From Clutter to Clean Shots: Choosing the Right Location for Bird Photography

^{Note: This tip comes from Photography Life’s article - How to Photograph Birds: Composition}

Composition is critical in bird photography, but it’s uniquely challenging because you must work quickly and can’t ask your subject to pose or return for a reshoot. Start by assessing your surroundings when you arrive at a new location. Look for spots with clean, blurred backgrounds and avoid cluttered areas with too many branches or distracting man-made objects. If you plan to include the environment, consider elements like shorelines, plants, and food sources. Avoid awkward overlaps, such as a horizon line cutting through the bird’s head or a flower obscuring key details.

For portraits, focus on creating an attractive and harmonious background. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—subtle textures can add visual interest—but it shouldn’t compete with the bird or break up its outline. Posing is equally essential; while you can’t control the bird, you can wait for the right moment. 

Birds often look best when their heads are turned slightly away from their bodies, and for action shots, flying birds display graceful wing positions that suggest motion rather than awkwardness. If appropriate, marginally slower shutter speeds can add a blur to wingtips for a dynamic effect.

Finally, capture life in the bird’s eye with a catchlight. Most birds reflect light well, and a bright catchlight brings energy and realism to your shot. Without it, the bird’s eye—and the photo—can feel lifeless. By balancing strong composition, thoughtful backgrounds, and patient timing, you’ll create bird photographs that stand out and feel natural, dynamic, and alive.

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!)