We all love photographing birds, whether we’re shooting a local reserve, a nearby park, or even in the comfort of our backyard. Unfortunately, there’s a common focusing problem that occurs when the subject is perched among tree branches that can easily fool a camera’s AF system.
In the video below from expert Paul Miguel you’ll learn an effective solution for capturing sharp bird photos when distracting elements like branches or foliage make this difficult. He’s a professional wildlife photographer based in the UK, specializing in birds, with a popular YouTube channel dedicated to simplifying the process for beginner and novice shooters .
Miguel explains why a camera’s Focus-Tracking mode doesn’t get the job done, and why he recommends choosing the Spot Focus mode instead and how it can be used to pick out a bird through the branches. He admits that that this approach may fail when the cluster of branches is really thick, in which case you may think it’s time to select Manual focus instead.
But not so quick, because what if the bird suddenly moves to a less obstructed position where autofocus can be really helpful for nailing the shot? This is the reason for Miguel’s “hybrid” focusing technique that he demonstrates in the next seven minutes.
Miguel explains the process like this: “I temporarily lock the autofocus, grab the focus ring on my lens, and focus manually, and this works well if you’re using back-button focus.” Then if the bird moves to a less-cluttered spot it’s a simple matter to reengage autofocus and fire away.
As you’ll see, there are a few ways you can configure the camera appropriately depending upon your preferred method of shooting. Miguel urges you to be willing to experiment and accept the fact that there may be a few frustrating failed attempts, because there’s no doubt that these situations can be a hit-or-miss affair.
That said, your odds of success will increase dramatically by taking the aforementioned hybrid approach and understanding the specific details you’ll learn as this episode unfolds. Then head over to Miguel’s instructional YouTube channel and consider joining his 43K enthusiastic subscribers.
And be sure not to miss the earlier tutorial we featured with an Australian pro who insists that shutter speed is your camera’s most power exposure option for capturing unique photographs with a creative flair.