Graham Cam
Graham Cam (PhD) is a research scientist, ornithologist, bird photographer and educator. He is the former President of BirdLife Photography and the Competition Coordinator for the 2024 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards – and here he shares his top tips for entrants into this year’s competition.
What advice do you have for bird photographers?
All too often, photographers are led to believe that photographic success comes through developing a personal style. This can lead to distracting you from the ‘main game’ – capturing iconic bird images. Bird photography is the same as other genres: planning is essential and the photoshoot is the execution of those plans. Variety in your images is the other key ingredient for capturing the viewer’s attention, and dare I say, the judge’s interest.
There are several considerations when selecting the best image(s) for display and entering into competitions. These are:
1. Confirm sharpness
Review the image at 100% to confirm sharpness in the principal subjects. For birds, the eyes and head should be sharp; a long bill may not be sharp throughout the length if there is a clear artistic intent.
2. Remove unwanted noise
At 100%, examine the image for digital noise and remove unwanted noise with a suitable app. Failure in items 1 and 2 almost certainly mean image disqualification.
3. Read the competition rules
Read and re-read the rules of the competition, paying particular attention to image and file sizes. A significant number of entries have been disqualified this year on the basis of images not meeting the minimal size of at least 1800px on the longest axis.
4. Don’t over-process
Refrain from over-processing images, including over-sharpening and oversaturating plumage colours. Reds are often saturated to an unrealistic level.
5. Learn the basics
Learn how to undertake the basics of post-processing and apply judiciously, as per the rules, to enhance the image.
6. Don’t fear failure
Be prepared for failure, as not every image will be perfect. However, capturing large numbers of images generates a higher rate of ‘keepers’.
7. Be creative
Be creative and look for unique opportunities. Creativity is often considered to be an innate attribute, but equally, it can evolve through trial and error. Some of our best photographers have cultivated their ‘art’ by studying the master painters of the past.
How did these master painters achieve such captivating artworks? Colour, space, arrangements, lighting, action, being their own critic and perseverance are just a few elements to consider.
Beautiful Firetail by Graham Cam