What I wish I knew when I first started Bird Photography

[@chiaratalia_wild]

If you could tell something to yourself when you first started bird or wildlife photography, what would you say? Let me know in the comments! 👇

[@mattieyoung1644]

Don't take your dog with you.

[@GiuseppeGessa]

For some kind of birds, birds of prey in general, I wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning, because I want to go in the spot before them, and because I don't want to be seen 😁

[@chiaratalia_wild]

That's dedication! 👏👏But indeed,being there even before sunrise is even better!

[@waegnw1793]

One option not mentioned here (in this video) for bird photography is to bring the birds to you instead of you driving a long distance to get to where the birds might normally “hang out”. If you live in an urban environment, try putting out a bird feeder (or 2) to entice birds to your backyard. The longer you install and maintain these feeders, the more birds that will learn about where to come for a free meal. Of course, taking pictures of a bird sitting on (or clinging to) a commercial bird feeder is not going to produce the most amazing photos of that particular bird. To avoid this downfall, one just needs to do a bit of planning. Some possibilities include: (1) Place the feeder near a relatively small tree. Birds usually like to fly to a perch near the feeding area to "check out the surroundings" before continuing to fly (the remaining short distance) to the feeder (or feeding area). Take the photo once the bird has landed in the tree, and before it goes to the feeding area. With a bit of practice in composing the shot, a person who later views the photo will swear that it must have been taken in the "wilds" of an expansive national park. (2) The above technique can be refined even further. To entice the birds into a "tree" type environment for your photo(s), one can essentially make their own tree. Do this by finding a relatively small tree branch with smaller branches extending from it. Stand this tree branch upright near the feeding area and anchor the base to the ground. This can be done by digging out a small hole in the ground and placing the tree limb base in it. If the branch is still too "wobbly", dig the hole deeper and/or add some rocks at the base of the branch to help with the anchoring. Once in place, this tree branch will provide a perch for the birds to come to before proceeding to the feeder (or feeding area). One could also (possibly) use a xmas tree stand to anchor the branch in one location. (3) The technique in number 2 (above) can be enhanced in the following way. If the tree branch is sufficiently large enough, one can drill (and/or cut) out a concave/hollow area (i.e., a hole) on the branch in an area that will not show in the photos. Place some bird seed into this hole to attract more birds to the tree branch to feed. It might take a few days, but eventually the birds will recognize the fact that there is food to be had at the tree branch without proceeding to the feeder. As the birds come to feed at the tree branch, watch to see if they have a favorite/convenient landing spot as they arrive. If so, put the camera on a tripod, adjust your camera settings as desired, and focus on this spot on the branch. When a bird (worthy of a photograph) does arrive, some minor adjustments to the focus may/will be needed, but for the most part you are completely ready to take the photograph without wasting a moment; a moment in which the bird might change position, or fly away. I hope these suggestions prove useful to the viewers of this video. Thanks for reading my long comment.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hi, I appreciate your time to share your thoughts with the wider community! 😄

[@franksfiddle9031]

Excellent

[@youritguy1]

I stumbled upon your channel today and wholeheartedly concur with your views on social media. It often gives the impression that one must possess top-notch equipment, capture flawless shots consistently, and adhere strictly to all the rules. Personally, I relish the simple joy of taking photos. It's a delightful learning journey for me, pushing me to familiarize myself further with my camera. I'll certainly be tuning into your videos from now on. Keep up the commendable work, and thank you for sharing your insights.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks so much for your nice words. Social media definitely provide an amazing opportunity to share our work with far more people than we could have imagined in the past - but as you say we should never forget our deeper WHY!

[@neilcole3406]

Small in the frame is the new bird on a stick!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Ahahaha for me yes!!

[@heawin88]

The eye tip is priceless! Going out this afternoon and giving it a go on a river bank where tons of different kinds of birds congregate. Thanks for the tips!!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent! We live in Alaska where the golden hour in the summer is 9pm to 5am and in the winter 10am to 3pm. Excellent advice (Eye level and catch light in the eye is also important.) 3 Ps: Photographer position, planning and patience!

[@harrr53]

I agree about repetition. I've been to some spots so many times, I think the birds know my face by now!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

ahah that's the best! :)

[@ianmcfegan4071]

Excellent video, all things I wish i had known when I started. My advice to myself when starting out is to photograph EVERY bird, not just the 'exciting' or rare ones. Firstly you get more practice so when the 'exciting' bird turns up you know what to do, and I would rather have a good photo of a common bird than a poor photo of a glamorous bird. You shouldn't rely on the rarity or exoticness of the bird to make your photo interesting.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Great point - never underestimate the common birds. They end up being the best photography friends actually :)

[@Froggywentawandering]

Things I do now that I wish I knew back at the beginning : 1: learn bird behaviour - the "dip" in body before they take off or how some species clearly don't like each other and will chase / attack / harass , there's so much of this behaviour to learn but it's good for predicting movements for action shots :) 2: don't pack up in harsh light - head into the forests when the light is harsh , always some nice sunbeams shining thru the trees to photograph ;) 3: definitely don't be afraid to get dirty and get down on the belly to get those low level shots ! I always laugh at my friends saying " oh he's in sniper mode again " when I hit the deck to get a shot lol 4: Have fun and don't get hung up on craving likes and shares, do it for yourself - always :)

[@ryanangeli5897]

Sniper mode... Ha, I love it!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks for sharing! :)

[@franksfiddle9031]

Number 4 ... exactly that

[@brianmattor9601]

As a photographer for now 50 years everything she sed is 100% correct. and adding a couple more... People that go out more and work it get better shots. Pants with bult in kneepads are awesome! When scouting high trees = not so good; low trees = awesome Get a used semipro DSLR like a D7100 instead of cheap mirrorless cameras the lag the cheap mirrorless will drive you nuts.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks for sharing! I also agree that used DSLRs are great value for money nowadays!

[@brunovitoriodossantos7378]

Nice tips. I'd only add that specifically the D7100 might not be a good wildlife camera due to the small buffer. D7200 is SOLID though,

[@johnhitchon8043]

I'm so pleased I came across your channel. I've really enjoyed your video. Negative space in an image is very important as it tells a better story than just taking an image of a bird and like you say if hives one a chance to become more creative in their photography. I look forward to watching more of your amazing videos. Thank you.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thank you so much for your kind words! :)

[@PhilThach]

These are all excellent tips and suggestions. Well done!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thank you so much! 🐦☺

[@jonathansmith5787]

Such a helpful and encouraging video, thank you :)

[@chiaratalia_wild]

You are so welcome!

[@randyschwager2515]

All good advice! Thanks!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@QVL75]

Awesome video. Very easy to understand. I love it! Excellent tips.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks so much for the feedback! :)

[@przemcio92]

Hey Chiara, I just dropped by to say that you channel was instant revelation for me. I'm almost 100% positive that you have done some teaching before because of the extreme ease that you manage to put all those tips into well condensed sentences that are not boring at all. Your content is very well organised and the presentation side gives it even more edge. I hope that you will keep posting here for some time in the future. Keep up the good work!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hello, thanks so much for your super nice words. I am truly flattered 😊 I have never done teaching before - but I do like sharing knowledge, this was one of the main reason that brought me here! I have been travelling a bit recently so my new video is delayed but it should be available soon. Hope you will have a look as.I always look forward to receiving feedback to improve my content 😊

[@sydneycarportsprofessional7265]

You're a true leader.

[@johanp8391]

Despite having pursued photography for only three years , you share the wisdom of a photographer with many more years of practice. Thank you for your insights.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks Johan! :)

[@randyschwager84]

Great advice! Thanks for taking me along!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

You are so welcome!

[@Lucamitm]

That’s great advice to photograph surroundings

[@Kellysher]

You crack me up getting distracted by that cockcoo bird. I’m also easily distracted by birds! I’ve been to known to stop a conversation to check out a bird and rant to a non birder about what I’m seeing! I just can’t help myself!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

ahahah that is so NORMAL!!!!

[@shaunwaring-jones4858]

Thanks for the informative video. 🙏

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@AdrianW_photo]

Great and relevant advice. I especially like the part where you encourage others to take environmental shots and not to focus on pleasing those on social media. Our images will stay with us, while viewers will come and go.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

absolutely!!

[@MrModerate_kane]

point 1 is the best pointer. its a must do. in the UK you go out at 10-11am the activity is almost nothing unless its a controlled area etc, What i also learned and its changing me is the environmental shots, i love the colours, shapes, story, so i now keep an eye out for lovely shots of where i am, with no birds in at all, so its a win win. great Points.subbed and belled

[@chiaratalia_wild]

thanks for your comment!! :)

[@aaronm5149]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@MattH039]

As someone that is in the same position as you were; brand new to photography and no experience, these tips are invaluable! I had the exact problem of feeling like I wasn't close enough. I cannot wait to try some farther away shots!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks so much for your comment 🥰 I’m glad this was helpful!

[@Teeb2023]

Some very good points here, especially the one about using and including more of the surroundings rather than trying (fighting) to fill the frame with the bird.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

I am glad these resonated with you :)

[@fleckjr07]

Thanks Chiara,,,,enjoyed your points made especially about the environment shots to consider.....

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful! 😍

[@MaddoxphotographyNZ]

Lovely images 👏👏

[@ronniewhitakerIIImusic]

Thank you Chiara! I am glad to have found your channel. I'm new to bird photography and look forward to learning more from your experiences. Subscribed and ready for more!

[@franksfiddle9031]

Same here ... good luck with your new hobby

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Good luck with your bird photography adventures! :)

[@ronniewhitakerIIImusic]

@@chiaratalia_wild Thank you! I just purchased a 150-600mm lens to upgrade from my kit lens that came with the camera. So I'm really excited!

[@mohanakanna]

Amazing tips. God bless

[@8770animalwild]

this nature it's beautiful

[@chiaratalia_wild]

It is!!

[@paulstuckey9993]

I like your new approach to how your thinking... and your pictures are different to the usual wildlife photographer. Awesome pictures.. well done

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hey Paul, thanks so much for your kind words! 🤗

[@veggiemom5]

Your pictures are beautiful. Great tips too.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thank you so much!

[@jacquidarnell2370]

Thanks Chiara, I loved your video and it was super helpful. Everything you said makes total sense & I feel more hopeful about my skill level improving now 😊

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful!😉

[@aarong2374]

super helpful! One thing I learned is just go and shoot even if alone. Don't worry about what other people think.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

absolutely!! also I would say that actually being alone is an advantage ;) less stress for the birds, more chances to get closer to them!!

[@acbcfoto]

Thank you for the great advice. Totally agree!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

I am glad you found it useful :)

[@belight-ws4bb]

Thanks for shareing your thoughts, very helpfull !😀

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful!💚

[@Lukas_Wolf_photography]

Just started with bird photography 3 weeks ago. This are really nice tips. I already tried to follow the first and third tip on my trips before the video. So for me especially the second and fourth tip were really great. I did exactly what you said in the second tip. I Always tried to get as close as possible, but I loved your fotos with all the surounding and just a small bird. So I will go try that too. The 4th tip is really good too. At the moment I was just on two Locations. One is a really small "bird nature reserve" and I thought that would be a good start. But as you say in the video some places have tons of birds but you cant see them. (The reserve is fully fenced in) But I have seen a lot of potential woodpecker holes there from the official way. So it could be a really nice place to come again at mating time. My main place at the moment is a small bathing lake and I already see the point of going to the same location more often. But I will take the video with me and explore even more places. :) To exploring places, do you think I should do it early in the morning too, or is it fine to do this in the middle of the day? :)

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hey Lukas, first of all apologies for the late answer, and thanks for your feedback and good luck with your journey in bird photography :) For the scouting part, it is not critical to do that early morning. Actually normally after a session at sunrise I always take some time to have a walk and check on other places knowing I won't take photos anyway. Of course if you do that early morning you get to see directly how the light will look. With experience, you learn to evaluate a location and you can picture in your mind how that will look in other weather/lighting conditions, so you can maximise the non-photography time if it makes sense :)

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

Very enjoyable listen. Now I have a weird craving for "Fish & Chips" ?! And I'm not even in England anymore...

[@pseudophotog]

Beautifully communicated!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks a lot for your feedback 💚

[@paolavizzarri2834]

nice video and good tips!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

You're welcome 😁

[@dnegron8]

Thank you for the time and the video I learned a lot quickly! I really appreciate the straight to the point style and the common sense throughout the video

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks so much for your nice words 💚

[@swarajraj7120]

Brilliant talk.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thank you so much! 🐦☺

[@LydiaTucker-z2l]

Thanks for shareing your thoughts, very helpfull !

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vimalneha]

First, your points are good and i will use them. The 2nd advice was useful and i learned from you.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

thanks for the feedback :)

[@thomasneal7126]

I think photography goes in cycles. Everybody has shot the super closeup shots for quite a while now. So as to separate their work from other people's work they have started pushing the idea of the wide shots that incorporate the surroundings or habitat. Everybody will jump on board and will do this for years, and then they will go back to doing the close-ups again years down the road. Photographers always have to find a way to separate themselves from the herd, especially if they are going to try and make a living being one.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

I tend to disagree, there is plenty of people doing closeup shots almost exclusively. I think it just comes down to personal preference, style and circumstances. Perhaps some editing styles become more "trendy", but surely not the overalls photography approach. Regarding separating from the others, I think that's not a bad thing. Everyone is unique at the end of the day, and success is also determined by the ability of a person to put their uniquness in what they do (this is not just about photography but everything in life really).

[@thomasneal7126]

very well said ... @@chiaratalia_wild

[@ues5587]

you're adorable. 🙃 but its true even for backyard/balcony photographers like me, learning bird habits is very helpful: where they tend to land; how long they tend to stay in one spot (hint: the smaller the bird, the less time you have).

[@felipediehl]

Amazing tips. Thank you so much

[@chiaratalia_wild]

so glad you found those helpful! :)

[@patrickdavis9821]

Excellent advice, I am glad I watched this, I was discouraged thinking I will never be able to afford a really super zoom lens and I don't have to.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful!💚

[@GerhardBothaWFF]

Very useful information. I may add, for starting out especially. Be premeditated. Dont try to spread your budget to cover all possible focal lengths etc. Rather, get the best lens you can afford for the type of shot you are most likely to go after. Then plan your trips so that you go after those types of shots. For birds, this usually means you need reach. Forget about covering the other focal lengths then. Also, spend time to learn the habits etc of the birds you are after. It helps you with anticipating behaviour etc.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Great points! Thanks for sharing!

[@franksfiddle9031]

Some excellent thoughts Chiara ... I agree (being a new photographer) about perspective and composition, giving the story of the bird instead of just the bird. New subscriber - Mike

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hello Mike! Thanks so much for stopping by :)

[@marvinspates924]

I really enjoyed your video! I can see your enthusiasm in your face for the love of birding!!! I love "PHOTOGRAPHY" period!!! Bird photography is just one phase. As with any other type of photography you have to look for the right composition. For example making sure your subject is looking into the scene and not out of it!!! Always making sure the eyes are sharp!!! I love landscape photography, and macro!!!! Lol I always have something to take photos of!!! New subscriber to your amazing channel!!!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hey, thanks so much for your nice words! I wish I was also able to get into other photography fields! For now my mind is stuck on the birds! :D

[@TLOverlander]

Great advise! Thank you ❤

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LisaSaffell]

Very good reminders! Thanks for your tips. New subscriber

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Welcome!

[@1bookhouse1]

Beautiful work

[@michellestewart7494]

Hi there... your photography is amazing ..very creative as well❤🇨🇦📸❤️

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Oh! Thanks so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@ivan11cast]

Oh man I would tell myself so many things. But first I would go back and buy a good pair of binoculars from the start for sure. And yes, I will tell myself it's okay to take fotos to include surrounding vs just a portrait foto 😅

[@chiaratalia_wild]

binoculars are soooo important!!

[@dnasbirdingadventures]

Beautiful birding video. I'm learning and still get frustrated. Thank you for the information. We've been birding for about 35 years but more now since we have more time.😊

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Bird photography is quite difficult, but it is a great way to learn patience and also learn to accept mistakes :)

[@dnasbirdingadventures]

​@@chiaratalia_wildyes, my husband is pretty good at taking bird photos and has a bigger camera. I carry a light weight camera for video of birds...also can be a bit frustrating. It's nice too that the birds are out in the early morning. Go to @dnasbirdingadventures to check out his talent with bird watching. Thank you!

[@2121gateman]

Excellent video. I myself am always obsessed with getting the bird big in the frame but I need to start doing what your talking about and photographing birds in the natural surroundings.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

I understand that obsession. The reason why most people "chase" the close ups is that that results in having a "special" view - as normally we would not have that kind of view and details if we just walk around for example. That type of image is also much more attractive for the "general audience" for that exact same reason. But at the end of the day, that is not the only possibility we have. So I always encourage people at least to try the other formats :)

[@ninjesus4079]

very informative video! liked and subscribed

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thank you for supporting the channel 🤩

[@rezzoc91]

Ciao Chiara! È la prima volta che vedo un tuo video. Bel lavoro!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Ciao! Ma grazie mille :)

[@kevinceni2166]

Ottimi consigli per dei principianti! Complimenti per il video!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Ciao Kevin! Grazie mille. Spero possano essere utili 😊

[@kevinceni2166]

@@chiaratalia_wild si certo! Mi piacerebbe sapere come fai a scegliere una location e se usi anche il pc..

[@chiaratalia_wild]

@@kevinceni2166 fare location scouting è una delle parti più difficili e che richiede più tempo. Solitamente inizio usando piattaforme come eBird e Ornitho (per l'Italia) per fare una selezione nell'area di interesse. Oppure banalmente visito le riserve naturali. Parlerò anche di questo nel mio webinar per principianti domani se sei interessato! :) Cosa intendi per usare il pc?

[@kevinceni2166]

@@chiaratalia_wild intendevo proprio questo! Se usi siti o applicazioni. Grazie ancora!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

@@kevinceni2166 Sì, certo. Internet è di grande aiuto. Di niente!

[@roccorodriguez6653]

Thank you very much for your videos, I really enjoy your content. Something I wish I new sooner was not to worry so much about a low iso as much as an adequate shutter speed. I like to set my camera default to manual, iso auto (max 1600) ss 1/640 f lowest possible and adjust from there.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

You are so right! There is definitely some misconception around high ISO. But today cameras and software are able to handle that much better!

[@Nidhi_Maheshwari]

I💚The Insights and The Riverbed View While bird watching if we come across animals in the field, do we capture them or take cover?

[@luzr6613]

Wow... you've got the 'bird thing' bad. Great video and enjoyable discussion. I really like the emphasis you've placed on what you call 'environmental' shots. I felt that the examples you illustrated it with were outstanding - i loved them. Some of them contained a device - for lack of a better term - that i appreciate in any photo: the surprise element that materializes when you look at the photo, but that is not immediately apparent (especially as 'subject' or 'the point' of the image). I'm just starting with bird photography - most of what i do is environmental (landscape of various types), the intersection between the human and the non-human, and industrial. Birds are in a lot of places i go (and live), but i have neither the gear nor the depth of knowledge to get satisfactory images. That'll change... but it sure is a steep learning curve! Many thanks - Lkd&Subd - all the best from a cabin in a swamp in a rainforest in Aotearoa-New Zealand.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Hey, thanks so much for your nice words! And I wish you good luck with your bird photography journey - enjoy every minute of it! I am quite jealous of your cabin in a swamp in a rainforest :) Visited Australia one year ago, and it was amazing! Unfortunately due to the lack of time I couldn't add New Zealand!

[@luzr6613]

Now I have the lens... and a spoonbill as quarry. Loving it - getting to know this particular bird and it's morning rituals.

[@bayusahabatsatwa]

Hi...I realy love birds 'cause u

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

Heading to Iceland and Norway. 23 hr sun low. May 2025

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

My new camera 24-1,000mm

[@dsam3]

Ive been thinking if im held back by focal length, but i think i hv plenty at 600. Its more about me than the kit.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

I think focal length is really never enough... but at the end of the day we have to do our best with the tools that are available to us!

[@robcourt9727]

My photos are Wayyyyyy netter and have always been shot between 12am and 4pm!!!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

I'm sure they are 😊

[@Kellysher]

I laughed out loud at stop taking a photo of a bird on the ground or water casually, just stop! Of course I get low when possible, but one thing I’ve found is to get farther away when you have to shoot over grasses or reeds is better than shooting straight down. It gives the illusion you were lower and more level with the subject. Love the channel!

[@RaadMambles]

Why did you choose to frame your video cutting the top of your forehead off?

[@chiaratalia_wild]

that's just the height I could put my camera at. I am not sure it is a critical element :)

[@Swaggerlot]

Let me help you with the English grammar: "What I wished that I had known when I first started photographing birds".

[@chiaratalia_wild]

How kind of you - but no, I haven't asked for help with English grammar so this is really uncalled for. I speak almost 5 languages and I am happy with my mistakes :) On the other hand, if you have feedback on my actual content, that's always appreciated.

[@Swaggerlot]

@@chiaratalia_wild Merely constructive criticism. If you use the English language, then use it correctly. Your usage was quite poor.

[@chiaratalia_wild]

@@Swaggerlot if you thought I would fall into your poor baiting attempt, I am sorry to disappoint you 😂

[@Swaggerlot]

@@chiaratalia_wild Baiting? If you are not receptive to suggestion, then it is your problem. However, I suggest you get used to it.

[@GreeceBirdTours]

very informative video!

[@chiaratalia_wild]

Thanks so much :)

[@BlossomPluid]

You crack me up getting distracted by that cockcoo bird. I’m also easily distracted by birds! I’ve been to known to stop a conversation to check out a bird and rant to a non birder about what I’m seeing! I just can’t help myself!

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

Yeah, know what you mean, it has happ, look at that, a Nuthatch on the feeder! happened to me many times...