Where to take the shot from

When deciding on where to set up to photograph a bird, there are several considerations. Two of the most important are light angle and background. While having the light come from directly behind me is considered “ideal” because it lights the bird evenly, often having the light come from another angle, whether from the side or even behind the bird, will give a more dramatic image. The background is especially important. A complicated, “in focus” background, like branches of a tree, can distract from your main subject. This shot of a Marsh Harrier from Spain is an example of both of these considerations. This shot was taken a few minutes after sunrise with the sun rising to the right of the shot. It gives an almost surreal look to the bird, but also colors the layers of the background. Maybe not everyone’s taste, but I liked it.