The Difference Between Shooting Action Versus Static Bird Photos

^{Note: This tip comes from the photography case study #1 ‘Action Vs Static’ inside Photzy’s - 5 Extended Case-Studies on Bird Photography}

In any type of wildlife photography, the most interesting shots are often images where animal behavior is captured in action.

A static shot is more or less a portrait with no behavioral details revealed. Both images have their place in your portfolio.

The image above is your classic bird action shot. The bird is in flight, and it is also feeding.

Quick Tip: In bird photography, unless you have an obvious reason not to, the plane of focus should always be placed at the eyes and face.

In the hummingbird example, the critical focus was placed on the wing and tail.

What differentiates an action photograph from a static photograph?

This photograph (above) is a static bird image.

What defines a static versus an action bird photograph?

In an action shot, the bird is interacting with something. It could be itself, another bird or living creature, or the environment.

This photograph is a static bird portrait.

This final example is an action shot. The baby bird and the mother bird are snuggling. They are interacting.

A successful action doesn’t have to be high-speed. It simply must show the bird interaction with something.

Is this an action or static portrait shot?

He’s raising his leg, action shot!

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!)