Wing position for BIF - what is preferred

what do most people think is the preferred wing position for BIF?

I know that some birds like Mallards have colorful tops of the wings

what are peoples thoughts?

i don't think there's a preferrence. the only thing i can think of what is not preferred from a BIF shot, is a bird flying away from you(the dreaded flying butt shot)

Mostly ambivalent for me, aside from not blocking the head/eyes. Other than that, I prefer whichever angle shows the best color or the most distinctive markings for the species.

I think it depends on the time of day and direction of the light. Large birds will cast a shadow with their wings. Always remember to capture the glint in the eye. These suggestions also need to be coordinated with the direction of the wind to capture birds taking off and landing.

Jeff USN Photog 72-76 wrote in post #19040812
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what do most people think is the preferred wing position for BIF?
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Among those in many circles of the bird photography community, a top side image is usually considered quite special.

And when I say a "topside image", I am specifically referring to the type of image in which the top side of BOTH wings is clearly visible, and presented at close to a 90 degree angle to the camera. . Getting the top side of just the near wing is rather pedestrian, and can usually be done any time a bird gives you a decent fly-by opportunity. . But getting an image that shows a perpendicular view of the topside of both wings requires that you capture the bird while it is banking sharply, which is an opportunity that seldom presents itself.

I wish I had such an image to show as an example, but I don't have anything good enough to be representative of the most preferable view. . Here are links to the kind of wing position that most world-class bird photographers are trying to capture when they photograph birds in flight.

https://web.500px.com …tent=web&utm_so​urce=500px

https://www.flickr.com …davidhemmings/6​056659253/

https://www.naturephot​ographyblog.com/blog/t​ag/Testimonial


The underside of most bird's wings is rather plain, being mostly a uniform, silvery white. . But the top side is where each species' unique coloration manifests itself.

But of course, getting a topside image of a bird in flight is far more difficult than getting an image that shows the underside of the wing. . As usual, the most beautiful view is the one that is most difficult to get, and that almost nobody is able to capture on a consistent basis.

EDIT:

I did manage to find a few images that come pretty close to the most desirable wing position. . Here's one I took in November of a Magpie. . Ideally, the top wing would be presented to the camera at the same angle as the lower wing. . I just wasn't able to capture a perfect position, because the Magpie wasn't banking very sharply ..... so I have to make do with this. . I still like it, but realizing that it could be a bit better does take some of the enjoyment away.

kcrunchone wrote in post #19037789
Staying local, I guess things are not going to get better to be on the road for a spell. Luckily I have a few places locally to go off and be alone. Time for my ghillie suit.

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Tom
Looking through my pictures I find that the top of both wings are rare, I only have 4 or so that way.

and the other two

No particular preference for me and I've gotten them in every conceivable position.

There's a mention above about not catching them going away. I disagree..I love that....I've gotten many great pictures of them flying straight away. It's especially cool to get them like this when they perfectly aligned on your plane. The symmetry is incredible and you can really see the aerodynamic design.

I particularly enjoy birds in flight pictures and from any and varied angles.
Like all photos, it's how the end person sees them, but what best suits the photographer.
I love to see the wing structure, feathers, colours and any details associated with such.

They look different from any angle. I don't take BIF but if I did I wouldn't be constrained by "convention"

We're all different.

About 5 Weeks ago I took a Bittern in flight. I was lucky to get around 15-20 shots of it as it flew past. All the photo's were in focus and the 8-9 "Wing-Upbeat" shots all looked the same as well as the 8-9 "Wing-Downbeat" shots. So I tend to choose the image which is slightly different than the rest. In this case it was easy I favoured the shot with the bird showing it's mouth Open. So for me Wing position does not matter but is is more about the background and what else is taking place in the shot.

My favourite Wing Position shots are the ones where the wings just skim the surface of the Water.

Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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I also find it very pleasing to see wings in the position what I call "Putting on the Air-brakes" it's almost like a reverse thrust action.....for example....

Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.

Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Also It's lovely to see Wings of Several birds in perfect formation or sequence ......

Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …49600982232/in/​datetaken/

Greylag Geese

Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Photo from PCousins's gallery.
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Paul you've conveyed what I couldn't, with photos, and being on the receiving end, so to speak, the viewer, they're all excellent and none would take first prize. I'd give it to them all.
That said I think the Bittern one is a fine example of that something extra, something different that makes it special.
But you really can't aim for that as I expect that happens mid flight so a frame had open mouth, others not.
Beautiful series Paul

Art Morris has said wing up or wing down doesn't matter in general. I can't find the exact web page where he expressed that, but he indicates ambivalence in this page.

I agree with PCousins that there is much more to it than just up or down. The angle, action and pose matter more. Morris also says this.

And I agree with BirdsofBC that butt shots are not good - or, stated differently, pics of birds fleeing the photographer are not the best.