01 February 2024

Bird Photography Training Cape Town

Skills Development Course for Bird Photography : Birds in Flight / Perched Birds 

Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Bird Photography Workshop Cape Town
Perched Bird Photography Training : Kirstenbosch Garden 

Canon Bird Photography Private Training Workshops Cape Town
Private / one-on-one skills development for Bird Photography : Birds in Flight / Perched Birds (for Canon EOS / EOS R) in Milnerton, Cape Town (opposite Woodbridge Island) for theory and settings with hands-on practical sessions at Intaka Island, Kirstenbosch Garden and /or Woodbridge Inland. 

Bird Training Workshop Objective / Training Level
For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding and application of intermediate to advanced exposure settings and techniques for bird photography (Birds in Flight / Perched Birds).

After the conclusion of selected sessions (workshop) the developing Canon photographer should be comfortable in applying the required technical / autofocus / exposure settings and related techniques to achieve more / extract more value from current gear.


Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town (Excluding Perched Birds) >>


Bird Photography Workshop Cape Town
Bird in Flight Photography Training : Intaka Island

What do you need to bring?
Canon EOS / EOS R camera body, lens and your own memory card(s).

Canon Camera Body Requirements
Any Canon EOS / EOS R camera body (Full-Frame or APS-C) with any of the following lenses (any brand ):

Recommended  Lenses  (Range)
  • 70-300mm
  • 100-400mm
  • 100-500mm
  • 150-600mm
  • 300mm  f/2.8 / f/4
  • 400mm  f/2.8 / f/4 / f/5.6
  • 500mm / 600mm / 800mm  f/4 / f/5.6 / f/11

Bird Photography Learning Areas 
  • Bird Photography / Considerations
  • Perched Birds / Birds in Flight
  • Specific Canon EOS / EOS R Overview
  • Lenses / Tele-converters
  • Canon Autofocus (AF) Systems
  • Canon AF System Settings / Tracking
  • Camera / Lens / Exposure Settings
  • Minimum Focus Distance / Depth of Field
  • Environmental Variables
  • Practical Sessions

Bird Photography Training Cost:

R2 300 per delegate for up to three sessions (four hours+ each)

R2 950 per delegate for up to four sessions 
(four hours+ each)

There will be some Lightroom post-processing orientation (if required) and an extra session could be costed in for Lightroom training at more cost effective rate than the separate Lightroom training sessions. Any Lightroom training will be costed per specific requirement.

Ongoing Photography Support
All delegates are eligible for WhatsApp / Email Support for uploading / discussing photos, learn more, get online support and / or shoot with me at any of the listed locations.

Photography Training Gift Voucher
Bird Photography Training is available as a Birthday / Christmas Gift training option with a one year validity period. It could also form part of general Canon camera training option as well. More information

Further no-cost fine tuning is available after all three sessions (if required). 

Detailed notes and other relevant information resources will be provided during / after training sessions..

Facilitator: Vernon Chalmers

Contact Vernon Chalmers for bookings / more information


Bird Photography Training Basic Guide 
"Bird photography can be a rewarding and challenging pursuit. Here are some tips to help you improve your bird photography skills:

Equipment

1. Camera
  • Use a camera with a fast autofocus system and a high frames-per-second (FPS) rate to capture fast-moving birds.
  • A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is ideal.

2. Lenses
  • Invest in a telephoto lens with a long focal length (300mm or more) to get close-up shots of birds.
  • Consider a lens with image stabilization for handheld shooting.

3. Tripod and Gimbal Head (Not required for Birds in Flight)
  • For stability and to reduce camera shake, especially with longer lenses.
  • A gimbal head allows for smooth movement and tracking of birds.

Settings

4. Aperture Priority Mode
  • Use a wide aperture (low f-number) to achieve a shallow depth of field, isolating the bird from the background.

5. Shutter Speed
  • Set a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of birds. 1/1000 or faster is often necessary for birds in flight.

6. ISO
  • Keep ISO as low as possible to maintain image quality. However, be willing to increase ISO in low light conditions.

Composition

7. Focus on the Eyes
  • Ensure the bird's eyes are sharp and in focus. The eyes are a key point of connection in bird photography.

8. Background
  • Pay attention to the background. A clean, uncluttered background helps the bird stand out.

9. Rule of Thirds
  • Compose your shots using the rule of thirds for a more visually appealing image.

10. Patience
  • Be patient and observe bird behavior. Anticipate their movements to capture more dynamic shots.

Techniques

11. Stalking and Camouflage
  • Use natural cover to get closer to birds without disturbing them. Wear earthy tones and move slowly.

12. Baiting and Bird Feeders
  • Set up bird feeders to attract birds to a specific location, making it easier to photograph them.

13. Silent Shooting Mode
  • If your camera has it, use the silent shooting mode to avoid scaring away birds.

14. Continuous Autofocus
  • Use continuous autofocus mode to track moving birds. Experiment with different autofocus settings.

Post-Processing:

15. Crop Carefully
  • While cropping can help in framing, try to get the framing right in-camera to maintain image quality.

16. Sharpening and Noise Reduction
  • Apply sharpening carefully to enhance details and use noise reduction as needed.

17. Color Correction
  • Adjust colors to make the bird's plumage look natural and vibrant.

Learn from Others

18. Study Bird Behavior
  • Understanding bird behavior helps you predict their actions and get better shots.

19. Join Birding Groups
  • Connect with local birding communities or online forums to learn from experienced bird photographers.

20. Practice Regularly
  • The more you practice, the more you'll learn about your equipment and the behavior of different bird species.

Remember, bird photography is as much about the experience of observing and appreciating nature as it is about capturing stunning images. Practice, patience, and a love for birds will contribute to your success in this field." (Source ChatGPT 2023)

Bird Photography Training Cape Town
Perched Bird Photography Training : Kirstenbosch Garden

Other Canon Photography Private Training Courses Milnerton, Cape Town
  • Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
  • Bird Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
  • Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Master Class More
  • Birds in Flight Photography Workshop More
  • Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Workshop More
  • Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop Cape Town More
  • Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Workshop More
  • Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Intaka Island

Bird Photography Workshop Cape Town
Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

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