My Travails with Bird Photography

Right behind my house, there is a public park with a variety of trees, making it a haven for birds. Additionally, the world-famous Chandravalli Lake, Davalagiri Mountain, and the surrounding forest are only two kilometers away from my home. Every day, I wake up to the chirping of birds starting at 4 a.m. While the sounds of birds fill the air, actually spotting them proves to be elusive. Upon careful observation, I found that they have created an ecosystem for themselves, hiding behind the leaves as man invaded their space through urbanization. I could only spot them briefly when they fly out of the trees to perch on the high-tension electric wires! This constant serenade, though often teasing, fuelled my passion and determination to capture these feathered creatures on camera.

Bird photography, as serene and enchanting as the final images appear, is a challenging pursuit. As a photographer, the journey of capturing the perfect shot is often fraught with trials and tribulations. My personal adventure with bird photography, armed with a telephoto lens, has been no exception. The highs and lows, the moments of sheer frustration, and the eventual triumphs have all painted a vivid picture of what it truly means to chase these elusive subjects.

The Allure of Bird Photography

The allure of bird photography lies in the opportunity to capture the exquisite beauty of birds in their natural habitat. Each bird, with its unique plumage and behaviour, presents a new challenge and a fresh canvas for creativity. However, this form of photography is not merely about pointing the camera and clicking. It demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of both the equipment and the subjects.

The Waiting Game

Bird photography is as much about patience as it is about skill. Birds are unpredictable, and waiting for the perfect shot can take hours. I remember a particular instance where I spent an entire day waiting for a kingfisher to emerge from its nest. The anticipation was nerve-wracking, and just when I thought all hope was lost, the bird finally appeared, and I managed to capture a series of stunning shots. These moments of success, though rare, are what make the long waits worthwhile.

Besides, the birds appeared to be shy of me and wouldn’t show their faces. All I got in many pictures were their backs! That was frustrating.

The Telephoto Lens: A Blessing and a Curse

When I first ventured into bird photography, I quickly realized that a standard lens wouldn’t suffice. Enter the telephoto lens – a marvel of engineering that promises to bring distant subjects into clear view. My initial excitement at owning a telephoto lens was unparalleled. The idea of capturing birds in crisp detail from a distance was exhilarating. However, this excitement soon gave way to a series of challenges that tested my resolve and skill.

The Gear: Canon 5D Mark IV with Sigma and Tamron Lenses

My weapon of choice in this avian adventure has been the Canon 5D Mark IV camera. Paired with the Sigma 150-600mm and Tamron 100-400mm lenses, this setup seemed perfect for capturing the intricate details of birdlife from afar. The Canon 5D Mark IV, known for its exceptional image quality and robust performance, has been a reliable companion. The Sigma 150-600mm lens, with its impressive reach, allowed me to photograph birds without disturbing their natural behaviour. Meanwhile, the Tamron 100-400mm lens offered versatility and portability, making it ideal for various shooting conditions.

The Weight of Expectation (and the Lens)

One of the first hurdles I encountered was the sheer weight of the telephoto lenses. These lenses are notorious for their bulkiness, and carrying one around, especially on long hikes to prime bird-watching locations, can be exhausting. My early outings often ended with sore shoulders and a stiff neck. It took some time to get used to the physical demands, and investing in a sturdy tripod became essential. The Canon 5D Mark IV, though relatively heavy itself, balanced well with the Sigma and Tamron lenses, making the load slightly more manageable.

As I carried around my camera with its heavy and long telephoto lens, I became an object of fun for my neighbours! Some mischievous kids in the park even asked me to take their pictures. I joked back, telling them they should turn into birds and fly high or turn into monkeys and climb the trees for me to take pictures.

The Elusive Focus

Achieving sharp focus with a telephoto lens is a skill that requires practice and patience. Birds are rarely still; they flit and flutter, making it incredibly challenging to lock focus. I vividly remember my initial attempts, where most of my shots ended up blurred or out of focus. It was frustrating, but each failure taught me valuable lessons about shutter speed, aperture settings, and the importance of steady hands. The autofocus capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark IV were a significant advantage, yet mastering the art of manual focus in tricky situations proved invaluable.

Light and Shadows

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and bird photography is no exception. The telephoto lenses, with their limited aperture range, often struggle in low light conditions. There were countless instances where I found myself in the perfect location, with the perfect subject, only to be thwarted by poor lighting. Over time, I learned to adapt by using higher ISO settings and taking advantage of natural light during early mornings and late afternoons. The Canon 5D Mark IV’s excellent low-light performance helped mitigate some of these challenges, allowing me to capture images with minimal noise.

Learning from the Experts

In my journey, I sought inspiration and guidance from seasoned bird photographers. Joining online forums, attending workshops, and participating in bird-watching groups provided invaluable insights. Learning from the experiences of others helped me improve my techniques and discover new locations. The camaraderie and shared passion within the bird photography community also provided much-needed motivation during times of frustration.

The Joy of the Perfect Shot

Despite the numerous challenges, the joy of capturing a perfect shot is unparalleled. Each successful photograph is a testament to the effort, patience, and skill invested. One of my most cherished moments was photographing a pair of crimson sunbirds. The vibrant colours and intricate details of these birds, captured through my lens, made all the struggles worthwhile. The sense of accomplishment and the ability to share these images with others bring immense satisfaction.

Embracing the Journey

My travails with bird photography and the telephoto lens have taught me to embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs. Each outing is an adventure, a new opportunity to learn and grow. The frustrations and failures are part of the process, making the successes all the more meaningful. Bird photography has not only honed my skills but also deepened my appreciation for nature and its wonders.

Prof. Dr. Prahlada N. B
14 July 2024
Chitradurga.