Nature photographer Mary Lundeberg shares tips and techniques for photographing birds against a background of sand and surf.
*Please scroll to the bottom of the post for more images from our guest.*
Episode 171
Tips for Photographing Birds at the Beach
with Mary Lundeberg
“My primary goal with photography is to preserve the beauty of Southwest Florida.”
The Approach
- Stand back – don’t rush in. Take the time to observe.
- Don’t make a beeline for your subject – take a wide arc, stop along the way, and let them get used to your presence.
- Watch how the birds are moving. Set up your tripod in an area that will let the birds come to you.
- Get low to the ground and be still to be less threatening to the birds.
Gear
- Backpack or camera bag – ALWAYS keep your camera and lenses in a bag at the beach – salt and sand can wreak havoc on your equipment.
- Towel to lay on.
- Kneeling Pad- for kneeling OR as a base for your camera on the sand.
- Tripod - Gitzo Carbon Fiber
- Gimbal head – Mongoose Generation 4
- Telephoto Extender
- 100-400 mm lens and 600 mm lens
Get to Know Your Subjects
- Learn what birds might be seen in that area and look up some of their behaviors.
- Cornell University Ornithology
- Audubon.org
- Florida Shorebird Alliance
- Park Rangers are also a great source of information. - The variety of birds changes with the season. Migration and nesting cycles are different for each species.
- Spend time with the birds. Learn to predict their behavior and be ready.
- Get involved in organizations and conservation groups.
Other Tips
- Be aware and present in the moment – the beach and surf can be damaging to your equipment.
- Pay attention to the background – MOVE and position yourself for the best shot.
- Increase exposure compensation +1/3 to +2/3 to correct for the brightness at the beach.
- Use AI Servo /AFC– Continuous Focus to track and focus on moving subjects.
- If taking pictures of a flock, it’s best to capture the flock as they land. Try a slightly slower shutter speed to capture the energy and movement– 1/50s to 1/25s.
- Most of the time the sun should be at your back, BUT the beach also has great backlighting options because of the reflectivity of the sand and water.
Mentioned on the Show
Which Gimbal Head to Buy and Why
Finding Mary
Listen to the Understand Photography Show on iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/y66g545vTo leave us a review (we’d REALLY appreciate it!), click on LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS, then OPEN IN iTUNES.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-understand-photography-show/id1189377019#see-all/reviews
Understand Photography
General Notes
What you need to learn for a solid photography education. Watch our free video:
https://understandphotography.leadpages.co/4-weeks-photography-education-video/
Upcoming Trips:
Everglades 4 Day Adventure
Jan 16-19, 2020
(SOLD OUT!)
Everglades 4 Day Adventure
Jan 30-Feb 2, 2020
(SOLD OUT!)
Everglades 4 Day Adventure
Feb 4 - 7, 2020
(1 OPENING!)
Everglades 4 Day Adventure
Feb 10 - 13, 2020
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
March 25-29, 2020
(SOLD OUT!)
Understand Photography is a member of the Amazon Associates Program.
I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about photography
Gear Recommendation of the Week
Head off the beaten path with confidence in the ExOfficio Lightweight Jacket, thanks to the built-in BugsAway technology featuring Permethrin that repels insects such as ticks and mosquitoes for up to 70 washes as well as providing protection from bug-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Zika. The adjustable drawcord hood, cinched hem and elasticized cuffs provide additional protection, while the chest and side pockets store the essentials for easy on-the-go access. When your trek is done, this hooded jacket packs into its own security pocket for convenient storage in your backpack or suitcase.