1st, enlist the assistance of a friend. YOU need to be ready with your camera BEFORE the bird is set down. Your helper works the bird while YOU work the camera.
* I would suggest you NOT put the birds in a small enclosed area. Any animal's instinct is going to be to leave!
* Use a bigger space - maybe even an open table - with a solid color backdrop that compliments the color of your birds. Try to keep your bird CALM ... that means that both you and your helper need to speak quietly and move slowly (remember that each camera flash & shutter click will also have its impact!)
* Have your helper set the bird down in a specific place, facing in a specific direction, and YOU be ready to take the shot immediately (that means you need to have your focus, light meter, ISO, flash, etc. ready!) You will only have time to press the shutter, once the bird is released. Be prepared to repeat this step several times.
* Be sure your helper knows what you are striving for and have her/him PATIENTLY try to get the bird into that position while keeping it's attention.
* If there are special treats that your birds really like - now is the time to use them. Have your helper feed a few of the treats so the bird knows they're there...then have your helper hold a treat in such a way that the bird's head is at the angle you want it.
* USE your flash and a tripod to get razor sharp photos (Hint: pro photographers use auxiliary lights too, so, if you have them, use them. Try bouncing a light off the backdrop & at an angle - so the feathering is well lit and your flash doesn't throw such a shadow.) Check with your local camera shops - they may rent lights. If you're interested, you may also find a pro on staff who does freelance photography at a reasonable price.
* Become accustomed to the delay your camera has and plan for it. If your camera has a "burst mode", use it!
* Fill your frame with the bird. If you have a telephoto lens, USE it. Your bird will be less nervous if you aren't right on top of them. If you don't have a telephoto, fill as much of the frame as you can - then use a good photo post-processing computer program to crop (and do other stuff).
* Stay calm!!! There is nothing more fun and rewarding ... and nothing as frustrating ... as animal photography!! If you allow yourself to get frustrated it will show in your birds...and, therefore, in your photos.
* Know that a pro-photographer takes LOTS of photos (and I mean LOTS!!!) before we get THE photo we want ... that means we have LOTS of experience, too. You'd be amazed at how many photos are taken before the final shot is obtained (one of the reasons why digital photography is soooooooo wonderful!!)
* Know that, in this day and age, there is nothing more valuable (after the subject, and the ability to take a good photo in the first place) than a good post-processing program. With as many photos as you're talking about, I would recommend that you invest in, at least, PhotoShop Elements. Rarely was that beautiful magazine photo actually taken from camera to print. Nothing beats taking a good photo - and post-processing can't make a bad photo good - but you can turn a "good photo" into something that will make you - and your viewers - look twice!!
* PRACTICE ahead of time - - - and take your time when you're actually shooting the real thing. You simply can't 'force' animal photography. DON'T EVEN TRY!!!! Trying to do that will only scare the animal, frustrate you, waste your time, and convince YOU that "you can't do this".
YOU CAN DO THIS! And it CAN be fun! Take your time (just a few birds each time), plan on it being a long term project, and ENJOY!!
<if you have questions, feel free to PM me as you progress>
