Vernon Chalmers Photography: Early Morning Good / or Poor Light for White Birds

31 December 2022

Early Morning Good / or Poor Light for White Birds

Light Conditions for Predominantly White Birds in Flight at Woodbridge Island

Little egret in good morning light at Woodbridge Island

I only attempt to photograph (predominantly) white birds (in flight) early mornings – for reducing over-exposure. I don’t make any changes to my camera settings and are guided by natural light and weather conditions.

I may at times (in deteriorating light) lower the shutter speed to bring the ISO down (for birds in flight), other than that, I ‘focus’ on about everything else, but the camera. Over the years I’ve learned to trust my equipment to deliver within its exposure / performance parameters (after making the decision to go out birding – irrespective of conditions).

Being in a position to evaluate the most suitable conditions from 'higher-up' (as a definite advantage) before I go out with an estimated Auto-ISO 320 - 800 range for birds in flight. With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000 (or a bit higher). With darker backgrounds this may go up to as high as ISO 1200 - 2000+.

The last image here represents my ideal light / weather conditions shooting opportunity (this is what I see before making a decision for a serious personal early morning shoot down the river).

Very early morning summer light, poor light or foggy weather are my preferred conditions for the egrets and the occasional ibis.

Image 3 and 4 are captured in poor light / weather conditions where I was either in training with someone or the fog rolled in.

Image 1: Little egret in good morning light (based on the conditions as assessed in image 4)

Image 2: African sacred ibis in poor light (with no choice in conditions)

Image 3: Little egret appeared as the fog was rolling in

Image 4: The most conducive early-morning conditions before making a decision for a serious personal shoot

* All images over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

High-quality crisp morning light will always be a priority over technology for me – and therefore I don’t have the need to own the latest equipment.

I respect the fact that many bird photographers may not always be in a position to select the light / conditions of their choice – and therefore may be required to invest in camera gear that can handle much higher ISO's in poor / low light.

On many occasions I do go out (with clients or on my own) to shoot in adverse conditions to learn (and to make settings adjustment(s) if required - depending on the equipment in hand).

I have also learned there is no such thing as a perfect image... get as close as you can to an ‘ideal exposure’ in terms of subject / conditions and just enjoy the moment(s).

Canon Equipment