Techniques, Equipment, and Artistic Vision: Vernon Chalmers’ Birds in Flight Photography in Cape Town
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| Cape Teal Ducks: Woodbridge Island, Cape Town |
Abstract
Vernon Chalmers is a South African photographer and educator specializing in Birds in Flight (BIF) photography, particularly within the Cape Town region. His work combines technical precision, Canon EOS mastery, and existential artistic expression, forming a unique contribution to avian photography. This report explores Chalmers’ techniques, camera equipment, and settings, his training methodology, artistic vision, and the challenges of capturing fast-moving subjects like birds. Additionally, the report reflects on the role of Cape Town's unique ecology in shaping Chalmers' photographic journey, highlighting how this niche intersects with technology, conservation awareness, and personal meaning-making through visual storytelling.Introduction
Birds in Flight (BIF) photography is one of the most technically demanding genres within wildlife photography. It requires acute timing, specialized camera settings, and deep knowledge of both avian behavior and environmental factors. Vernon Chalmers, based in Cape Town, South Africa, is a recognized expert in this field. Over the years, Chalmers has become synonymous with local avian photography education, Canon EOS camera expertise, and Cape Town’s birding culture. His work is rooted in the rich biodiversity of the Western Cape and driven by an existential motivation, often described as a search for meaning through the capture of fleeting natural moments. This report examines the breadth of Chalmers’ contributions to BIF photography, from technical execution to pedagogical efforts and personal inspiration.
Cape Town: Ecological Context for BIF Photography
Cape Town provides an exceptional ecological backdrop for BIF photography. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, the region hosts diverse bird species, including African oystercatchers, pied kingfishers, black-headed herons, and the ever-present kelp gulls. The local wetlands, estuaries, and coastal areas - particularly the Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island - serve as ideal environments for Chalmers’ work (Chalmers, 2022). These areas not only attract birds but also provide favorable lighting and spatial openness, essential for birds in flight photography.
The seasonal migration patterns and resident bird populations offer opportunities year-round. According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (2021), the Western Cape is home to more than 300 bird species, with many visible in accessible urban-adjacent settings. Chalmers leverages these accessible sites for field practice and student instruction, emphasizing conservation awareness alongside technical mastery.
Technical Mastery and Camera Settings
Chalmers’ approach to BIF photography emphasizes camera mastery, especially of the Canon EOS DSLR and mirrorless systems. He advocates for shooting in Manual mode, frequently using fast shutter speeds (1/2500s or faster), wide apertures (f/4 to f/8), and AI Servo autofocus mode with continuous burst shooting (Chalmers, 2020). His detailed workshops explain the reasoning behind each setting, emphasizing a balance between light, motion, and clarity.
He also stresses the importance of understanding autofocus behavior - especially subject tracking in AI Servo mode - and recommends custom autofocus configurations depending on the species and flight behavior. For example, gulls require different tracking approaches than small, erratic species like swallows. Chalmers (2021) provides comprehensive tutorials and settings guides tailored to these nuances.
His most recommended Canon cameras for BIF include the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 90D, and EOS R6, all of which offer fast continuous shooting, advanced autofocus systems, and telephoto compatibility. He regularly uses the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM prime lens or the Canon RF 100-500mm lens in mirrorless systems (Chalmers, 2022).
Equipment and Canon EOS Ecosystem
Chalmers is a Canon EOS / EOS R trainer and deeply invested in the Canon EOS ecosystem. His long-standing preference for Canon gear is not based on brand loyalty but on his practical experience with Canon’s autofocus accuracy and image processor performance in fast-action photography.
His favored combination of the EOS 7D Mark II and EF 400mm f/5.6L lens is based on weight, sharpness, and autofocus speed (Chalmers, 2020). In recent years, with the growth of Canon’s EOS R mirrorless system, Chalmers has incorporated the R6 and R7 into his teaching and field practice, appreciating the in-body stabilization and real-time tracking improvements.
Accessories play a key role in Chalmers’ system. He recommends monopods for certain low-light conditions but prefers handheld shooting for flexibility. Furthermore, he emphasizes the use of UHS-II SD cards for fast data writing during burst shooting, and regularly calibrates lenses using micro-adjustment tools.
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| Little Ehret in Flight : Woodbridge Island, Cape Town |
Artistic and Existential Motivation
Chalmers’ BIF photography extends beyond technical expertise; it embodies an existential aesthetic. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy, Chalmers sees photography as a search for personal meaning, a way of engaging with the present moment and the natural world (Frankl, 1985; Chalmers, 2023). In his view, every captured flight represents both a technical success and a personal affirmation.
This sense of presence and flow aligns with psychological theories of mindfulness and peak experience (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Chalmers often describes his photography as a “freedom through focus,” where immersion in the act of capturing birds results in clarity, calm, and purpose. His workshops often include philosophical reflections, encouraging students to develop not just technical skills but also personal awareness through the lens.
His photography also demonstrates a compositional elegance. He prefers minimalism, clean backgrounds, and moments where light interacts dynamically with feathers, wings, and reflections on water. His style is influenced by patience, ethical wildlife practices, and a genuine appreciation for avian beauty.
Training, Mentorship, and Community Building
Chalmers’ Birds in Flight Photography Workshops are central to his impact in Cape Town. These training sessions, often hosted around Woodbridge Island and Milnerton Lagoon, combine theory and practice. Participants learn about Canon EOS configurations, subject tracking, lighting, and compositional principles, then apply these in field settings under Chalmers’ guidance (Chalmers, 2021).
Chalmers has also developed a significant online presence through his website and Facebook groups. These platforms support knowledge sharing and community discussion, often featuring student images, personalized feedback, and detailed guides. His training style is inclusive, fostering confidence among amateurs and professionals alike. As photography instructor Vernon Chalmers (2022) notes, "The goal is to demystify the Canon EOS system and empower photographers to make conscious, creative decisions."
Additionally, he provides one-on-one coaching, image reviews, and advanced post-processing techniques using Lightroom and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP). His instruction emphasizes non-destructive editing and maintaining natural integrity in images.
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| Little Egret in Flight : Woodbridge Island |
Challenges in Birds in Flight Photography
Birds in flight photography presents a range of challenges, many of which Chalmers addresses in his teaching. These include:
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Autofocus limitations: Even advanced systems struggle with fast, erratic birds. Chalmers teaches techniques for pre-focusing and using expanded AF zones (Chalmers, 2021).
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Lighting and exposure: Fast shutter speeds require bright conditions or higher ISOs. Chalmers advocates for balancing ISO noise with clarity through optimal exposure settings.
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Tracking flight patterns: Different birds exhibit different flight behaviors. Mastering BIF requires field observation and predictive shooting.
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Fatigue and stability: Long sessions with telephoto lenses demand physical stamina and ergonomic techniques, such as “tucking in” elbows and using lens collars effectively.
Overcoming these barriers requires practice, patience, and technical insight—all key themes in Chalmers’ pedagogy.
Post-Processing and Digital Workflow
While Chalmers emphasizes in-camera accuracy, he also teaches post-processing essentials. His workflow includes culling images based on focus sharpness, exposure correction, and fine detail enhancement using Adobe Lightroom and Canon’s DPP.
Key post-processing principles include:
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Cropping for composition, not to rescue flawed framing.
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Maintaining feather detail without over-sharpening.
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Noise reduction balanced against clarity.
Chalmers (2021) cautions against over-editing and encourages a naturalistic approach aligned with ethical wildlife representation.
Ethical Wildlife Photography
Chalmers adheres to ethical standards in wildlife photography, advocating for minimal disturbance to subjects. He educates students on proper field behavior—maintaining distance, avoiding nests, and respecting nature's rhythms. His teaching aligns with the ethics guidelines established by organizations such as SANParks and BirdLife South Africa (BirdLife SA, 2021).
Contribution to Conservation Awareness
Though not formally aligned with conservation groups, Chalmers’ photography has raised awareness about local bird species and habitats. His images often capture not only the grace of birds but also the fragility of their ecosystems. By showcasing the biodiversity of Cape Town’s wetlands, he contributes indirectly to environmental education.
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| Cape Canary : Woodbridge Island, Cape Town |
Global Recognition and Influence
Vernon Chalmers’ work has been recognized in global Canon communities and BIF circles. While he focuses mainly on local engagement, his online content is accessed internationally. He is particularly respected for making advanced techniques accessible and for his unique blend of technical instruction and existential motivation.
His photographic ethos resonates with professionals and hobbyists alike, proving that high-quality bird photography is achievable with discipline, understanding, and purpose.
Psychological Influence on Vernon Chalmers Photography
Conclusion
Vernon Chalmers has made a significant impact in the realm of birds in flight photography, particularly within Cape Town’s unique ecological landscape. Through his technical mastery of Canon EOS systems, deep knowledge of bird behavior, and existential approach to creativity, he has inspired a community of photographers to engage meaningfully with nature. His work exemplifies the power of photography not only as an artistic pursuit but also as a tool for personal fulfillment, environmental appreciation, and shared learning." (ChatGPT 2025)
References
BirdLife South Africa. (2021). Ethics of bird photography. https://www.birdlife.org.za
Chalmers, V. (2020). Canon EOS Birds in Flight Photography Settings Guide. Vernon Chalmers Photography. https://www.vernonchalmers.photography
Chalmers, V. (2021). Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town: Camera Settings, AF, and Lenses. Vernon Chalmers Photography. https://www.vernonchalmers.photography
Chalmers, V. (2022). Recommended Canon Cameras and Lenses for Birds in Flight. Vernon Chalmers Photography. https://www.vernonchalmers.photography
Chalmers, V. (2023). Photography as Presence: The Existential Benefits of Birds in Flight Work. Vernon Chalmers Insights.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man's search for meaning. Washington Square Press.
South African National Biodiversity Institute. (2021). Western Cape Biodiversity Overview. https://www.sanbi.org
Report Compiler: ChatGPT 2025
Image Copyright: Vernon Chalmers Photography - Read More
Image: Vernon Chalmers Birds in Flight Woodbridge Island, Cape Town