Composition is key when it comes to bird photography. While focusing on the bird itself is important, the background can make or break an image. A well-composed background can highlight the bird and draw attention to its unique features, while a cluttered or distracting background can take away from the subject.
Here are some essential tips for capturing birds with beautiful backgrounds:
1. Look for Clean, Simple Backgrounds
When photographing birds, try to position yourself so that the background is clean and
uncluttered. A neutral background, like blue skies or blurred greenery, will make the bird stand
out. Avoid having branches, other birds, or man-made structures in the background that can
draw the viewer’s attention away from the subject.
2. Use Depth of Field to Your Advantage
A shallow depth of field (using a wide aperture, such as f/4 or f/5.6) helps blur the background and isolate the bird. This is especially useful when the background is busy or chaotic. The soft blur creates a pleasing effect that makes the bird pop, while still giving context to its environment.
3. Shoot from a Low Angle
Shooting from a low angle can create an interesting perspective, especially if you’re photographing birds close to the ground or near water. A lower viewpoint helps place the bird against a clean backdrop like the sky or distant trees, rather than the ground or surrounding clutter.
4. Pay Attention to Lighting
Good lighting can enhance both the bird and the background. Early morning and late afternoon provide soft, warm light that adds dimension and depth to the scene. Avoid shooting in harsh midday light, which can create distracting shadows and overexposed areas in both the bird and the background.
5. Incorporate Natural Elements
Sometimes the background can tell a story. Using elements of the bird’s natural environment— like distant mountains, rolling waves, or fields of flowers—can add context and beauty to the shot without distracting from the bird. Just make sure these elements don’t overpower your subject.
These composition tips are just the beginning of what you can learn about bird photography. If you’re looking to improve your skills and dive deeper into creating stunning images, our bird photography workshops are the perfect way to take your photography to the next level.
Join us for an immersive workshop here and start capturing birds in their most beautiful environments!
