A Collection of Artistic Bird Photography Techniques

Pixel Peeper nature photographers will tell you that bird photographs need to be sharp with the bird’s eyes being in clear focus. I too strive for a sharp, in focus subject in most of my bird photographs.

But there is no rule that states that bird photographs can be artistic, even if that means the bird isn’t sharp.

This blog shows numerous techniques and ideas for artistic bird photographs. Some of these ideas involve post processing techniques or plug-ins while others the artistic idea is in the composition.

Try some of these post processing ideas on your finished bird photographs or maybe don’t delete that bird photograph that isn’t quite sharp and give one of these ideas a shot. Also, try some of these composition ideas while out in the field.

Artistic Bird Photography Ideas

Try a Soft / Watercolor Effect

Try post processing plugins like Topaz Impression, Topaz Simplify, or Luminar to give your bird images a soft watercolor effect.

Horned Lark Watercolor Look

Tundra Swan Takeoff Watercolor Effect

Try a Bird Silhouette

By having your subject in front of the light and forcing your camera to focus on the lightest part of the frame, you can create some awesome bird silhouette photogaphs. You can also use post processing software to further darken the bird in the image.

Sandhill Crane Silhouette

Use a Reflection

Waterfowl and wading birds are normally in the water or on the bank. Take a photograph of the bird and it’s reflection to give the photograph an artistic touch. Try using a portrait composition vs. landscape for reflections.

Snowy Egret Reflection

Photograph the Bird and their Environment

Zoom out and capture the bird in their environment.

White Pelican Alone in the Sunrise

Try Black and White or Sepia

Black and white or sepia can give an average photograph an interesting artistic look.

Field of Geese

Written by Martin Belan

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