How to: Photograph Birds in Flight

If you ask me, to photograph birds in flight is a lot like photographing jet airplanes… but much harder! At an airshow, there’s a schedule, you can hear the jets roaring toward you, and you know exactly where they will be in the sky. It’s a thrilling experience, but one that’s relatively predictable.

When you set out to photograph birds in flight, however, the game changes completely. Birds have a mind of their own — no schedules, no warning sounds, and no flight plans to reference. Capturing that perfect shot takes an enormous amount of practice, patience, and careful planning. Even with all the right intentions, a fast shutter speed, and a long, sharp lens, you might still miss the moment. But when you do nail the shot, it feels absolutely incredible.

In this guide, I’ll share a few quick tips that have helped my own bird photography skills take flight. As an avid birder — but definitely not a self-appointed wildlife photographer — I take hundreds, sometimes thousands of photos. Many get deleted, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s all part of the journey when you set out to master the art of photographing birds in flight.

Images below and Tips by Jillian Bell (top cover image by Kristofer Rowe)

Ready to capture better shots of birds in flight? Here’s what you’ll learn along the way:

In this article, you will learn:

• How to capture strong wing placement for dynamic bird photos
• How to use light and contrast to make your subjects stand out
• Why timing your outings with migration patterns matters
• How to choose the right shutter speed for sharp or motion-blurred wings
• The best autofocus, metering, and frame rate settings for birds in flight
• How to use the pan focus technique to track flying birds
• Why a high-speed memory card can make or break your shots
• How Tamron ultra-telephoto lenses help you succeed in the field

TIP 1: Capture Better Wing Placement When You Photograph Birds in Flight

When I photograph birds in flight, I look for images where the wings are fully outstretched or at the apex of their motion. Just like in sports photography, capturing the apex shows the maximum range of motion and the best energy within the movement. Different wing positions can tell a story about what the bird is doing in the air. For example:

• Outstretched wings might indicate soaring or kettling
• Tucked wings could suggest a fast dive for prey
• Flared wings can signal a landing approach

No matter what action is happening, I aim for photos where I can clearly see the bird’s face. That personal connection makes the image even more powerful when you photograph birds in flight.

TIP 2: Find the Best Light and Contrast for Photographing Birds in Flight

Light and contrast are everything when trying to photograph birds in flight. Just like in landscape or portrait photography, good light can transform your results. Generally, I position myself with the sun at my back and only photograph birds flying toward me. Anything flying away from the light becomes less interesting.

To maximize contrast between your subject and the background:

• Aim for bright, open skies
• Avoid busy or dark backgrounds like thick trees
• Look for clear edges between bird and background

For example, this Mallard pair pops beautifully against a bright blue sky. If they were flying in front of a dense forest, they would blend in too much, making them harder to isolate.

TIP 3: Choose the Best Time of Year to Photograph Birds in Flight

If you want to dramatically increase your success when photographing birds in flight, focus on migration seasons. Migration offers more opportunities because birds are moving in greater numbers and predictable patterns.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Keep a log of local bird activity throughout the year
• Target backyard birds and birds of prey during seasonal peaks
• Plan travel in January-March for southern birding hotspots
• Explore local areas during September-October when fall migration peaks

By tracking patterns year after year, you’ll naturally improve your timing and your results.

TIP 4: Set the Right Shutter Speed to Photograph Birds in Flight

Positioning yourself well is important, but your camera settings — especially shutter speed — complete the equation. To freeze crisp details when you photograph birds in flight, you need a fast shutter speed. However, intentionally slowing the shutter down a bit can add motion blur to wings for a different creative effect.

I typically use shutter speeds between 1/250th and 1/4000th of a second depending on the situation. Here’s a quick guide:

• 1/250th–1/500th sec: Wing motion blur (artistic effect)
• 1/1000th–1/1600th sec: Good balance for sharpness and some natural motion
• 1/2000th–1/4000th sec: Freeze fast action completely

When using my Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) at 500mm, I typically shoot at 1/1000 sec, f/8 or f/11, and set ISO to Auto. I can then quickly adjust my shutter speed or exposure compensation as needed based on the bird’s behavior and light conditions.

TIP 5: Use the Best Autofocus and Camera Settings for Birds in Flight

In addition to shutter speed, your camera settings make a big difference. Here’s my go-to setup when I photograph birds in flight:

• Autofocus: Continuous (AI Servo/AF-C)
• Metering: Center-weighted
• Frame rate: Continuous high-speed shooting mode

Continuous autofocus keeps moving birds sharp, while high-speed frame rates help capture the best wing placement in a burst.

TIP 6: Master Pan Focus Technique for Flying Birds

Another crucial technique when photographing birds in flight is pan focus. This style involves moving the camera horizontally at the same speed as the bird.

To use pan focus effectively:

• Track the bird steadily from right to left (or left to right)
• Keep the bird centered in the frame
• Maintain even movement without abrupt stops

It takes practice, but panning helps produce tack-sharp images even at longer focal lengths like 500mm or 600mm.

TIP 7: Use a High-Speed Memory Card for Birds in Flight Photography

Finally, don’t overlook your memory card. Birds in flight photography demands fast write speeds. I always use Class 10, high-speed memory cards to ensure my camera’s buffer clears quickly. Otherwise, you might miss the best moment while your camera struggles to catch up.

High-speed cards are essential when you’re shooting long bursts or when photographing fast-moving birds against complex backgrounds.

Why Tamron Ultra-Telephoto Lenses Are Perfect for Photographing Birds in Flight

Tamron’s ultra-telephoto zoom lenses make photographing birds in flight easier, more versatile, and more enjoyable. Built for real-world outdoor conditions, these lenses deliver the reach and reliability you need to capture fast, unpredictable action.

Each ultra-telephoto lens features:

• Arca-Swiss-compatible tripod collars (included or available) for fast mounting to monopods and tripods
• Moisture-resistant and dust-resistant construction for rugged shooting environments
• Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization technology to help steady handheld shots even at long focal lengths

One of my personal favorites is the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD. This lightweight, compact zoom is perfect for bird photography, offering incredible flexibility without weighing you down on long outings. At 150mm, you can track birds flying close overhead; at 500mm, you can tightly frame distant subjects while maintaining sharpness and detail.

The fast VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor provides quick, precise autofocus — essential when you’re trying to photograph birds in flight. Plus, the 150-500mm’s close-focusing capabilities allow you to easily switch between small birds perched nearby and those soaring across the sky without missing a beat.

Whether I’m paddling a kayak along the shoreline, trekking up a mountain trail, or waiting quietly by a desert watering hole, my Tamron lenses are built to handle the adventure. Moderate rain, dusty conditions, or chilly mornings don’t stop the shoot — and neither do they stop the gear.

Final Thoughts on How to Photograph Birds in Flight

Photographing birds in flight is one of the most exciting and rewarding challenges in wildlife photography. Every outing teaches me something new about light, timing, and technique. With practice, a little patience, and the right equipment, you can consistently capture stunning images that tell a real story about your feathered subjects.

Remember, not every photo will be a keeper — and that’s okay. Every missed shot is just another step toward mastering the art. By focusing on good wing placement, positioning yourself for the best light, tracking seasonal migrations, and dialing in your camera settings, you’ll see a big improvement in your ability to photograph birds in flight.

Above all, enjoy the process. Whether you’re shooting from your backyard, the shoreline, or a remote trail, every moment spent photographing birds in flight connects you more deeply with the beauty of the natural world.

If you’re ready to level up your bird photography, don’t forget to explore Tamron’s ultra-telephoto lens options — built to help you capture your best images yet.

Learn more about Tamron telephoto lenses perfect for photographing birds in flight at an authorized Tamron dealer in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.

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