{"id":79568,"date":"2022-01-24T10:00:42","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T15:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=79568"},"modified":"2022-01-27T13:08:47","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T18:08:47","slug":"winter-bird-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/winter-bird-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Winter Bird Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wintertime, which often brings chilly conditions and snowy\/icy situations, is a wonderful time for bird photography. It doesn’t matter if it’s your backyard or in exotic locations like Antarctica, where I took the opening image for this article. No matter where you take your pictures, the same principles apply, as do the challenges when shooting winter bird photography.<\/p>\n

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The biggest challenges are often protecting your camera from the elements and staying warm and comfortable so you can concentrate on composing good pictures and getting a good exposure. With those thoughts in mind, I\u2019ll start with some suggestions. Yes, that\u2019s me in the photo, practicing what I preach.<\/p>\n

Camera protection<\/h2>\n

Snow and sleet are not a camera\u2019s friend \u2014 even if your camera and lens are weather-sealed. I\u2019ve found the most affordable way to keep your camera dry is to use an Op\/Tech Rainsleeve<\/a>. If you look closely at the photo, you\u2019ll see that the sleeve is pulled tight behind the lens hood. That way, the lens hood shades the front element of the lens while the cover protects the lens and camera.<\/p>\n

An Essential Tripod Accessory<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tripod legs get cold. If you are not wearing gloves, adjusting your tripod in chilly conditions is not fun. The remedy is to use a tripod leg warmer<\/a>, like the set offered by Gitzo. Technically it\u2019s not a warmer, but it does keep your hand from feeling the cold when you touch a cold tripod leg.<\/p>\n

Waterproof Camera Bag or Cover<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Because you may be setting your camera bag down on the snowy ground, a waterproof bag or cover is recommended. Sometimes I use the cover provided by the camera bag manufacturer. Other times, I just bring a plastic garbage bag to use as needed.<\/p>\n

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If you are in a situation where you can\u2019t put down your backpack, the Mindshift Panorama<\/a> backpack, which I am wearing in the photo sequence above, is an option. It has a swing-out pocket that lets you change lenses quickly and easily.<\/p>\n

Clothing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A warm waterproof jacket, a warm hat, rain pants and waterproof boots are also important accessories \u2014 as are gloves.<\/p>\n

Choosing the right gloves can be a challenge because there are so many different styles and models. Also, different photographers prefer different gloves. Adorama<\/a> offers more than a dozen different types of gloves. In choosing gloves, the most important considerations are access to camera controls and warmth.<\/p>\n

Even with good gloves, your hands can get cold. To keep your fingers toasty (as well as your toes), I recommend packing hand warmers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Rick Sammon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Get a Good In-Camera Exposure<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The most important photo tip for getting a good in-camera exposure of your subject in the snow\/ice is to check your exposure with your camera\u2019s Highlight Alert and\/or Histogram. This is a practice I followed when I photographed these penguins in Antarctica and this cute owl in Upstate New York.<\/p>\n

Basically, you don\u2019t want the subject in your photograph to be too dark. This can happen when photographing in an automatic mode because your camera\u2019s light meter thinks the scene is brighter than it actually is and therefore, sets the exposure for an underexposed image.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Rick Sammon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Generally speaking, when there is a lot of white in the frame, you want to set your exposure compensation to EV+1 \u2013 for starters. After taking a test shot, check your Highlight Alert and Histogram to make sure you have a good exposure of your subject. If not, make the necessary adjustments. That\u2019s what I did when I photographed these sandhill cranes in Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico in December after a light snowfall.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Rick Sammon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Snow and ice are not the only background factors that can affect exposure of your subject. Water and sky brighter than the subject can have the same effect. I kept that in mind when photographing this owl in Upstate New York and this bald eagle in Alaska. I followed the same checking-my-exposure procedure that I mentioned above.<\/p>\n

Sure, you can adjust the highlights and shadows in Photoshop<\/a> or Lightroom, but it\u2019s always best to get it right in camera.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Rick Sammon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Basic Bird Photography Principles<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Again, no matter where you are and not matter what type of birds you are photographing, the same basic principles apply:<\/p>\n