One morning when I was out shooting, there wasn’t much happening. Not wanting to go home empty handed, I decided to take some really tight shots of a Snowy Egret. As I watched its feathers blow in the high winds I had an idea to experiment with some longer shutter speeds than normal for bird photography. In this video I talk more about how I got the shot and even show some Photoshop ideas for editing.
I love teaching and photography... In that order. I feel that enjoying photography, and photo editing can get WAY too complicated. So my personal mission (and favorite thing to do), is to create education that simplifies the process of taking great photos, and how to edit them to get the results you’ve always wanted.
Thank you so much, Matt! I have a shooting question. Which AF area mode do you usually use to shoot your bird photos? I tend to use single point so that I can try to focus on the eyes…not easy to do when they are flying.
Hi Cheryl. I’m almost exclusively on Zone or Wide. Unless the bird is really close (like feet away), focussing on the eyes or the wing or head doesn’t matter when it comes to depth of field. It will all be in focus. If it’s really close then yes, but rarely are the birds I shoot really close unless I’m in my backyard feeder 🙂
Love your work Matt. I feel I need all the help I can get with Photoshop – so thank you for demonstrating this simple trick.
Wow Matt! What a wonderful tutorial on merging 2 photos in Photoshop. I always learn so much from you, thank you.
Great video, Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for these free videos! Love learning these tips. Love my PS course too. I’m finally really learning it!
Thank you very much, Matt.
I’ve learnt a lot!
Thanks for the ideas.
As usual your tips and thoughts are quite helpful.
Thanks Matt for sharing this creative idea, I will use it. I get a lot out of your instruction videos. Just bought the photoshop series.
Great idea here Matt. I’ve been doing lots of birds in FL recently and was looking for some new creative ideas for stationary birds. When I get done with Dick V next week, this will be my next project. Thanks as always.
for the inspiration.
Excellent= I will try it asap[
Thank you for sharing your passion for photography Matt – it always helps to see how tools are applied to achieve the final result.
Hi Matt,
Loved the video. I just started shooting wildlife and I have one question: Do you always shoot in Auto rather than Daylight?
Yep! Though for landscapes I change it to cloudy most of the time. But honestly, white balance gets 1% of thought during my shooting process since I shoot raw and I’m always going to edit the photo after. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Matt. I appreciate your response. I purchased your Photoshop videos after Christmas and am learning a lot. I am enjoying how you made editing simple by breaking down the individual panels in Camera Raw.
I will definitely continue to follow you. Diane
Great video Matt, thanks for sharing
Thanks Matt another great instructive video with photoshop tips and it’s all free – can’t get better than that!! You mentioned handholding for bird photography – can I ask if you replaced the lens foot to get a better balance and if so which foot did you select? Cheers Colin from OZ
Hey Colin. I haven’t replaced anything. I just put my hand under the foot and try to hold steady. Thanks!
Thanks Matt saves buying a replacement foot. Also I’m thinking of purchasing the Bird Photography and Backyard Bird feeder bundle to create my own bird attracter but I’m wondering if the equipment and food Carl is using (and his own personal suet recipe) can be applied universally or will apply only to birds native to where you and Carl frequent for your bird watching and bird photography. Would welcome your comments please. Cheers Colin fromOz
Hi Colin. The equipment used would be suitable to small birds anywhere. The suet I’m not sure about. I’m sure things change around the country depending on the bird, but for the most part if a cardinal eats something on the east coast, it probably eats something similar on the west coast. Thanks!
Thanks Matt
Thanks! You have answered something about aligning layers that I have struggled with for years.
Thanks Matt for a great idea!
this looks good, the movement works well. The trick is to find the times that allow this like subject still and only movement being due to wind. This is a good example of thinking outside the box and trying things that you do not normally do.
Also one thing i do is look for ways to apply styles of shooting to situations they are not normally used in, like what are the ‘normal’ settings for landscape? is there a way i can use those to shot photos you would not normally use those settings in.
I shoot a lot of hockey, and my local team have come to realise if i turn up during practice (between tournaments) they will get to see some weird photos (I call them “artistic interpretations of hockey”). Often I hit on something they actually like.
I dont soot birds but this has explained clearly how to merge 2 photos together. Thank you