My Three "P's" To Success

Bird photography can be extremely rewarding and gratifying. At the same time those of us who partake in it's adventures understand that it can be very hit and miss and frustrating.

After all we are dealing with natures wildlife.

I have what I consider the Three "P's" to improving your success and your outcomes that I find vital and important.

The Three "p's"

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is the first step to success. It begins before you even go out to shoot. Preparation involves first and foremost, your gear. Do you have what you need in hand and with you before you walk out the door or get out of your car?

Here is my checklist:

Camera Body

I always come fully equipped. This will usually involve a FX body and a DX body. In my case specifically I will have two FX bodies. A Nikon D5 for high frame rate and a D810 for high megapixels, those times when I get the time to shoot whatever it is I'm planning to shoot.

Lenses

I generally shoot with my longest and fastest lens. At the same time I always come equipped with other lenses. Sometimes I'll even shoot with a zoom alongside of my big gun. This affords me some flexibility of filling the frame at times or backing off with a zoom for those action shots.

Batteries

Batteries and are they charged. I never travel with less then 3 batteries for any one of my cameras. It's a sad thing to go out to shoot and then find yourself with an almost dead battery. I have reasoned, mostly due to hands on experience that most batteries tend to be at least halfway exhausted or more when I go out to shoot. Murphy's Law remember!

I have on numerous instances encountered a photographer who has arrived to a location with only one battery. I also must admit to forgetting my backup battery in the car. In my case it seems I repeat my lessons lol.

Cards

Another most important and significant member of the shooting team. Nothing worst then forgetting your card altogether. You can't record air lol. It's also a good practice to carry and extra card as well. Cards and batteries are the Top Two items for your camera gear.

Other Items:

Hoodman

Blue Tooth Speaker