Birds in Flight Photography: Techniques, Tips and Tricks

[@maximme]

the BEST on youtube. Many show LARGE birds as way of showing what they can do. BUT you are the only one showing small birds. THAT'S THE REAL birds in flight shots

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Appreciated!

[@ZulMOHAMAD.PHOTOGRAPHY]

Good Tips. Beautiful images. Loves them all. :)👍👍👍👍👍

[@paulsharkey4185]

Your photography is fantastic!! Your shots are equal or better than some photographers that live or visit in the tropics. Tropical birds seem to have so much more intense colors that really get amplified when photographed. All I'm saying is that you really do justice to the birds you select to shoot.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Paul! I’m interested in the more local Western Palearctic species, but maybe I’ll go tropical one day. Thanks for watching!

[@RichardCookphotography]

Great video Phil. Well done

[@zoefarris2409]

Great video and I am sure this will help me in my BIF shots.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

That’s brilliant to hear Zoe

[@hhkk876]

Excellent!!

[@santhoshkallingal8592]

Great video

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@jimmiealeshire8457]

Thanks Phil Awesome Video. I love shooting Birds in flight or anywhere. Thanks again. From Dayton, Ohio USA

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure Jimmie! Thank you for watching!

[@ambrosechiu2338]

thanks Phil, amazing photos😊

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Cheers

[@mikemcgovern9463]

I have referred several friends to this video so I don't have to say anything... 😎 Plus, I'm doing them a favor. All of these great points are key - well done. My fave three: (1) Be patient; it takes time to hone your skills to get where you want to go - months and even years. (2) Instead of getting frustrated when you miss, which can be understandable, smile when it doesn't work out - remember how lucky you are, where you are, and that you're going to get another chance; (3) Success rates are low; live with it, keep on keeping on! Keep up the great work, Phil; love your inspirational images...

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks very much Mike…you should be my agent 😃

[@johnbeavin9170]

Enjoyed that, and will have an eye out for more of your lessons..

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks for watching

[@sathishkrishnan1845]

Two more S's from my side. Superb and Subscribed 👍 Amazing video!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you so much!

[@ahmedm.fathie6124]

Excellent presentation with lots of teaching features. As far as I am concerned, It is one of the best Videos. Phil, you must have been an incredible teacher. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT,

[@Metragnome_Images]

Excellent video... love yout work.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@billhallsongs]

Thanks Phil! Great tutorial!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you

[@billhallsongs]

You are welcome Phil!

[@AA1PR]

Sir, your work is equivocally perfection

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Pleasant tempo and beautiful results.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you for watching Eigil!

[@paolopannuzzo1194]

Bel video istruttivo, grazie. 👍👍👍

[@YoBroz-ix5rq]

Top content! Thnx.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

@@YoBroz-ix5rq my pleasure

[@busyflyin]

Such a great video and a wonderful reminder that skill is so important. Can you tell me what camera strap you use in this video? It’s just what I’m looking for. Thank you!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback. I use a BlackRapid Double Harness.

[@basilreardon5783]

Your photos of birds in flight are great and the Sony body is why 👍

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

This video was produced before I had the Sony A1 and most of the flight shots shown in it were taken with the Canon 5DSR, but the A1 is amazing for BIF shots.

[@xochiltrodriguez428]

Wow!! I just saw your collection of bird photography. Goodness, amazing photos. I really need to step up my game. They are beautiful!!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you Xochilt

[@ramblersnook]

Great share, so useful in the field!

[@colwilson7348]

Fabulous photos ! Loved the pooping Heron. Thanks for the tips. 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure Col

[@obrnepal3301]

I'm happy to your infomative video

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@giovannibarbaro-sant110]

Hi, thanks for sharing your very useful tips on BIF photography. Regards from Malta.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure and thank you for your support!

[@jerryeisner1]

wonderfully educational and entertaining!

[@cvtees16videos]

Thank You for the tips!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure

[@m4mo2222]

Great information s thank you

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@EyesSquared]

The 6 S’s, that’s a great breakdown. Thoroughly noted!

[@hasanshirzadi7793]

One of the best advices for bird photography ever seen. Best wishes Phil

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Very kind words! Thank you!

[@arnolddubin9341]

Great video! I learn several things from this video.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Arnold!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Arnold

[@geraldknight9824]

Superb. Great information brilliantly presented. We are going out to photograph bird tomorrow. Ill put it to the test.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you Gerald and good luck!

[@jackobas54]

Great video Phil

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Cheers Rene

[@JamesWarrior]

This is an extraordinary and wonderful video. Beautiful photographs and excellent advice on how to achieve similar results. Thank you.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks for watching and for your positive feedback James

[@60secmusic96]

wonderful fotos! thank you for this video!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@thesmokeman1]

Weird , I've watched this video of a Thursday night, I usually watch it every Friday night to keep the ideas in my head , your making a difference Phil 💚

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Appreciated!

[@aytchroberts5850]

Excellent, thanks.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

👍

[@dianneturner4874]

Thank you this is one of the most informative videos I've seen on this subject. Great teaching skills and I will be watching more!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure Dianne…thanks for watching and good luck with your BIF shots.

[@hankstarr7800]

I find that a certain amount of upper body training actually helps considerably with my skill ability in the field. I do curls and bench presses with dumbbells. Nothing crazy, but it helps a lot when holding my heavy lens for a long time. Keeps my panning smoother. Never knew that I was going to have to work out to be a photographer.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Mobility and strength very important with those big lenses

[@jamesmcneil800]

Very informative, thanks!!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@elmarshanesda4662]

Thank you for the lovely information.. I hope i can apply it as i grow in wildlife photography..

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Cheers and good luck!

[@RY_OnTheLand]

Very informative... Enjoyed!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Rod....appreciated!

[@filmowiec_tv]

Beautiful shots 📷👌👍

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@karthiganapathi407]

Excellent explanation. Thanks. Look forward for more.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@xochiltrodriguez428]

By the way, thank you for the video. It makes more interesting with photos, so thank you. I love seeing other photogapher's work.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@tkermi]

Really nice and helpful video, thanks! And beautiful photos!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jalefancey9690]

awesome video, I liked that you spoke slowly and explained the 6 S's. I could understand. I have watched other videos but yours was the best as far as information and communication.I liked the beginning joke. thank you!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you Jale! I’m glad you you enjoyed it!

[@michaelwestdyk1742]

Excellent shots. Very informative . Thank you.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure.

[@rebeccawhitney1222]

Thank you Phil, wonderful information. Hello from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure Rebecca. Thank you for watching!

[@vivekmathala2381]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 such a great explanation...glad i found this🙏🏻

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@tenrec]

This is the first bird photography video I've watched that had me laughing out loud in the first few seconds -- thanks!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you for watching

[@mosessparks8340]

Great video.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you very much Moses!

[@mosessparks8340]

You're very welcome. Your work is stellar and the way you methodically explained your approach was both informative and entertaining. I only have one question: Why are you so annoying? ;)

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

😂🤣😂🤣 You’ll have to ask my wife!

[@MikeKatona]

This might be my second time through this video and I bet I could watch it a couple more times and gain something. Thank you

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Mike...really appreciated!

[@RealBigCliff]

Brand new to bird in flight photography I have watched dozens of videos on the subject, but this was my favorite Beautiful and informative Thank you

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Hi Cliff, thank you for watching and the positive feedback. Welcome to BIF photography!

[@oscarlaz]

Thank you, very educational. ❤

[@stevekaschak9442]

WOW! All i have to say is WOW, absolutely gobsmacked!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

👍Appreciated!

[@yingdong8580]

Very good tips! You look very serious and tens. :)

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

I am!😀

[@ssrahulaai]

Nicely presented Phil . Yours Tips are very useful . Thanks a lot.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@stevenoon2828]

Top stuff☝️Phil. Another fine video...excellent presentation with beautiful inflight images 👌Steve

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you Steve...appreciated!

[@aldrinmendonca2026]

great photos. Really appreciate you sharing

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Absolutely my pleasure Aldrin!

[@sabyasachibanerjee124]

Thanks for those practical and easy to follow tips.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@annbinyon2772]

Great tips and the most beautiful images, all a learning curve for me still and trying to perfect BIF! especially smaller birds! Phil Gower thank you .. your video will definitely help me going forward

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure Ann and good luck with the BIF shots

[@asitvyas11]

REMARKABLE AND AWESOME CLEAR SHOTS....MASTERCLASS. FELL IN LOVE WITH YOUR TECHNIQUES....WOWOWOWOW

[@usernamemykel]

AWESOME tutorial, AWESOME photos, judicious use of good music - not competing against his clear voice. Had no choice but to like and sub. Got my start in bird photography when I kept noticing a particular bird (turned out to be an American Kestrel) on a neighborhood power line, overlooking a grassy area and canal. Bought a Canon T-3 with it's nifty 50 kit lens - but it wasn't enough reach. Bought a 70-200mm lens, a bit better. Started going to birding hotspots and quickly found out that I'd need a faster camera (7D Mark II) and a longer lens (bought a 400mm) to capture "BIF'. I'll be added an extender (have it, but never used it) to "Reach out an touch someone", as they say. Lately I've been into macro photography, hence a Canon mirrorless R10 and a great, but "inexpensive", Tokina f2.8 100 mm FF macro lens. I'm just about 8 decades (Imperial, not Metric) old - and my back dictates that looking downward is less painful than looking upward... Expect to have many more subscribers if your upcoming videos are of the same quality - looking forward to them!

[@wdhale14094]

Your photos are amazing. The final photos with a story truly are extra amazing. Great tips. Thank you.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@kabn131]

Nice video and great photos. I enjoyed listening to you! Keep up the good work.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@RolandGaenssler]

Great shots, Phil. That's an interesting video. Regards, Roland

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Cheers Roland!

[@IndianBirdVideos]

Excellent tips!! Amazing photos!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Glad you like them!

[@aphovasse]

These are great, thanks so much, from western Canada!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@JoshsPhotoJourney]

Great info👍 Awesome pictures 👌

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@alyamaut]

Great information 🤘🏽muchas gracias

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@deanseldon5640]

Some excellent shots there just subscribed look forward to your videos

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Dean....appreciated!

[@drvdsingh]

excellent effort to impart birding knowledge to beginners like me

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you VD.... really appreciated!

[@Chimboica2011]

You are a great teacher and a great photographer Phil. Love your video, I keep watching over and over again

[@lesheelanz2024]

Awesome! Thanks for generously sharing your knowledge. Cheers!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure! I’m hope you liked!

[@lesheelanz2024]

@@philgowerbirdphotography I definitely like this video!

[@Tunesmithnw]

Thank you!

[@christyh7609]

Another well done video Phil :) Keep them coming

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you for watching Christy! I’ll do my best!

[@bottoncino666]

great helpful and motivating video thank you

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to have a look!

[@umajps]

Thanks Phil, excellent video tutorial of Six S’s. Top notch. Keep them coming.

[@bestmum55]

Thank you Phil! I have purchased a Sony to get some great photos of BIF. Your video has helped greatly with your tips.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thanks Jen! Good luck with your BIF shots!

[@l3f799]

Very useful tips Phil. Thanks - you have inspired me to try some BIF work!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you and good luck with your BIF shots1

[@itsyvesss]

best intro I've seen in while 😂

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

🤣

[@rolandrick]

Awesome video, amazingly helpful hints and beautiful images! Now I must move from where I live to a place birds do also. We mostly have Chaffinches and all kind of sparrows. The more coloured ones hide in the forest and panning in the woods isn’t fun 😜

[@Trekholic]

Great useful info shared.. Keep going.. 👍

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

I will try my best! Thanks for the feedback!

[@inerro.landoutdoorwildlife]

Great tips and amazing portfolio! Thanks!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure thanks for watching!

[@NurIsmailMohammed]

Excellent sharing, Phil! Lots of bird-in-flight tips. Thank you so much!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@NurIsmailMohammed]

@@philgowerbirdphotography You've got an awesome Flickr page too!

[@subitkobiraj2402]

Thanks. Very useful tips.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@mickmckean7378]

Great tips and beautiful images Phil, thanks and congratulations.

[@photooutdoor2574]

I agree 100%! To get the skills is the most difficult. Great pictures und well explained. Thank you!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you very much!

[@MrTurnturtle]

Thanks Phil, Very helpful indeed. An eye opener to learn so much about flight photography. Practice, practice, practice. And the skill comes along without being conscious about it.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you for watching and good luck with your photography!

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Stunning

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you!

[@myf0c4ld1st4nc3]

Hi Phil really liked your video. Learned a lot also. Please consider to put photo settings on the images you show. Thanks. Keep it up.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you! I’ll do my best to put settings on images in the future!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great advice Phil. I find myself referring back to my shooting days and shoot on the half breath. Thanks for your wisdom!

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

That’s another useful technique...providing good balance. Thanks for watching!

[@tobyblackman9986]

Full camo for the driveway haha. Great tips I'll try to implement in my bird photography.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

😀 I tend to live in the stuff....you never know where and when a rarity will turn up 😀

[@tobyblackman9986]

Yeah that is very true. Keep up the good content

[@NikCan66]

Great photos and a new subscriber

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Really appreciated!

[@ThinkingPhotography]

Thanks Phil for some good solid advice and for emphasising that good BIF is a SKILL not a set of gear....fabulous pics at the end, really liked too the fact that you encouraged people to get shots with some 'behaviour' other than simply flying past, of course you're right and that does make for a much more interesting image.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

It’s my pleasure Lindsey and thank you for watching and commenting!

[@markrigg6623]

You can't shoot birds in flight without the right gear.

[@petermoller9235]

es war sehr sehr schön.... thank you

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure!

[@danwoodmaster]

Breathtaking photographies! Thanks to share your techniques.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@skipsteel8553]

Well done. You have reinforced what I have learned so far as well as enriched my understanding by providing useful additional detail and by introducing some new factors which will certainly help even more. I'm an amateur enthusiast and your skill point on how difficult it can be to raise the lens and quickly see the bird through it was one of my biggest challenges. I found that aviation photography where the planes arrive/depart frequently has vastly improved my skill in this regard.

[@philgowerbirdphotography]

Thank you for the positive feedback skip. Keep on practicing!