Tips and How-Tos

Guidelines, tricks from the pros, and more

From tools to techniques, here’s what you need to know to get started doing bird photography—or to up your game.  

Tips and How-tos

Use a Remote Trigger to Get Your Camera Closer to Birds

Even the best blind won’t help you capture certain shots—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up.

The Basics of Bird Photography

Go Beyond the Basics

Tips and How-Tos

How to Master Migrant Warbler Photography

Warblers aren't the most cooperative subjects, but they are one of the most beautiful and addictive. Follow this advice to best capture the elusive birds.
Tips and How-Tos

Get Started With Camera Traps to Nab Unusual Bird Photos

Change your viewpoint with technology that snaps the shutter for you.
Tips and How-Tos

How to Capture the Splash Effect at Your Bird Bath or Fountain

Freeze water droplets in mid-air to create dramatic bird photography.
Gear

Want to Shoot Intimate Bird Portraits? Try a Portable Blind

Disappear in plain sight with one of these four types of camouflaged hides.
Tips and How-Tos

Six Tips for Photographing Birds from Boats

For stunning shots of alcids and other ocean-loving species, get in their element.
Tips and How-Tos

How to Take Sharp and Vibrant Photographs of Ducks in Flight

Capturing in-flight images of speeding ducks is challenging and rewarding. Follow these tips to land those shots.

All Tips and How-Tos

Tips and How-Tos

Recording Lots of Bird Videos? Here's What to Do After You Hit Stop

By Tara Tanaka
January 26, 2021 — Tara Tanaka, a videographer and judge for the new video category in this year's Audubon Photography Awards, shares her how-to guide for managing video files and key editing tips.
Tips and How-Tos

How to Record Great Audio of Birds and Their Environments

By Drew Fulton
January 26, 2021 — To capture clear sounds of birds that you are filming, follow these tips.
Tips and How-Tos

Use Blur to Paint With Birds—and Other Creative Avian Photography Strategies

By Faraaz Abdool
December 19, 2019 — In low light conditions, you can get experimental with your methods to yield fascinating shots.
Tips and How-Tos

Use Your Photography to Support and Advance Conservation

By Morgan Heim
July 19, 2019 — Go beyond taking photos of beautiful birds and their fascinating behaviors. Aim to inspire action.
Tips and How-Tos

Use a Remote Trigger to Get Your Camera Closer to Birds

By Mac Stone
April 16, 2019 — Even the best blind won’t help you capture certain shots—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up, writes photographer Mac Stone.
Tips and How-Tos

Tips for Taking Great Bird Photos From the Comfort of Your Car

By Diana Whiting
February 07, 2019 — Photographer Diana Whiting has found birds are surprisingly acclimated to vehicles. Here she provides pointers on shooting from the front seat.
Tips and How-Tos

How to Set Up the Perfect Perch for Backyard Bird Photography

By Melissa Groo
January 03, 2019 — These tips will get you and your subject in position for a great image.
Tips and How-Tos

Pigeons Are Beautiful, so Start Photographing Them

By Molly Bennet
August 22, 2018 — Photographer Andrew Garn shares his tips for capturing these underrated urban stalwarts in all of their iridescent glory.
Tips and How-Tos

Five Hotspots for Photographing Puffins, Murres, Auklets, and More

By Andy McGlashen
May 30, 2018 — Late spring and summer is the best time of year to capture the so-called “penguins of the north,” even if it takes a bit of travel.
Tips and How-Tos

Six Tips for Photographing Bald Eagles

By Bonnie Block
March 27, 2018 — They're big, they're back, and the camera loves them.