The magic of sunrises and sunsets offers some of the most captivating moments for photography. Observing the light over time inspired me to add an artistic touch to my photographs. Gradually, I developed techniques for placing elements within the frame and effectively using surroundings while photographing. Though I began with birds, my journey shifted toward creating unique images rather than simply chasing rare subjects.
Photographing common bird species provides an opportunity for extensive experimentation. My initial approach involves shooting against the light, which adds a sense of drama to the frame. I then work to incorporate interesting elements from the surroundings into the composition.
Once I capture the desired shot, I reposition myself to experiment with different angles, which offers fresh perspectives on the same subject. This allows me to incorporate varied backdrops or surrounding elements, adding depth and interest. I prefer shooting handheld as it gives me the flexibility to move freely and discover new and compelling elements in both the background and foreground.
The Foreground Canopy
This technique has greatly boosted my confidence. It’s like choosing the foreground in the field or waiting for the subject to align with an interesting foreground. After many trial-and-error attempts, I perfected this method and later applied it to moving subjects using back-button focusing. I lock focus on the subject, release the button once properly focused, and crouch in the bushes to frame the composition. Through my EVF, I track the flock, keeping it aligned while ensuring the birds and foreground blend seamlessly in the frame. Once everything is aligned, I pan with the flock, avoiding refocusing to prevent focus from shifting to the foreground. This careful process enables me to get the shot I envision.
Having honed my technique of using foreground elements, I realized that it’s not just about finding the perfect subject but also about creating a dynamic composition where every element, including the subject, plays a role.
Langurs are my favorite subjects to photograph due to their lively nature and wide range of expressions. One morning, during an early birding trail, I was photographing birds when I spotted a raptor perched on a rock. Intrigued, I zoomed in and realized it was a Bonelli’s eagle. Moments later, it took flight, and I noticed a group of langurs climbing the rock and settling down. I had always imagined capturing a photograph of a langur with its iconic tail raised against a captivating backdrop. At first, the langurs were motionless, but after about 45 minutes, a few began to move, offering an opportunity to capture stunning silhouettes with their tails up. However, the image felt flat with the sky as the sole background. To make the composition more engaging, I decided to add textured foreground elements. Focusing on a single langur that remained seated, I experimented with various foregrounds like leaves and branches, positioningthem to frame the langur while ensuring it stood out. After waiting patiently, the langur moved into the perfect position, allowing me to capture the moment with its tail raised.
Crafting Depth and Drama
Have you ever felt the rush of excitement when a subject finally aligns with the perfect light? Moments like these remind me why I love photography: capturing fleeting beauty that can never be replicated. Photographing subjects like langurs has taught me the value of patience.
More often than not, it’s the scene itself that sparks my creativity. When the right light and elements come together, I instinctively seek out subjects to complete the composition. While I occasionally find cooperative subjects, I sometimes struggle to find a compelling backdrop.
However, when a dramatic scene unfolds, my mind naturally begins to search for the perfect subject to complement it.
Since I prefer shooting during the golden hours, one evening I almost decided to skip the shoot due to the cloudy sky. However, I chose to step outside and assess the lighting. While one side of the sky was dark and overcast, the other side was alive with a striking display of vibrant colors. Intrigued, I grabbed my camera and headed to my usual birding spot, sensing that this was no ordinary sight. I quickly snapped a few shots with my phone, then started searching for a subject to complement the colorful sky. As I moved around, the colors became even more captivating. I managed to capture a few birds in flight and eventually spotted one perched on a tree. Lowering myself to frame the shot, I captured the bird against the breathtaking, iridescent clouds.
Unveiling the Abstract Within
I’ve always been fascinated by viewing the world in an abstract way, where patterns, textures, and emotions take center stage. This perspective deeply influences my photography, driving me to capture the images I envision in my mind. Recently, I explored Intentional Camera Movement, a technique where I deliberately move the camera during exposure to create dreamlike, abstract images. I was thrilled with the results it produced. Processing these abstract shots brings me joy as they transform my inner vision into reality, allowing me to convey not just the scene but the emotion and essence behind it. Abstract photography lets me immerse myself in the pure essence of a scene, where reality takes a backseat.
My Journey into Manual Lenses
My preferred focal length for photographing birds and mammals has always been in the
200 to 400mm range. Over time, my interests shifted toward manual lenses, drawn by the artistic potential. The challenge, however, was adapting to manual focusing, which took some time to master. While this shift initially slowed me down, I thoroughly enjoyed the process and found immense joy and peace in embracing this new approach to photography.
