Photography Techniques and Processes

Simon Pelling - March 2022

This article is an updated version of the original published in April 2020.  It is a detailed discussion of the importance of sharp images, and the multiple factors which contribute to getting sharp images: photographic technique, focus systems, camera/lens contribution, and post-processing techniques. 

Ian Smissen - October 2020

Ian describes how understanding how a camera light meter works, and how to adjust exposure settings, will enable you to get the best exposure, and demonstrates this using two examples of white birds.  The advice here is equally useful for any tricky exposure situation.

Simon Pelling - September 2020

Simon provides a walk-through of the key concepts in exposure; what the terms mean, and how they work together in determining the final picture outcome. The article also includes information on light metering within the camera.

Glenn Pure - October 2019

This is a written version of an article presented at the Birdlife Photography Conference in Fremantle, September 2019.  The article revisits the basics of exposure, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and how to take control of your exposure settings.

Ian Wilson - April 2017

Ian has provided a detailed discussion of suitable camera bodies and lenses for bird flight photography, optimal camera settings such as autofocus, and advice on technique. At times this article is quite technical and is most suited for an intermediate to experienced user. See also Ian Boyd’s article ‘Photographing Birds in Flight’.

Glenn Pure- August 2015

Glenn explores the sources of noise in digital photography, and how noise is linked to exposure and ISO setting. A good introduction to a complex subject.

Ian Wilson - August 2015

This is the second part of a two part article (see Part 1 for summary).

Ian Wilson - June 2015

This article is based on a conference presentation by Ian Wilson in which he sets out his view of key shortcomings often seen in bird images such as incorrect exposure, inaccurate focussing, and post-processing techniques such as white balance, noise reduction and sharpening. The article was published in two parts.

Ian Boyd - April 2015

Ian provides a range of useful tips about camera settings for bird in flight photography, as well as suggestions on technique. Based on a presentation by Ian Boyd. See also Ian Wilson’s detailed article ‘Mastering Flight Photography’.

Les Peters - August 2014

Les talks about techniques to help approach close to birds, a key part of bird photography. A good read for everyone.

Bob Young - April 2014

This is a fairly detailed discussion on focusing in modern digital DSLRs and options to improve sharpness.  It also describes techniques to use the so-called ‘back button’ focus techniques where focusing is undertaken using a button on the back of the camera body rather than with the shutter button. Useful information for everyone but assumes a reasonably good photographic background.

Ian Wilson - October 2013

Ian provides a fairly detailed description of the use of flash in bird photography both to light the bird and to freeze motion. Specific examples of flash set ups are provided including using more than one flash. An article for the more experienced user. See also Tom Oliver’s articles on Fill Flash.

Bob Young -  February 2013

A discussion of close-up photography techniques such as macro photography, including equipment for close-up photography, how to determine accurate exposure, and the technique of photo stacking in Photoshop.

Tom Oliver - October 2012

Continues on from Part 1.  It provides more examples of using fill flash, and also talks about flash ‘extenders’ which extend the range of flashes.  See also Ian Wilson’s article ‘Catching the action in a flash'.

Tom Oliver - August 2012

An article on using ‘fill flash’ - the use of flash to augment natural light and better illuminate the bird, particularly in challenging lighting situations.

Les Ryan - April 2012

An explanation of depth of field, and an illustrated discussion of the relationship between lens aperture and depth of field. 

Bob Young - October 2012

This article discusses the ‘zone system’ for obtaining correct exposure, and looks at spot metering.  It concludes by looking at some specific exposure problems such as birds in flight, and discusses the role of exposure compensation.  Article aimed more at the experienced user.

Bob Young - June 2012

Bob continues his discussions on exposure with a detailed discussion of how light metering works in cameras (particularly DSLRs), and how to take advantage of the different metering modes.  The article also discusses exposure bracketing.

Bob Young - April 2012

This article follows on from part 1, and goes into more detail on the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture, and how this affects your photos.

Bob Young - February 2012

A discussion of basics of using different exposure modes on camera (auto through manual).  It explains what the different modes such as M and P mean, and the more automated scene modes.  (Note: refers to a Five Part series on Exposure but only four parts were published.)