how to
photograph
wild birds

Changing the camera angle for different perspectives

Composing a photo is difficult. How can I transform my photos while keeping the subject centered?
If you have the opportunity, experiment with different stances while you shoot. Changing the camera's angle presents the subject in different ways.

Feeding ground for Eurasian Oystercatchers

From a distance, slowly approach the subject with your tripod set at a short height. Ensure that you shoot quietly as large movements and loud sounds will startle the birds. If the birds are not too skittish, remove the camera from the tripod and try crouching down to change the perspective of the photo.

Image data

Aperture value: f/4
Shutter speed: 1/3200 second
ISO speed: ISO200

Exposure compensation: 0
Focal length: 500mm
DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

What are the characteristics of photos taken from a standing position?

This is by far the most common shooting stance. When a photo of birds on land or swimming on water is taken from a standing position, there is a feeling of looking down from above. If birds are perched on a post or a low tree branch, the stance gives a feeling that the birds are close to eye level. When birds are higher than the photographer, they appear to be seen from below in photos.

What are the characteristics of photos taken while squatting or in a low stance?

If you crouch down and lower the camera's position when shooting birds that are on land or in water, the photo will be in alignment with the bird's gaze. This stance works well when you have grass or flowers in the foreground, which can be made to appear out-of-focus.

What are the characteristics of photos taken while lying down or from a low angle?

Since this stance places the camera almost in line with birds that are on water or land, you can capture the scenery or the view in the background. However, grass and other elements in the foreground tend to get in the way. Another problem is that, although you may think you are holding the camera level, it may, in fact, be positioned at an angle. Cameras with a vari-angle monitor may help with this issue since you can check the shot on the screen before shooting.

Cameras equipped with a vari-angle monitor are recommended so that you won't have to lie down and you can ensure that the frame is not at an angle.

Comment from a learner

I don't think I've ever changed my stance while taking photos before. Just by kneeling or placing the camera on the ground, I was surprised by how much the look of the photo changed, even with the subject still centered in the frame. When the background changes, the entire feeling of the photo changes.

Lesser White-fronted Goose,
by a learner

Taken from a standing position

Aperture value

f/5

Shutter speed

1/250 second

ISO speed

ISO1250

Exposure compensation

0

Focal length

170mm

DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)
Lesser White-fronted Goose,
by a learner

Shooting from a squatting position

Aperture value

f/5

Shutter speed

1/250 second

ISO speed

ISO2000

Exposure compensation

0

Focal length

170mm

DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)
Lesser White-fronted Goose,
by a learner

Shooting a photo from a low angle

Aperture value

f/5

Shutter speed

1/200 second

ISO speed

ISO1250

Exposure compensation

0

Focal length

170mm

DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

Message from Mr.Tozuka

Changing the height from which the photo is taken creates depth in the image while shooting level with the bird's line of sight adds a sense of realism to the photo. Once you learn how the angle can affect an image, you will be able to apply other techniques to improve your photos.