Capture Amazing Bird Photos With a Simply Constructed Set

How to create a natural setting for bird photography

Author

Bill Harris
July 17, 2024

Photograph by David Clode

Many of the fantastic bird photos you see online were likely created using a perch that the photographer constructed and placed in a specific location. The location would typically be over a birdbath or some other water feature to attract them.

A simple perch can be constructed with a bucket and a 2x4 inch board. A 5-gallon bucket is recommended as the size offers plenty of stability.

Photograph by Wikipedia – A five-gallon bucket typically measures 14.25 inches high by 12.5 inches wide at the base.

Tip #1 – Drill a small hole in the bottom of the bucket so that rain can drain out.

Photograph by John Duncan

Next, you’ll need a section of 2x4 inch wood approximately 5 to 6 feet long.

Tip #2 – Use exterior grade lumber to prevent rot.

You want to evaluate your location to determine the length of the 2x4 lumber. You don’t like it so long that you get background items that will detract from your birds. So, you determine your camera position, then your bucket position, and calculate your board height. Remember that some twigs and branches you attach to the board might angle upward.

Drill holes at various angles at one end of the board. Place the other end into the bucket and fill it with sand and rocks to stabilize it.

Forage for different twigs and branches to insert into the holes. Finally, place the bucket next to your water feature.

Photograph by SK Yeong

You have now created a basic, portable ‘set’ for bird photography with a chosen background and predictable lighting.

Photograph by David Travis—This photograph shows a more sophisticated bird set. While less portable, a design like this also offers many options.

Photograph by David Travis

The above photograph was created with the more permanent bird set.

Tip #3 – If you want a portable set that can be easily moved, use the bucket method. If you want to create a more permanent set that offers better options for change, create something like the second option.

Photograph by David Travis – Instead of a water feature, this photographer chose seed to attract his bird subjects.

Tip #4 – Water or food will attract birds. Create your set so that anything manmade isn’t visible in the frame. In the above example, the containers holding the seed were placed on the opposite side of the log from the camera position.

Photograph by David Travis

Tip #5 – An off-camera flash can provide additional lighting and a very important catchlight in the eye.

Photograph by Davis Travis

You can get creative with your bird set by adding different colors and types of foliage.

Photograph by Davis Travis —This photo was taken on the opposite side of the bird set, as shown in the previous image.

Photograph by David Travis

Here is yet even another idea for a water feature bird set.

Photograph by David Travis – Note how every element of this superb bird portrait has been considered.

Multiple bird sets can be created right in your backyard, making your bird photography efforts easier and with a higher probability of success!

Want more? If you want to learn more about bird photography, and capture beautiful shots of your own, we recommend downloading and printing out Photzy’s 10 Bird Photography Cheat Sheets (Special bonus available now!)