{"id":123041,"date":"2018-10-26T13:50:38","date_gmt":"2018-10-26T12:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amateurphotographer.co.uk\/?p=123041"},"modified":"2018-12-02T22:32:45","modified_gmt":"2018-12-02T22:32:45","slug":"take-better-bird-photographs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/take-better-bird-photographs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to take better bird photographs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Now in its third year, Bird Photographer of the Year is back with more entries than ever and an exceptional standard of photography. This global competition attracts entrants from more than 6o countries around the world, showcasing a huge and beautiful diversity of bird species. This year the grand prize of \u00a35,000 goes to a Peruvian photographer, Pedro Jarque Krebs, for his explosive image of American Flamingos entitled \u2018Black Friday\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Competition organiser and judge Rob Read says, \u2018Black Friday is an image which is nothing short of explosive; it made an instant and lasting impression on a panel of judges who are determined to push the boundaries of perceived convention. This is photographic punk rock.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>AP got the opportunity to speak to some of the winners to find out what their top tips are for aspiring bird photographers. If you think you\u2019ve got what it takes, the 2019 competition is now open for entries!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123054&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123054\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Pedro-Jarque-Krebs-Black-Friday.jpg\" alt=\"Pedro Jarque Krebs Black Friday\" width=\"1000\" height=\"656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Pedro-Jarque-Krebs-Black-Friday.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Pedro-Jarque-Krebs-Black-Friday.jpg?resize=300,197 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Pedro-Jarque-Krebs-Black-Friday.jpg?resize=610,400 610w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Pedro-Jarque-Krebs-Black-Friday.jpg?resize=900,590 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Pedro-Jarque-Krebs-Black-Friday.jpg?resize=562,369 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Pedro Jarque Krebs\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Black Friday by Pedro Jarque Krebs, Peru<\/h2>\n<h3>Creative Imagery \u2013 Gold award winner and Bird Photographer of the Year winner 2018<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018This image depicts a group of intensely pink American Flamingos arguing. I took this photo in Madrid, Spain, at a flamingo sanctuary where they live in semi-liberty. I have called this image Black Friday because it reminds me of shopping squabbles that take place on that infamous day.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Pedro\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Bird photography requires infinite patience and planning. Study your subject and be prepared to sit and wait.<\/li>\n<li>The major benefit of digital is ring off hundreds of images, so don\u2019t be afraid to take too many photos.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123056&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123056\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Salavdor-Colvee-Ostrich-world.jpg\" alt=\"Salavdor Colv\u00e9e Ostrich world\" width=\"1000\" height=\"637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Salavdor-Colvee-Ostrich-world.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Salavdor-Colvee-Ostrich-world.jpg?resize=300,191 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Salavdor-Colvee-Ostrich-world.jpg?resize=628,400 628w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Salavdor-Colvee-Ostrich-world.jpg?resize=900,573 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Salavdor-Colvee-Ostrich-world.jpg?resize=562,358 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Salavdor Colv\u00e9e\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Ostrich World by Salvador Colv\u00e9e, Spain<\/h2>\n<h3>Birds in the Environment \u2013 Gold award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018I saw this Common Ostrich isolated in a \u201csea\u201d of dunes. I wanted to capture an image of it in such a harsh environment. This is the result of the bird caught between the light and shades of the dunes.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Salvador\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>The most natural picture, without disturbing the animal and not being intrusive, is the best picture.<\/li>\n<li>While it is worthwhile researching a species before photographing them, if you happen to have a random casual encounter, the best results will often come from a bird portraying a natural gesture or behaviour if they\u2019re left undisturbed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123050&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 670px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123050\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Johan-Carlberg-Crested-Grebe-Morning.jpg\" alt=\"Johan Carlberg Crested Grebe Morning\" width=\"650\" height=\"847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Johan-Carlberg-Crested-Grebe-Morning.jpg 650w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Johan-Carlberg-Crested-Grebe-Morning.jpg?resize=300,391 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Johan-Carlberg-Crested-Grebe-Morning.jpg?resize=307,400 307w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Johan-Carlberg-Crested-Grebe-Morning.jpg?resize=562,732 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Johan Carlberg\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Crested Grebe Morning by Johan Carlberg, Sweden<\/h2>\n<h3>Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2018<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018I set my alarm for 3am. When I arrived at the lake I worked out that the best position was from the west side, which meant a beautiful backlit sunrise. The Great Crested Grebes caught my attention with their graceful and interesting behaviour, and with the best light that nature can offer. It was truly a glorious moment.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Johan\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Shooting in aperture priority mode with a wide aperture to achieve fast shutter speeds is very efficient when your subjects are on the move.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s important to show gratitude and respect for your subject. If you feel connected to your subject, it will show.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123052&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123052\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Nikos-Bukas-Robins-Snack.jpg\" alt=\"Nikos Bukas Robins Snack\" width=\"1000\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Nikos-Bukas-Robins-Snack.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Nikos-Bukas-Robins-Snack.jpg?resize=300,194 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Nikos-Bukas-Robins-Snack.jpg?resize=620,400 620w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Nikos-Bukas-Robins-Snack.jpg?resize=900,581 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Nikos-Bukas-Robins-Snack.jpg?resize=562,362 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Nikos Bukas\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Robin\u2019s Snack by Nikos Bukas, Greece<\/h2>\n<h3>Garden and Urban Birds \u2013 Gold award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018While I was turning over the soil of a small field in my village, Ekklisoxori, in North-west Greece, I had two goals in my mind. To prepare the earth for the new crop of potatoes and to set up my hide in order to photograph the robins, that would appear in search for easy prey. The image I had in mind included a forgotten pitchfork, the element of the human\u2019s presence in the photo and a robin, that was trying to snatch a worm.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Nikos\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>You don\u2019t need to buy a super-telephoto lens. My 70-200mm f\/2.8 is more than adequate for me as I spend a lot of time in hides. My subjects are not aware of my presence and as a result, end up quite close to me.<\/li>\n<li>Observe your subject\u2019s daily routine and you will discover many photographic opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123057&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123057\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Sienna-Anderson-freedom.jpg\" alt=\"Sienna Anderson freedom\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Sienna-Anderson-freedom.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Sienna-Anderson-freedom.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Sienna-Anderson-freedom.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Sienna-Anderson-freedom.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Sienna-Anderson-freedom.jpg?resize=562,375 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Sienna Anderson\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Freedom by Sienna Anderson, UK<\/h2>\n<h3>Birds in Flight \u2013 Gold award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018I visit Hersey Nature Reserve most days and on one occasion I startled a Little Egret as I arrived and it startled me. I managed to take a few photos of it in flight and loved the black backdrop. The next day I returned late in the afternoon to make the most of the light. I had a vision but when I saw the photo on my screen I was absolutely delighted.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Sienna\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Your shutter speed needs to be at least 1\/2000sec when shooting large birds in flight to ensure you capture the entire bird in sharp focus.<\/li>\n<li>Set the autofocus to continuous, so that once you\u2019ve locked focus, your camera will track your subject<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123051&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123051\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Mario-Suarez-Porras-Comfortably-numb.jpg\" alt=\"Mario Su\u00e1rez Porras Comfortably numb\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Mario-Suarez-Porras-Comfortably-numb.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Mario-Suarez-Porras-Comfortably-numb.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Mario-Suarez-Porras-Comfortably-numb.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Mario-Suarez-Porras-Comfortably-numb.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Mario-Suarez-Porras-Comfortably-numb.jpg?resize=562,375 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Mario Su\u00e1rez Porras\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Comfortably Numb by Mario Su\u00e1rez Porras, Spain<\/h2>\n<h3>Attention to Detail \u2013 Bronze award winner and People\u2019s Choice award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018Last summer I visited Skomer Island on a rainy day. I thought I would try some intimate portraits of puffins in the rain. As the rain got heavier, I was in the position I wanted. The rain drops collected on the bird\u2019s plumage and I was lucky it did not shake before I took the image, as the small droplets of water give an extra dimension to the portrait.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Mario\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Be prepared to lie down on the ground to get to your subject\u2019s eye level for a more intimate portrait.<\/li>\n<li>Make use of the natural elements between you and your subject for creative blur.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123055&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123055\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Petr-Bambousek-Roseate-Spoonbill.jpg\" alt=\"Petr Bambousek Roseate Spoonbill\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Petr-Bambousek-Roseate-Spoonbill.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Petr-Bambousek-Roseate-Spoonbill.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Petr-Bambousek-Roseate-Spoonbill.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Petr-Bambousek-Roseate-Spoonbill.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Petr-Bambousek-Roseate-Spoonbill.jpg?resize=562,375 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Petr Bambousek\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Roseate Spoonbill by Petr Bambousek, Czech Republic<\/h2>\n<h3>Bird Behaviour \u2013 commended and Best Portfolio winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018Roseate Spoonbills are among the most beautiful wading birds in Florida. I found a place where several were looking after their feathers. I got as low as possible at the edge of the lagoon. After preening, they shook their bodies and made some funny poses. This moment is captured in this picture.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2>Petr\u2019s top tips<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>When shooting water birds get as low to the ground as possible.<\/li>\n<li>If it\u2019s not possible to lie down, flip your LCD screen (if possible) to get the low-angle view.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123048&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1020px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123048\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Fahad-Alenezi-Pink-Crescent.jpg\" alt=\"Fahad Alenezi Pink Crescent\" width=\"1000\" height=\"616\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Fahad-Alenezi-Pink-Crescent.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Fahad-Alenezi-Pink-Crescent.jpg?resize=300,185 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Fahad-Alenezi-Pink-Crescent.jpg?resize=630,388 630w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Fahad-Alenezi-Pink-Crescent.jpg?resize=900,554 900w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Fahad-Alenezi-Pink-Crescent.jpg?resize=562,346 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Fahad Alenezi\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Pink Crescent by Fahad Alenezi, Kuwait<\/h2>\n<h3>Creative imagery \u2013 Silver award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018Greater Flamingos are present all year round in Kuwait, although they move north in March to nest. When breeding has finished, they move south again and at this time they gather in big numbers. There was a small group of them walking together in a shape of a crescent and this got my attention. I used my drone to take this beautiful shot of them.\u2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123058&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 670px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123058\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Thomas-Chadwick-Black-skimmer-and-chick.jpg\" alt=\"Thomas Chadwick Black skimmer and chick\" width=\"650\" height=\"975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Thomas-Chadwick-Black-skimmer-and-chick.jpg 650w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Thomas-Chadwick-Black-skimmer-and-chick.jpg?resize=300,450 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Thomas-Chadwick-Black-skimmer-and-chick.jpg?resize=267,400 267w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Thomas-Chadwick-Black-skimmer-and-chick.jpg?resize=562,843 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Thomas Chadwick\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Black Skimmer and Chick by\u00a0 Thomas Chadwick, USA<\/h2>\n<h3>Bird behaviour \u2013 bronze award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018I have been photographing a little-known Black Skimmer colony for years and this is my favourite photo taken. Every year I select a nest when the parents are sitting on eggs, and follow that same nest until the young edge. The reason I choose one nest is because colonies are chaotic; you will miss shots by pointing the lens at hundreds of birds. I got into position one hour prior to sunrise and lay there for another hour, then a parent flew in to the chick and fed it. It was inches away from me, so I could not get the feeding photo. However, I captured it running up to the parent and displaying the behaviour pictured.\u2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\t\t<div id=&quot;attachment_123049&quot;  class=\"c-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 670px\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-123049\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Ivan-Sjogren-Grey-Heron-in-falling-snow.jpg\" alt=\"Ivan Sj\u00f6gren Grey Heron in falling snow\" width=\"650\" height=\"896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Ivan-Sjogren-Grey-Heron-in-falling-snow.jpg 650w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Ivan-Sjogren-Grey-Heron-in-falling-snow.jpg?resize=300,414 300w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Ivan-Sjogren-Grey-Heron-in-falling-snow.jpg?resize=290,400 290w, https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2018\/10\/Ivan-Sjogren-Grey-Heron-in-falling-snow.jpg?resize=562,775 562w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t<p class=\"c-caption__text\">Credit: Ivan Sj\u00f6gren\/Bird Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>Grey Heron in Falling Snow by Ivan Sj\u00f6gren, Sweden<\/h2>\n<h3>Best portrait \u2013 bronze award winner<\/h3>\n<p>\u2018These Grey Herons have become celebrities in the birding world. They are a part of a very special population that chooses to stay in their breeding grounds all year round. I took this image on a day where I chose to head out even though the weather forecast said heavy snowfall. I wanted to portray the conditions in which these birds chose to stay. The snow was falling very rapidly which made it hard for me to get an image where single snowflakes where visible. The relatively dark heron was silhouetted against the bright background. I found a solution when a street lamp suddenly turned on due to the fading light. The heron that stood below was lit up, which reduced the contrast. I waited for a moment when the wind gave up to let the snow fall.\u2019<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The results of Bird Photographer of the Year 2018 are in! We speak to the winners to find out their top tips for bird portraiture<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2662,"featured_media":123053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[311],"tags":[],"product-category":[],"class_list":["post-123041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to take better bird photographs - Amateur Photographer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/articles\/take-better-bird-photographs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to take better bird photographs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The results of Bird Photographer of the Year 2018 are in! 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