Lighting is Everything

When people ask “What is the essential element for taking a good bird photo,” I always reply “Lighting;” but a better answer might be “the direction of the sunlight.” A simple rule to follow is to keep the bird in front of you, and the sun behind you. That way the sunlight will illuminate the elusive bird in before you. 

Let your own shadow point the way: If you look in front of you and your shadow is pointing at that exciting bird, you’re in the right spot. If not, reposition so your shadow points the way to your subject with the sun at your back (without disturbing your subject). 

Why is good lighting important? It provides accurate color and feather detail, and it allows you to photograph with a faster shutter speed to stop action and make sharper images. Direct light will also allow you to utilize a broader depth of field, if needed. 

The angle of the sun will also make a difference. The best periods of the day to photograph are when the sun is positioned at a 45- to 30-degree angle, usually in the morning and late afternoon. Then too, during the period from late fall through early spring, the sun is positioned at a good angle to the south for most of the day for great outdoor photography. Just let your shadow point the way.

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