Bird Photography - Basics

You can be a great bird photographer!

Introduction

First things first... ANYBODY CAN DO THIS. YOU can do this. Taking photos of birds isn't rocket science. You are fully capable of taking photos that are every bit as good as any photo on this website.

What is the one key to bird photography? The old saying is that it's not the equipment it's the photographer. Make no mistake...today's technology is IMMENSELY helpful in taking good bird photos. Sometimes that technology isn't cheap, but...patience and persistence are free, and often more important than equipment.

The Northern Hawk Owl photo shown here is one of my favorites, taken at close range with relatively modest equipment. You can absolutely get results like this.

I have three sections devoted to bird photography:

1. Equipment

Advice on cameras, lenses, and gear

2. Photographing Birds

How to actually get the shot

3. Photo Stories

Behind-the-scenes of specific photos