Photographing birds during takeoff is slightly less challenging than other birds in flight(BIF) moments.
Below are some tips to capture takeoff shots:
1) Position yourself so that the bird is against a clean and uncluttered background, making it stand out.
2) Set a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. For birds in flight, a speed of 1/1000s or faster is generally recommended. User wider aperture and set ISO to lower value to avoid noise.
3) Observe the bird’s behavior and anticipate when it might take off. This might involve watching for signs such as wing movement or bird pooped or a change in posture.
4) Leave a bit of space in the direction the bird is taking off to create a sense of movement and direction in the photo and also it avoids clipping the wings of the birds.
5) Pre-focus on the bird.
6) Use burst mode to capture a sequence of shots when the bird takes off. This increases the chances of getting a sharp image.
7) Utilize your camera’s continuous autofocus or AI tracking features if available. This can help keep the bird in focus as it moves.
Bird photography requires patience and patience. Spend time observing their behavior and habits to better anticipate their actions. Practice and experimentation will help you understand your equipment better and improve your skills in capturing bird takeoff shots. Each attempt is a learning opportunity to refine your techniques.
