Birds in the Snow

Photographing birds in the snow can create stunning, atmospheric images! Here are some tips for capturing beautiful shots:

1. Use a Fast Shutter Speed
Birds tend to move quickly, so use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s or faster) to freeze their motion. If you want to capture a bird in flight, you’ll need even faster speeds, at least 1/3200s.

2. Adjust Your Exposure
Snow can trick your camera’s metering system into underexposing the image since it’s bright and reflective. To compensate, increase your exposure by 1 or 2 stops or use exposure compensation to avoid underexposing the birds and their surroundings.

3. Consider White Balance
Snow can sometimes give off a bluish tone in photos. You may need to adjust your white balance to correct this or experiment with the cloudy setting for a warmer, natural look. This can be done in post-processing.

4. Use a Telephoto Lens
Birds are often skittish, so a long lens (200mm or more) allows you to shoot from a distance without disturbing them. It also helps create a nice blurred background (bokeh), which makes the birds stand out against the snow.

5. Look for Contrast

Snowy environments can be fairly uniform, so look for color contrast in your shots. A bright red cardinal against white snow or a dark raven in a snowstorm creates a visually appealing focal point.

6. Be Mindful of the Snow’s Texture
Snow can add texture to your photos. Pay attention to how the snow's texture contrasts with the bird's feathers, the way it reflects light, or how it surrounds the bird in the frame. It can add depth and dimension to the image.

7. Focus on the Eyes
Whether you're photographing a bird in flight or perched, make sure the eyes are in focus. Sharp eyes bring life to bird photos and engage the viewer.

8. Keep Your Gear Dry
Snow can be wet and messy. Bring weather-resistant equipment or a rain cover for your camera gear. Also, keep an eye on the lens for fogging or condensation, which can sometimes occur when moving between cold and warm environments.

9. Use a Tripod or Monopod for Stability
A tripod or monopod can help stabilize your camera, especially in low-light or windy conditions, and reduce camera shake, which is important when using longer lenses. In these photos, I used a Tripod.

10. Capture Behavior or Motion
Birds may exhibit interesting behaviors during winter, like foraging for food or fluffing up their feathers to stay warm. Try to capture those moments for more compelling photos.
Do you have a specific bird or type of shot you're aiming for?

Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 200 - 500mm lens

Let me know if you want tips for a certain species or scenario!