This could also be titled “Why I prefer to bird photography over people photography” and I will explain why this morning.
Photographing birds is a very fulfilling and rewarding experience for me. Especially because I enjoy being in nature and feel most at “home” out in the wilderness. Unlike photographing people, photographing birds requires a different set of skills, gear and techniques, such as patience, observation, and a keen eye for details.
I have an eye for detail and thankfully I can spot birds from long distances. I have the gear, ample patience, and have developed my powers of observation over the decades.
Adult Rough-legged Hawk in flight in the West Desert
One of the most significant advantages of photographing birds instead of people for me is the lack of egos involved. When working with people, various personalities and preferences are possible and that can often make the process complicated and challenging. People can be self-conscious about their appearance or how they are being portrayed, making it challenging to capture natural and candid shots.
On the other hand, birds don’t have egos, and they don’t care how they look in photographs. This allows me to capture my subjects in a more natural and authentic way, without worrying about any personal preferences or egos. Photographing birds also often requires me to blend into the environment and observe their behaviors, which can be a calming and meditative experience.
Ring-billed Gull with a wide open bill
Birds don’t care if…
I capture them in weird poses, with their bills wide open, or if they look messy. People can be far more particular.
Another benefit to being a bird photographer is that the birds don’t care what I look like. I could spill a cup of coffee on my lap, be covered in biscuit crumbs, or having a bad hair day where I look like I haven’t seen a hairbrush in a month and the birds would never notice or judge me for looking awful.
The challenge of photographing birds is something I love.
Birds are incredibly agile and quick, making it difficult to capture them in motion. This challenge can be thrilling and rewarding when a great shot is achieved. These challenges requires me to be patient and to have a deep understanding of my equipment, the habitat, and bird behavior. I thrive when I am presented with these types of challenges.
Grumpy looking American Robin in leg deep snow
In addition to all of the above, nature for me is soothing. Photographing birds can be exciting and relaxing for me at the exactly the same time. In the past, nature has helped me through some of the worst and darkest times of my life and it continues to be a peace-filled balm. I’d much rather be out enjoying nature than practically doing anything or being anywhere else. I might live in a city but deep down I am, and will always be, a country woman at heart.
At the end of each day, I am always happy to be a bird photographer. It allows me to capture the beauty of nature and wildlife in a natural and authentic way, without having to deal with the complexities of human personalities and preferences. I love what I do. I love my wild, feathered subjects too.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my bird photos in my galleries.
What wonderful shots! The colors and composition are marvelous. Each pic is a stand-alone frame-able piece of art. Thanks Mia.
Well said and I agree with you 100%, loved the images.
Thank you for saying what I feel/think. Photographing the animals, birds, plants in nature makes me a part of it. There is no separation; it makes me whole.
Made me laugh! I couldn’t agree with you more, although photos of folks in repose (not posing for the camera) can be very nice. I don’t use my camera much at all anymore, and I’m so happy you do and that you share with us. May it be so for many long years.
Some cute birds today. The last cold spell where I live must have caused the little birds to move on. Sure not many at the feeder the last week.
An awesome post! I can vouch for this statement: “I have an eye for detail and, thankfully, I can spot birds from long distances.” I thought I was good until I met you! You also have amazing hearing! The breadcrumbs in your lap made me laugh, because I can relate.