how to
photograph
wild birds

Lesson 3

The Program Mode is ideal for first-time photographers.

Once you've got your camera and lens ready, you should be ready to start taking pictures. What should you do next? Today, digital cameras are equipped with advanced features, making it easier than ever to take great photographs. Jump right in and check your images on the camera's LCD display. If you don't like the results, you can try changing the settings and see what happens. The important thing is to keep snapping away!

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Oriental Pratincole
Oriental Pratincole
Oriental Pratincole
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I found and Oriental Pratincole while it was taking a rest at a farm on its long journey. If I use a short focal length lens, the oriental pratincole will blend in with the background and it will be difficult to see. Its body color also camouflages it. What is the best strategy? I got closer to it and took a photo with a blurred background by using an ultra telephoto lens with a low depth of field. It worked, and created a sharp image. I focused on its eyes and captured a catch light in its eyes. As a result, I got a vivid image.

Image data
  • Aperture value: f/5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/4000 second
  • ISO speed: ISO400
  • Exposure compensation: 0
  • Focal length: 700mm
  • DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

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What shooting mode should you select?

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First set the mode dial to “P,” (Programming AE) and take some photos. With the P setting, the camera will take care of the finer settings for you.
Then, just follow your instincts and snap away to your heart's content.

How do you set the camera to P mode?

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1 First, insert the battery pack and memory card

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Insert the memory card and battery pack

2 Turn the camera on and set the shooting mode to “P”

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Set the shooting mode to “P”

3 Set the ISO speed to “AUTO,” the Metering mode to “Evaluative metering,” and the AF operation to “ONE SHOT AF.” You're now ready to go.

Set the ISO speed to “AUTO”

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    Press the <ISO> button and turn the Main dial
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    Press the <ISO> button and turn the Main dial
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    Press the <ISO> button and turn the Main dial

Set the Metering mode to "Evaluative metering"

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    Press the Metering mode button and turn the Main dial
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    Select "Evaluative metering"
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    Press the <Q> Quick Control button and select “Evaluative metering” by using the Quick Control Dial

Set the AF operation to “ONE SHOT AF”

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    Press the <AF> button and turn the Main dial
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    Select “ONE SHOT AF”
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    Press the <Q> Quick Control button and select “ONE SHOT AF” by using the Quick Control Dial

Note: The “Evaluative metering” setting means the exposure level will automatically adjust in accordance with the shooting situation.

Note: “ONE SHOT AF” means that you can activate autofocusing by pressing the shutter button halfway, a function that is well-suited for photographing still subjects. If you are trying to photograph a moving subject, it is better to select the AI SERVO AF mode, which will continuously track the subject to maintain proper focus.

4 When you press the shutter button halfway down, it locks the focus on the subject. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photograph.

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Press the shutter button halfway, and then press it all the way

one point advice

How can I take eye-catching photographs?

When photographing wild birds, focus on their eyes, just as you would when photographing people or pets. Frame the image so that the bird's eyes are at the center of the AF area. Sometimes when the bird turns its head, you will see a catch light (a light source that reflects to create a highlight in the subject's eye). Photographs that include a catch light result in more powerful and more appealing images.

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Comment from a learner

I am first-time digital SLR camera user. I tried taking pictures according to your instructions, but I found it very hard to focus on the eyes. When I use a telephoto lens, even the smallest movements completely change the composition of the photograph.
After several attempts, I finally got a picture with a catch light. The catch light makes all the difference.

  • Varied Tit, by a learner
    Varied Tit, by a learner
    Varied Tit, by a learner
    Enlarge

    Without a catch light

    Aperture value
    f/5.6
    Shutter speed
    1/320 second
    ISO speed
    ISO400
    Exposure compensation
    -1
    Focal length
    240mm
    DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)
  • Varied Tit, by a learner
    Varied Tit, by a learner
    Varied Tit, by a learner
    Enlarge

    With a catch light

    Aperture value
    f/5.6
    Shutter speed
    1/320 second
    ISO speed
    ISO500
    Exposure compensation
    -1
    Focal length
    240mm
    DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

Message from Mr.Tozuka

You were lucky to capture a photograph with a catch light today, because it's cloudy. When it's fine, it's quite difficult to capture a catch light. Sunshine makes a shadow on its face. When you use a telephoto lens to photograph a bird, at first you need to locate the bird with your naked eye. Without looking away, move the camera in between your line of sight and the bird. If you're trying to find a bird by looking through the camera, you first need to zoom out to find the bird. Then you can enlarge it with the tele range.

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