My tips to improve your photos.

Looking at my photos over the past two years you might be inclined to think that my tips aren't worthy of consideration. But my later pictures are improving and I've often had to learn the hard way. So here are some things that I have learned and that have helped me to get better pictures. Of course, I also welcome advice from more seasoned professionals so send me your tips (please) using the 'contact me' tab above. For what they are worth, here are mine so far. As I come across new ones I'll add them here.

1. Take lots of shots.
If you have a digital camera and can delete any unwanted images set your camera to continuous shoot and take lots of shots if you have the opportunity. The more you take the more chance you have of getting a sharp image with the subject in a satisfactory pose.

2. Don't trust the cameras LCD viewer.
The LCD viewer is just a guide. Your shots may look great in here but when you get them full size on your computer they may appear much darker or not at all sharp. Don't let your viewer fool you into thinking that you already have the perfect shot. Don't let it make you ignore tip 1 above. Keep taking more shots.

3. Get as close as you can.
Try to get as close as you can to your subject. The closer you are the more detail your final picture will contain. Use purpose built hides, your car or any natural cover that you can find to get as close as you can. Of course, don't intrude to the point of startling the birds. You will do this sometimes but learn to recognise what is the closest distance that a species will tolerate you and try not to violate this zone.

4. Check your camera set-up.
When you first arrive at a site and unpack your camera, don't just assume that your settings are correct. Check your mode, aperture priority, shutter priority or full manual. Check your ISO setting. Ensure that you do not have over or under exposure compensation set. Forgetting that you adjusted any of these things last time you were out and assuming that the settings are correct for the current conditions is a mistake, and a surprisingly easy one to make. Check everything before you set off to look for suitable subjects. It is, in fact, a good idea to take a couple of test shots in advance. Use the 'info' button to check the settings for the photo. It will show ISO, aperture and shutter speed, etc. The histogram will also show you useful exposure information. If it is a single peak either dead centre or slightly left of centre then exposure is correct for the current light. Of course, you can use this technique whenever you move to a new location or weather conditions change noticeably. It allows you to make a quick decision about whether to increase or decrease exposure.

5. Choose your target.
When you first start photographing birds, you don't need to choose a target species. You just want to get out and see what you can do with your camera. That's great, it gets you used to the controls and you learn a lot quickly. However to get some of the rarer or more difficult species you need to target them. Research where they can be found, visit these places, observe the bird behaviour and then decide how and where you'll get the best pictures of it. In the field guide section I am trying to pass on the benefits of some of my experiences which will hopefully help you to target your species.