21st nATALIE WRIGHT - BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY

​One of our members, Natalie Wright, gave us a talk on 21st March about Bird Photography. Natalie explained that although having an interest for some years, she had taken a serious interest in this area of photography only in the last 18 months. However, she soon displayed enthusiasm and developing levels of skill and knowledge about the subject. 
 
Natalie spoke about the importance of understanding and studying the habitats and behaviours of different bird species. An understanding of where different species can be found locally, together with close observation of their behaviour, had helped her to take some excellent images. She also explained how other bird watchers shared information of where rare birds could be seen (often after they had been blown off course on their way to their destinations) and how they shared their knowledge when they congregated at a particular location.

The difficulties of achieving good compositions of birds were explained by Natalie, particularly when they were taking off and landing. Patience, skill and good post processing skills are required - especially with smaller birds! She also spoke about the benefits of the photographer getting low when birds are low down or on the ground - this provides better compositions than photographing them from a standing position. 
 
Long lenses are required for bird photography - a minimum of 400mm and preferably 600mm. Shutter speeds of 1-3000th of a second are often used. Natalie deploys automatic ISO but with a maximum setting of 6,400 on cropped cameras. She also shared with us some of her post processing techniques using Lightroom. 
 
Natalie's bird photographs included shots of Robins, Redwings, Waxwings, Red Footed Falcon, Great Crested Grebe and Greylag and Canada Geese.  
 
Natalie's talk was appreciated by the members present and was another example of our members taking a significant amount of time and effort to share with the group their knowledge, skills, experience and personal development .  
 
Ray Barnes
Programme Secretary