I’ve been an amateur bird-watcher – or “ornithologist,” as we like to call ourselves when we feel a bit snooty – since I was in my teens. My original copy of Birds of North America (Golden Field Guide) is still with me after 35 years of birding, and although it is dog-eared and faded, and is now accompanied by numerous other guides, it is still my favorite go-to when I’m trying to identify birds quickly.
As I developed into a photographer, it seemed only natural to translate my enthusiasm for birding into an enthusiasm for bird photography. Alas, until the digital age, I never had the resources (read: money for film and developing) to hone my art. While my early attempts with film were (in my memory) quite good, digging the photos out of the old albums shows that I was still in the early stages of my education…
Once digital photography became widely available in the late 90s, I again turned to bird photography, and have embraced it with a renewed enthusiasm. I enjoy the process as much as the results, being outdoors and in touch with nature is a beautiful way to spend your time. Turn off the cell phone, unplug the computer, grab your camera and go! But, before you head out, I’d like to share some tips that I’ve learned over the years. I hope you benefit from some of these ideas, and if you do, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment for me, or write to me at “artist (at) hoffmanartdesign (dot) com.”