Finding the right location can be the difference between frustration and incredible shots. Birds and wildlife follow predictable patterns, but if you don’t know where to look, you’ll miss out.
Coming to you from Duade Paton, this insightful video highlights how a small, overlooked water source became the perfect setup for photographing parrots, kingfishers, and other birds. The location, a tiny dam in an otherwise dry area, serves as a critical water source. When water is scarce, birds concentrate around the few places they can drink, making them easier to photograph. By setting up in the right position—taking light, background, and perches into account—you can create conditions that attract birds and give you better images.
The key to success in this setup was preparation. Paton explains how he carefully selected a perch to place in the water, providing an attractive landing spot for birds. A well-placed branch can make a big difference, as natural perches often don’t look great in photos. Once set up, he used a camouflage blind to stay hidden, ensuring skittish species felt comfortable enough to land. Even with careful planning, patience is necessary. The best shots came after waiting for the right birds to approach, allowing for perfect reflection shots on the water’s surface.
Equipment and settings played an important role. Using the Canon EOS R5 with the RF 200-800mm lens provided flexibility for different distances and species. Early in the morning, with low light, he started at ISO 3200 to ensure a fast shutter speed. As the sun rose, he adjusted settings, lowering the ISO and refining aperture to capture sharper details. Shooting from a low angle helped create a more immersive perspective, bringing out rich textures and reflections. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Paton.
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