them and figure out what to do with the shot when I get home

Most of my shots are like this shot below, but different birds and environment.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/stonemaster/11​627421724/

Almost everyone starts with what I term "static" bird images. By looking at images from the talented bird photographers here and on other internet sources you learn how others compose their shots, to wait, be patient and capture some behavior images. Or maybe a cleaner, or more interesting background. Spice up your images.

Be aware that bird photography is very addictive. I've never really been into birds, much less bird photography, yet I cannot stop doing it.

Think about your basic elements of what makes a good photograph - and then apply those to your bird shots as you get started:
- have you isolated the subject to show it off to it's best advantage (depth of field or motion blur)
- is your lighting right to capture the detail you are looking for
- is your subject doing something interesting (catching a fish, eating a berry or seed, interacting with another bird, posing for a portrait)
- is the major point of focus on one of the thirds lines
- are you at 'eye level' where it makes sense so that your perspective is right

- what bhowdy says in his post above.

bhowdy wrote in post #16566751
Almost everyone starts with what I term "static" bird images. By looking at images from the talented bird photographers here and on other internet sources you learn how others compose their shots, to wait, be patient and capture some behavior images. Or maybe a cleaner, or more interesting background. Spice up your images.

Perfect. It is that "static" that I couldn't put my finger on. I think a lot of it is exactly that.

Thanks guys, I will try to actually pretend it is like everything else I shoot and pay attention to everything not just the subject that makes a good picture. Don't know why shooting a bird had me forget how to take photographs, or why I needed someone to point it out, but that is really it. I went there shooting like a soccer mom just snapping at the subject.

Hopefully I can update with some better attempts. I do like the flying egret shot though, but the goal should be to come back with 20 of those to choose from of different birds/backgrounds etc. instead of right place right time and fire.

Looking forward to future posts Nick!

This guy: http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/
is a great teacher as well as a fantastic bird photographer. I thought of him in regard to your question about head angle. As I recall, Art recommends that the bird's body be parallel to the sensor, with the head turned slightly (I mean a few degrees) toward the photographer. He has all kinds of tips on his blog. My favorite quote from Art: "There is no secret to great bird photography, you just have to get everything right." Fair warning; this is addictive stuff.

Try to get level with your bird.
Wait for the sun to reflect in its eye. Its called catch light and it really helps a photo.
Otherwise you got it.
Most of all, enjoy nature and have fun.

great advice from everyone. For me personally, keep it easy on the processing, most people do tend to like a more natural look. Enjoy!

For sure. I definitly over processed a few of those... I am going to try again tomorrow.