Reviewing my Photography in 2010: Nature

My earliest memory of using a camera dates from around the age of five: entrusted with my parents' Zenit E and 35mm and 50mm prime lenses, a school trip to Chester zoo saw me taking photographs without guidance. Membership of the Young Ornithologists' Club (RSPB for kids) cemented the fascination with capturing nature on film.

Birding can be an expensive pursuit — mainly a pursuit of glass — and not being a professional, I can't justify that level of expenditure... yet? The two things which most improved my nature/bird photography in 2010: moving away from kit lenses and being more patient. After that I would say the tripod/monopod were the best accessories. Don't fear the mirror lens, though it does require a little more care in composition owing to its confusing bokeh.

Main lesson learned at the start of 2011: check your focus, don't use cheap filters (or any filters at all, perhaps?). And in 2011, consider throwing some flash onto the subject too.

May 16
Swans aren't as timid as some birds. Applying some of what I'd learned with portraiture, I tried to capture a good expression! The first of many, many birds-in-flight. May 16
May 16
Remember: don't be so pleased with the bird that you abandon composition. The first of many grebe photos. Soft lens, long distance: poor quality. May 16
Jun 20
I start to realise how soft the 75-300mm lens I have is... ...but zoomed out and in good light it can be amazing. Dawn is a good time to shoot because of the light. Jun 22
Jun 25
A huge bird in flight: be patient to get the good shot. Getting closer and using better glass makes a huge difference. Sep 3
Sep 17
Here I've upgraded to the 70-300mm IS lens, and the clarity is massively improved. Learn about the habits of the birds to get closer to them. Sep 17
Sep 25
Sometimes, stop being patient: grab the camera and shoot! Tripods and remote release are a good thing. Sep 25
Oct 2
Finally: a sharp Great Crested Grebe at a decent resolution Get a monopod and use it. Oct 5
Oct 5
IS lenses are amazing: learn to love them. Don't forget about macro possibilities. Oct 5
Oct 30
More lessons about patience... ...but patience can be well rewarded. Oct 30
Oct 30
You don't always need to be close to a small subject if you have enough focal length. But you'll definitely need the monopod. Be prepared to be surprised and fail to identify a subject. Oct 31