Why Birders Struggle with Bird Photography

[@DevaLight714]

Thank you. I have been a birder for over 50 years and took up bird photography about 6 years ago. I soon realized I knew absolutely nothing about what makes a good bird photograph. It was really quite a shock at the time. I still love a new species I have never seen but I know its not the most important for bird photography. I do still move around a lot though. Having a fine art school background (Bachelor of Fine Arts) though, I did understand the importance of composition and post processing.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for understanding the message. Do what you love, there's no right or wrong

[@cammyfreed8112]

I am a mix of both. I make a decision on that day if it’s a “get the shot” day or a “let’s get photos to put on eBird” day. When I do the Christmas bird count it’s just “get the shot so we can log it with a photo”. But when I have a weekend out in the woods of the Appalachian mountains it’s “find that spot and get the shot” I can relate to both sides, but I do have to make that choice for what I am after that day. I also don’t get hung up on chasing or finding rare birds. If it crosses my path great but if not that lil chickadee is still adorable.

[@pummelu3423]

Same with me. I’m basically obsessed with wildlife and bird photography so thats what i set out to do most of the time. however sometimes I’ll just go out and try to find some new species and get some documentation shots.

[@robhemsley9181]

This video strikes a chord with me . I am first and foremost a birder that has started taking photos . However I’m an amateur watercolour artist and I’ve found that taking my camera out in birding trips changes my behaviour away from what I would normally do birding . I’ve started looking for light and colours - taking positions where I can use light - this can prevent you finding birds as like many things in life it requires compromising

[@christophercorr2329]

Hey Scott, great video. I'm newer to the channel so I am watching some older videos of yours. This video really hit home for me. When I began bird photography, about 1 1/2 years ago, my primary focus was to try and take photos and not focusing on "birding". As I got more into it, I feel I have changed my approach and focused more on the birding aspect, finding more species, and photographing when I can. I feel with this change in mindset, my photos have become better, and I have been able to view more species. I think in the beginning my interest was more so on just photographing something new, and that grew into a love of birding.

[@WildlifeInspired]

appreciate the comment and perspective

[@7864cwebb]

You mentioned all the battles I fight on a daily basis. Birds first, camera second. Gonna lose out on birds to get great shots and gonna lose out on great shots to get the birds. You nailed it

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks C Webb

[@dougbottrell4751]

Thought provoking video, with a lot to reflect on. Spot on with your comparison of a 'Birder' and 'Photographer'. 👏👏👏Doug B. Nottingham (UK)

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks !

[@junebug1553]

I am finding your videos very thought-provoking, so thanks!

[@ishirafernando180]

Dope video Scott! It's awesome to see some really cool birders leveraging their expertise to deliver absolutely jaw-dropping images.

[@WildlifeInspired]

very good stuff!

[@dimitrisskyhunter9827]

Best video I ’ve watched this weekend. Some amazing images and an important reminder not to chase the photo. Bird photography is a way to communicate that we care for the birds and their habitats.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@CarolineOrdHume]

Really interesting video Scott. Quite a lot of thoughts and ideas I hadn't considered, which may make me chuckle when I see the birders dashing around. The images are absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@technor007]

Great video and insight - couldn't agree more with you. I am somewhere in the middle of the scale between a bird photographer and a birder. I do some of things of a birder like go after birds, interest in species, explore areas / newer habitats, look for behaviours etc. But then I visit the same places often and in the 2/3/4 trips usually spend lot more time photographing birds. I guess we are seeing more and more people fall into this category - as I realize, birding gets increasingly harder as we go deep - like being able to recognize calls, behaviours and patterns. Anyways, I am delighted at this 18 month old hobby of mine and think I have found my permanent favorite pastime.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Keep it up!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for watching.... I actually recorded this a while ago, so hoping my audio sync issues are now resolved and only 2 typos.... so that's an improvement. One day I will post a clean video with no errors. One day, not today.

[@stebobrown2893]

Great presentation! I've been a photographer for over 40 years and just dived deep into bird photography. I go to some local wetland and talk with other photographers and birders. A lot of of birders have been very helpful when they ask "anything interesting today?" My responses have been "Some big white ones and duck like birds". Some laugh and most willing to help when I show images from the camera. You hit right when distinguishing between photographers and birders. I want the image, they want the species. Thanks for wonderful video!!!!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Appreciate the comment hope you follow along for more!

[@aleciajanesmith]

Great video, Scott! Thanks for the inspo, support, and encouragement over the years.

[@WildlifeInspired]

You the best!

[@kcballantyne]

All great points, Scott. I definitely feel the conflict of setting up in one spot and potentially missing out on some species. Thank you!

[@greggillson388]

It's the purpose of the photography that's different. Bird photographers want art. Birders want documentation. Thus that beautiful artistic godwit against the sun you showed would only rate a photo quality of 3 out of 5 on ebird photo. The purpose of photography for birders is to provide documentation where all field marks can be seen. Birders want beautiful photographs, of course. But they would sacrifice art for clearly identifiable species. As a birder I try for artistic. So I watch the light and especially the background. But I do want to document each species I see at each location. I'm basically surveying the species present and documenting with my camera. If I could, I'd photograph every different species on each field excursion, but especially unusual species. Thus creates many sub optimal "documentation" photos without any artistic merit whatsoever. In fact, I got several of those types of photos today. On the other hand, my birding strolls with camera in hand average less than 1 mile per hour. Birders without cameras speed around in comparison. I used to be that way!

[@andhib]

Interesting perspectives. Useful info. Thanks.

[@WildlifeInspired]

My pleasure!

[@dclark069]

Well-made points!

[@rogerapplegatephotography5500]

Scott - nice video. The images near the end are fantastic!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Many thanks!

[@khfishn]

Fantastic video! I’ve only been subscribing for a few weeks but man your content is refreshing. Thanks and keep it coming.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Welcome aboard!

[@usefshikim]

Very Inspiring video! I really enjoy your channel and love that it's about photography experience, not gear. Looking forward to the next video. Wish you all the best from Ontario, Canada :)

[@WildlifeInspired]

Awesome, thank you!

[@kovyfra5987]

So true. Rarity doesn't matter for the photographer, however the challenge of approaching certain species, like raptors or very shy birds, is a strong motivation to wake up at 4:00 am :D

[@WildlifeInspired]

Well said!

[@kylerose4737]

Excellent video, Scott! Lots of good food for thought going into spring migration

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Kyle!

[@chrisjohn2415]

So true. I've always found that to be the case too. At least with the ones I know they're more concerned with documenting their encounter.

[@daviddowling9830]

As a photographer birders are valued with regard to finding and identifying birds,if your having a hard time finding birds follow the birders,but not for as you say,good pics👍

[@WildlifeInspired]

Well said!

[@Pacificnorthwestkate]

Great video - and very interesting Scott - I consider myself a videographer first - birder second 😄 I consider the background and light and scenic attributes first before the birds or wildlife - (and I’m a forensic birder at that - meaning I often only find out what I’ve videoed after I get home and studied my footage - and I usually have to ask Melissa Hafting for ID!!) but a great thought provoking show - well done!! 😊👍❤️

[@WildlifeInspired]

Cool, thanks

[@chriskeele5516]

Nice video! There's hope for people who aren't great photographers OR birders, too!

[@WildlifeInspired]

true

[@alexloinaz9588]

As long as bird photgraphers do not disrupt the tranquility of the scene as they move around to take the shot, then all should be fine. Sometimes abrupt movement and unnecessary noise of the photogrpher's movement startle the birds away since birders are usually busy looking at the bird with their bins and usually stay in one stance.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thats' a reason I try not find places alone. When there are others around, I am very self-conscious about disrupting birds that others might be viewing or photographing.

[@TomReichner]

The best bird photographers I know are excellent birders. And I agree that better birding skills would make me a much better bird photographer.

[@timseward19]

EXCELLENT AS ALWAYS... Would you say a bird photographer, when seeing a NEW bird for the first time, becomes a birder again!!! "Light be darn, gotta get a shot of that sucker"!!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Lifers are lifers lol

[@kevincarolan7146]

Thank you very informative Birder stroke photographer.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

I'm a birder. I have been for decades. I've seen hundreds of species. I'm still rubbish at bird calls and songs though! Oh, BTW, at age 70 I'm just taking up bird photography. Fingers crossed. 😮

[@WildlifeInspired]

good luck its not easy. be patient use good light

[@ConorCoen]

I've being looking forward to this 👍

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for the support Conor!

[@garrettyarter9324]

I’m new to your channel, love the content! I’ve picked up bird photography as a hobby during the pandemic, might have to check out some of your old videos for more editing tips which is where I really think I could step up my game.

[@WildlifeInspired]

most of the editing stuff is on my Patreon account. Check it, I don't hard sell it, but I do think it's an amazingly affordable offering with over 40 videos posted already and 2 a month on top of that.

[@amendegw]

Scott, As a wildlife photographer, I'm somewhat surprised that you barely mentioned "behavior" in this video. While I appreciate photos of birds in nice light, beautiful colors and ultra sharp focus, I consider my best shots those that show behavior, hopefully unique behavior - i.e. I'm looking for eagles fighting over a fish rather than a flyby. Or herons fighting over a fishing spot rather than standing in a beautiful setting. IMHO, my favorite image of the ones you used as examples was the eagle chasing the gull - a unique behavior. I'm not saying that the points you make are not good ones - who can argue with great light? 🙂 As with most subjects, there's chocolate & vanilla - just my opinion.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Your opinion is always welcomed here my friend. I think I usually focus more on portraits that action and that's just my style. This bias comes through in several videos. Like you said chocolate and vanilla no right or wrong (unless you choose bad ice cream to begin with)

[@amendegw]

@@WildlifeInspired Dynamite set of KZbin videos, Scott. Keep 'em coming.

[@sumit92artist]

+1. I have taken amazing bird photographs in certain perfect circumstances, but I don't ever think I'll be a proper bird photographer ever as I put more emphasis on species seen and taking identification/record shots. My first instinct is always to put Binoculars to my eyes when I first see a bird rather than pointing my camera to it. Only when I realize that I can't identify this bird do I whip out my Camera. I probably would think of finding a good location with good light to sit around at with a Tripod and lens, but it would be when I've explored an area so much that there are no new species left to be seen.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

RAW images are captured in the camera. Art is created in the processing.

[@KurtisPape]

The 'birders' that you see, do they already use cameras? Almost all birders I know walk around with cameras to document what they see, but very few birders just walk around with binoculars. I would consider myself as both, I started as a birder for 1 year and for the last year have been transitioning to photography. I feel you have to be a birder to get any reliable results as a photographer, but like you said still 2 completely different mindsets.

[@CamillaI]

Yes definitely in the Bird photographer camp here would love to be a better birder ! I agree with everything you said certainly easier to start as a Birder . Having said that got a first for me on camera a Merlin which is quite rare around the UK last night . Unlike a "birder" I have to actually get a half decent shot before I count it as on the list, rather than just claiming to have seen it ! Is that a difference you didn't mention ?

[@TheBirdGardenNB]

Good video, I agree with everything except the part about chasing, chasing subjects not numbers. Any time I've seen someone trying to get closer and pushing a bird, either in my yard or in the field, they're carrying a camera, not binoculars. Birders are content with getting diagnostic views of the bird, photographers, at least the ones I see, are always trying to get a better "image". They're pushing the birds out of my yard, especially if I'm hosting a rarity. They wake owls and push them, they flush raptors off prey. The couple that I know that do sit and wait, play recordings so loud it's ridiculous. I'm sure that's on the beginner end of the photographer spectrum, but here, that's like 96%. Nice to see someone differentiating birders from photographers, I was beginning to feel I was the only one who saw the difference.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Yes, I tried to clarify when I put on the graphics, but chasing in the sense of moving along and pursuing "chase birds" Often I observe birders using scopes at great distance, certainly not chasing. But then they pack up quickly and move on to another spot to find more birds. Thanks for understanding that it wasn't a slight or attempt to portray birders as unethical.

[@TheBirdGardenNB]

@@WildlifeInspired Oh no, that's not what I took from it. I'm having trouble lately with the whole concept of birding with a camera instead of binoculars, the whole "just get a pic and plug it into Merlin" attitude. I guess I'm getting old, but I don't think that's a good way to learn birds. Thanks for the video.

[@TheBirdGardenNB]

@@WildlifeInspired One video I watched that helped was the difference between Bird Photography and Birding Photography.

[@peterreimer7640]

Hi Very interesting video and question. I come from the other side I can photograph but hardly know anything about birds. When the pandemic hit last year and all football and hockey matches were canceled, I went out into the woods instead. Or rather, I began to see the birds in the garden with different eyes. So now I'm too busy learning most about the birds I photograph. Which is great fun. All the best from sweden @peter_and_the_birds

[@WildlifeInspired]

enjoy the new adventure

[@smilsmff]

You set up tripod, and Birder pulls up rigt next to you with Car jumps out with Binoculars and Bird flies off before u get good picture, Birder leaves happy

[@WildlifeInspired]

True that

[@gunny2044]

Nailed it!

[@cidron3843]

I really enjoy your videos

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks so much for support. make sure you subscribe!

[@birdsbirding2150]

Nice video !!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks!

[@SS-sh6ww]

Subscribed !

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thank you!!

[@lc11214]

I’m an amateur photographer. Why do people have this fascination with taking pictures of birds?

[@WildlifeInspired]

Why do people plant things in the ground, carve ducks, cook, play sports, build hobby electronics.... should I go on? What an odd question, why people like what they like. Let me answer that, because they like it.

[@EdwardKilner]

I lasted to halfway. Talking head, 1 nice example only, overall negative vibe. Sorry, but would have stayed if you did a voice over some nice shots. I would have appreciated what to do advice instead of what to avoid. Great shots in background, so I will be back.

[@WildlifeInspired]

You left too early

[@formermpc10]

As a bird photographer who has transitioned into birder, I am appalled at some of the unethical behavior of photographers. Your images may stroke your ego but they do nothing for the bird.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for your insight