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Step 1
Be sure to have your camera handy while in the backyard, hiking or at the beach this summer to get some great bird shots. Best time of day is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is close to the horizon and the light is much softer. Also, consider the direction of the wind and the sun when planning your bird images. Birds almost always face the wind, both when they are flying and while perched. If the wind and the sun are coming from the same direction, you've got a perfect formula for success as your feathered friends will be facing into the sun for good lighting when you shoot their portrait.
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Step 2
Winds from the south and west are ideal for late afternoon bird shots when the sun is low in the southwest sky. The low sunlight will cast long shadows, which can lend a creative element to your images as well.
- For profiles, shoot on days when wind and sun are about 90 degrees apart.
- If wind is against the sun in broad daylight, look for shaded and sheltered areas. -
Step 3
Until next time, happy shooting (photographs, that is),
Jim Brammer
Copyright 2009, Jim Brammer - All rights reserved
www.stateoftheartimages.com
