Another trip around the sun

Well, by the time this is posted my birthday will have been yesterday, but I digress. As I embark on another trip around the sun, there are some things I'd like to try for the year. I'd like to set a few birding goals.

For my first goal I'd like to get better at using the tripod while out in the field. I feel as though I'm very slow with getting the tripod off my pack and ready for shooting. I'd like to get faster at this. I've stumbled across articles where some folks carry the tripod, with the camera attached, on their shoulders. I've found other articles that suggest that leaving the camera attached to the tripod while hiking is not great for the camera. Those articles have said this is hard on the lens mount where the lens attaches to the camera body. These are the things I will take into consideration while experimenting.

Another goal I'd like to add to the birding list is capturing some compelling bird in flight shots. I have a few that I like, but I'd like to get some awesome shots that show great wing detail. Lately, I've started in my own yard. I'm setting up my tripod and waiting across the yard from a feeder. I figure if I can get a shot of a bird approaching or leaving the feeder that could be a great start. It can be amazing the different birds that will visit your own yard. Especially if you are outdoors for a while. You'll find that the birds become more comfortable with your presence and will stay active while you are near.

My last goal is to find and attend a bird photography workshop. I think I could benefit from being around other photographers and picking up some tips. Not only would I like to see how others are capturing shots, but I'd like to see their editing process on the computer. I've been looking for something local. Nothing sticks out yet, but I'm sure I will find an event at some point.

OK, I lied, my forever goal is to try to get one of my photos in a calendar. That might not happen this year, but I'll shoot and enter photos into contests for a chance.

Some resources that help me obtain my goals… I like to follow bird photographers on Instagram to get an idea of what types of pictures are attractive to me. You can follow hashtags like #bestbirdshots. From there you'll notice other folks who you can follow. I also like to go down YouTube rabbit holes and watch photographers talk about their art. I typically search something like nikon bird photography. I might even get specific and search camera body models or lenses. Google knows me so it suggests photography articles based on the items mentioned above. These are quick daily reads. Honestly, there is so much information out there. If there is a question in your brain it's probably also on the internet. As always, I just have to get outside and watch the birds. My odds of capturing something cool increase each time I step outside with my camera.