Birds, Nature, and Wildlife Photography

Viewing Birds as Fine Art Photography

Beautiful, active, and distant birds provide photographers with technical challenges and learning opportunities

Red-winged Blackbird male at a pond in Rochester, Minnesota. © Randy Runtsch.

“Nature is messy.” — Unknown photographer

Trumpeter Swans are flying over the Nebraska Sandhills. © Randy Runtsch.

Years ago, I read an article in which the author said, “Nature is messy.” It is one of the few quotes that have stayed with me.

Yes, nature can be messy. Imagine brush-filled woods, downed rotted trees, and rock-strewn hillsides.

Gray Catbird at Essex Park in Rochester, Minnesota. © Randy Runtsch.

However, one way to create an appealing image is to isolate the subject from its messy surroundings or distracting background.

Killdeer shaking the rain off at a nature preserve in Iowa. © Randy Runtsch.

Take birds, for example. While they are among the prettiest subjects I have…