Have you ever attempted to take a great photo of your bird only to be disappointed at the outcome? Bad angles, blurry subjects and red eyes are only a few of the problems. You don’t need an elaborate camera to get that one great shot. Whether you use a digital or print camera, an expensive single lens reflex or a throwaway, you can take decent photos by developing a few skills and mastering a couple of tricks.
Study your camera’s manual. Most disposable and point-and-shoot cameras only offer fixed focus, which means you can’t zoom in or out or sharpen the focus. The lens “sees” within a preset range, usually several feet and beyond. A camera with automatic focus sharpens the focus for you from a pre-set minimum distance to infinity. Auto-focus cameras usually carry additional features, such as zoom and automatic flash. Manual cameras adjusted by hand for focus and light give the photographer more control over the look of the photo.
**For the full article, pick up the December issue of BIRD TALK**
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