Improve Bird Photography by Seeing Through the Subject

[@dragett34]

This is a great video to help me take my thinking from "just pictures of birds" to pictures of birds that are art too. Thank you!

[@WildlifeInspired]

watch my interview with Lisa Langell also we discuss "art" a bit in that

[@chrisjmiller6]

Valuable advice, Scott. Most people do not see things in this manner. You have done a fine job showing the difference it can make once you do. Really well done!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks, spread the word, this channel needs more subscribers lol

[@joshuasmith2107]

Love your content Scott, you’ve taught me a lot by watching your videos. I’m New to photography and I got so excited yesterday about a photo I was blessed with. I got a beautiful photo of a mother killdeer bird with her little fluffy baby standing next to her. Very beautiful, and once I got the photo I tried to challenge it but momma bird wasn’t having it and called her baby back. I’ll be visiting them again soon

[@waynewong3880]

Hi Scott, this is an excellent tutorial as with all of your videos. "What is your backdrop?" is a concept that the millions of Americans who processes firearm must engrained in their mind, that is, what is the damage if they miss their target. Applying it to photography makes so much sense. Also, while I wait for my "subject" to arrive, I scout the area for all the best backdrops because wildlife will have random behavior.

[@johnalessi]

Great video Scot -- lots of great advice! Thank you.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rachelg7371]

Your smiles when you take the bird away and still see a pretty image exudes passion for this genre 😊 I need training on how to best use a monopod. Only tried it once (years ago) and sold it, lol.

[@garymc8956]

Galen Rowell said the same thing about rainbows as you say about birds. He said to determine if it would be a good shot without the rainbow. As in Rainbow over Potala Palace, it’s not just the subject that makes the image whether it’s a bird or a rainbow. Good advice, thanks.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I like it!

[@kathyteague829]

Thanks for the great advice, Scott. Love seeing your beautiful images!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks so much Kathy!

[@LarryFasnacht]

I call that my “parking lot shot”. Like you say, sometimes I can get from right inside the car before I even get out. Quite often that’s the ONLY photo I’ll get.

[@lhiet2308]

Hi Scott. I usually don't comment on videos but this time I must make an exception. This video and the part 2 made me think my bird photography from a totally new angle. Your tips and commentary are invaluable. Keep up the good work!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for making this an exception!

[@kirsten1961]

Nice Scott. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Kristen

[@Mthompson4545]

Thanks! This series has been so helpful. - Mick Thompson

[@WildlifeInspired]

THANK YOU!

[@rodneyb1590]

Great insight and very helpful info. I don’t think of these things nearly enough but will definitely try to more often. Thanks Scott.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@audreyhaynesvicks1391]

Excellent advice. Even though I’m not a beginner anymore, some of this was was a great reminder. I think one of the most important things for beginners to know is that they will eventually be able to focus on getting good backgrounds and thoughtful compositions. At first, I had no idea how you managed to get wonderful backgrounds all the time because I could barely even get a bird in focus at eye level. I honestly thought I’d never be able to do it. But with lots of practice and perseverance and especially watching videos like this, it can and WILL happen.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Audrey!

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

Hi Scott. I’ve been watching a few of your Videos recently. And there is no doubt that you are indeed the Platonic Bird Photographer. You do think about this stuff very deeply. More than anybody else I’ve seen, particularly in aspects of composition in the final product. It’s had an influence on me, and I think it will improve my photography considerably as I’ve reached the point where technique wise, I’m okay. But thinking about the final product the final image how to compose it is what it’s gonna make a difference. Thank you.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thank you kind words

[@jackstutts6439]

Yes it was helpful. It seems like this is an essential skill for advancing from a photographer to an artist. I think your advice to get the keeper then try for the more artistic shot is spot on. Thank you Scott. I've learned so much from watching you channel. I'm looking forward to part 2.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Jack!!

[@philippelang.photographie]

So many greats tips, thanks for sharing Scott!

[@WildlifeInspired]

My pleasure!

[@brianaikens7282]

Fabulous video....thank you. Looking forward for #2.

[@WildlifeInspired]

You are so welcome!

[@SkylarkFields]

Great advice and beautiful images. I will try to bear all this in mind when I am out with my camera. And now I am off to watch Part Two! 👍

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for tuning in to both!

[@VinceMaidens]

Really good, needed to be said. I'm a huge proponent of planning my shots, I envision the image I'm trying to make, and it might take years but so far I've done ok. Still you need to think about all you said and work at it. Coming from film it was expensive to snap away, now there is no pain in doing so, cameras a commodity etc, the skill of seeing through the shot (I quite like that btw) is a lost art, so getting people to think about it is a great service

[@WildlifeInspired]

Would be a fun challenge to give "pro" photographers a manual focus 600 and a film body and see what they could do.

[@VinceMaidens]

@@WildlifeInspired I still have medium format here...my dad used to slap the shit out of me if I blew through film

[@timseward19]

Excellent and helpful as always.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Tim!

[@tomhendron2357]

Congratulations, one of your best videos, Scott! Great advice brought forth by your personal experiences in the field. Background considerations are so important when trying to improve your images. Thanks so much and look forward to part 2.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewgaffney4881]

Very helpful tips. I’m going to try them next time I’m out birding.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Have fun!

[@sheripalaniuk2675]

Great video Scott! Super helpful information. Thanks for your time in making this video!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobdalton2062]

Thanks for the tip about removing the bird I had not thought about that, when thinking of composition. I'm not as experienced as you - it was great to hear your tips and affirm things that I have learned after 20,000 wildlife photos, usually at 1000+mm fl

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bensaunders616]

Outstanding instruction and examples. Would love to see a field video of you doing this tips. Thanks!

[@WildlifeInspired]

I save that for my Patreon. I gotta pay for this gear somehow and KZbin isn't doing it !!

[@krystalmigliore5034]

Thanks for sharing some of your techniques for taking such pretty shots! (Really love that Field Sparrow) The patience it takes to stay in a chosen spot waiting for a bird to land must be off the charts…..

[@WildlifeInspired]

Many thanks!

[@vintermane_2728]

Thanks for the great tips as always!

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Good video, Scott. Lots of good tips. Wish you would go back to that little owl in the tree and change your vertical crop to 9x16. Don't change anything else. Just see how you like it.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I actually have a few versions of that! I think did one similar to that

[@stans6582]

Scott, off-subject but........what spotting binoculars do you recommend ? Thanks............ by the way...................... Great channel

[@WildlifeInspired]

I like vortex. 8x42. I don't use a long scope but plenty of binocs. The Diamondbacks are a good choice. Better then the entry level but it like super star expensive.

[@birdingdiaries]

I’ve been scouring all your wonderful videos! Lots of great information! Thank you for all these great reminders and tips.

[@WildlifeInspired]

You are so welcome!

[@kristachappell-rempel3625]

I think this is my favourite video of yours yet. Lots of great advice that I will definitely put into practice

[@WildlifeInspired]

Yay!!!

[@davidhuth5659]

Really beautiful compositions and excellent tips! Kudos!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks a lot!

[@chriskattan]

This was a really helpful video. Can't wait to put this stuff into practice!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Thank you for the great tips, Scott !!Waiting for the second part!!.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Coming soon!

[@cammyfreed8112]

Love this! Great advice and tips. I often struggle to stay in one spot as I get serious FOMO.

[@WildlifeInspired]

You got this!

[@RVNmedic]

Great concept. I will certainly give it a try. Thanks again for a great video.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for watching!

[@jessicacebelius9313]

Always giving us the best tips! And stunning images

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks Jessica !!

[@quakerwildcat]

This is great stuff. I think with all the bells and whistles available on modern cameras, and with so many technical things to learn, too many beginning photographers skip past the fundamental art (and yes, science) of composition.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks

[@steve.hamlin.artist]

Great tips. What you're calling 'keepers' I like to refer to as insurance shots - maybe not exactly what I'm looking for, but better than the goose egg I'll end up with if the bird flies as I'm trying to get into the ideal position.

[@cguerrieri4866]

Great lesson! Thanks

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad you liked it!

[@craigpiferphotography]

Thanks Scott. Once again you've succeeded in giving me more food for thought. Really hope that I'm able to implement some of this, you make it sound so simple.

[@WildlifeInspired]

It seems simple. Lol. But execution isn't always the same thing

[@ClarkDuff]

Scott, after you've found the right background and are just waiting for the bird, do you use camo or a hide?

[@WildlifeInspired]

Depends so much on place and subject. Sometimes sit and wait. Ducks always a blind. Song birds usually just stationary and some times from the car or tucked into plants or being still on rocks. Highly variable

[@mark.t.vetphotog]

Great video! Might want to change the title to "Seeing through the Subject." I'm assuming that's a typo! Or "seeing past the subject." Yes, it's very helpful! I often hand hold but try to use a monopod or tripod as much as possible.

[@WildlifeInspired]

good call absolutey typed it wrong!

[@nikkinobles6033]

Great info to help take images to another level. Good stuff Scott.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jonathansmithies]

Brilliant video Scott jam packed with great tips! Thank you for your investment in this channel. I have shot almost exclusively with a monopod for the last year and especially in the UK where light is always a limiting factor, being able to lower my shutter speed to 1/500 or less and still get pin sharp image, is a huge plus! I am definitely getting better at shooting through the subject, and the more time I spend in the field, the more I find I am able to stop thinking about shooting and start getting more creative. 🎉

[@WildlifeInspired]

Thanks so much JS!

[@susanj22]

This was a great video. I’m just a little over a year into bird photography. In the beginning it was all about getting the bird regardless of light or background. Starting to pay more attention to composition and light. Your tips were very helpful. Looking forward to part 2. Thanks!!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craigwallace166]

Great info as always, i have never thought of looking through the subject maybe that’s why my backgrounds usually suck. I’ll start trying that tomorrow. I heard of getting your keepers before, but more of using fast shutter speeds with higher iso to get the shot and then keep dropping your shutter shutter speed and iso to get a cleaner image. All your tips are great and if you think about them so simple and make sense, and I say to my self duh! Why didn’t you see that: thanks keep it coming!😊

[@WildlifeInspired]

appreciate all your support Craig!

[@jonature]

Great info 🙏

[@WildlifeInspired]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tricia4310]

I have a mono pod and 300mm lens. I enjoy seeing the shot I want, such as 2 king fisher birds and 1 diving to get a fish. (While visiting near Olympic National Park in WA.) My bird pics are not consistently sharp. Have difficulty focusing when it matters.

[@lillebrowning2231]

Excellent informative video! All of your photos have such a dreamy look to them. Can you share what you think is the best aperture to use for small song birds? It almost looks like you’re shooting at 2.8 or something! Thanks so much 😃

[@andrewkeir2282]

Great video and advice... and stunning photos.. so much more than birds on sticks

[@WildlifeInspired]

Many thanks

[@AdrianW.Photography]

Good advice. The test shot concept is most helpful; I often get caught up in capturing the image, thus not spending enough time looking at the scene.. When possible I prefer to handhold for birds, but will use a tripod if I have time to setup. When you use a monopod, do you turn off the stabilization?

[@WildlifeInspired]

Tricky one. Usually if shutter speed is under 1/500 I turn on "sport" mode Over 1/500 I often just turn it off

[@WildlifeInspired]

Tricky one. Usually if shutter speed is under 1/500 I turn on "sport" mode Over 1/500 I often just turn it off

[@AdrianW.Photography]

@@WildlifeInspired Good to know

[@hugaukulele]

Excellent video. Would you use a gimbal on a monopod?

[@WildlifeInspired]

I know people have but you don't need a panning feature usually on a monopod (unless you use a stabilizing foot) I like the side "gimbal" offered by the Promedia Gear Katana Jr

[@TerryD23]

Just stumbled on your channel and immediately loved it. Thank you! Curious, have you tried using Olympus yet? I was a Nikon guy all my life (I'm 66 now) and after trying Olympus I made the move. If you haven't tried their gear yet, try either an Om1 (their newest) or the E-M1 Mk III (what I have now). And try it with the Olympus 300/f4 Pro lens. For an even greater reach, try it with their 1.4x teleconverter. Amazing camera and fantastic lens with amazing results. Too many features to list here. And the stabilization is beyond ridiculous. I'm going hand held virtually all the time now. Just wanted to share my enthusiasm. Again, thanks for all you do! (I do not represent Olympus. Just a fan.)

[@WildlifeInspired]

I have not but I am impressed with what I have seen from friends. The weight and image stabilization seem pretty incredible.

[@CarstenBruhn]

Nice images, its a shame they all have that enormous watermark, its quite distracting.

[@WildlifeInspired]

sorry, they are quick pulls from my social media sharing which all gets some watermark.