Wildlife Photography How To

Capturing tack-sharp images of birds in flight can be a real challenge, even for professional photographers. Regardless of your skill level, we’re going to help you up your game with some great advice from two experts.

German wildlife photographer Jan Wegener has a portfolio full of spectacular images—including many razor-sharp photos of birds in flight. In the video below he teams up with fellow expert Glenn Bartley to explain the best gear and techniques for making stunning images of your own.

This 30-minute episode is a bit longer than those we’ve posted from Wegener in the past, so we suggest you take a few notes. You’ll learn a bunch of valuable shooting techniques, the best camera settings for different situations, and how to get the job done without a lot of fancy gear.

The detailed discussion of equipment includes opinions on the pros and cons of using a mirrorless camera or DSLR for this style of photography. There are also a few recommendations for specific brands and models of cameras for those considering an upgrade.

The instructors discuss several budget lenses for photographing fast-moving birds. And if money is no object, they reveal what they consider their “dream lenses,” and suggest a few great options from Canon, Sony, Nikon, and third-party manufacturers.

There’s an undeniable thrill in capturing great images of birds in flight, and after watching this helpful episode you’ll know exactly what we mean and how to increase your percentage of “keepers.” As a bonus, many of the skills you’ll learn will also prove invaluable for sports, action, and other forms of wildlife photography.

You can pick up more great wildlife photography tips on Wegener’s YouTube channel, so head over there after watching this video.

For another comprehensive tutorial, check out our recent post with a complete beginners guide to macro photography.