This will be the most impressive bird photography portfolio you’ll find on any photography blog. It is that simple. Meet Ray Hennessy, a contemporary master bird photographer.
The theme of this portfolio could be Birds in their natural habitat, but the brilliance that is put into each frame is what makes it so impressive. The portfolio is a masterpiece in terms of light, Ray’s individuality, and his desire for standing out amongst the other wildlife photographers.
Three things that I love about the Portfolio:
- There are a few things that I really like about this portfolio. This portfolio was a complete surprise to me. I can appreciate the patience and perseverance that goes into a great bird photo. It’s a joy to see backlit portraits.
- The inclusion of more environmental portraits will create a greater interest in the bird and a desire to learn more about it, rather than focusing on the feathers.
- The richness of the presentation is evident, whether it’s the colors, the bokeh or the composition. It’s definitely high-class stuff.
Stay inspired, folks!
What can you say about Ray Hennessy?
In 2007, my fascination for nature photography started. Since then, wildlife photography has been a passion of mine. I spend the majority of my spare time in nature areas looking for birds and other wildlife. I use creative natural lighting, interesting compositions and unique perspectives to create unique images of both common and rare animals. I prefer a scenic style that shows the wildlife’s habitat.
Why Photography & How to Photograph Birds?
Bird photography was introduced to me by my father. Bird photography is the most difficult of all the photography styles I have tried. Birds are easy to spot wherever you live.
Patience may be the most important quality for a bird photography. I’ve often had to sit and wait for hours before a bird came close enough for me to take a picture. It is also important to be prepared to fail. It is more likely to fail when taking photos of difficult subjects or places. However, the rewards can be huge when you get that perfect shot.
What is your homework before you shoot these amazing creatures?
The only thing I do to prepare before a shoot is make sure that my batteries are charged and camera cards are ready. The majority of the work was done months or years in advance by researching what birds were around at certain times and what habitats they could be found.
How do you differentiate your style from other bird photographers?
My style is to take a photo of a bird with a creative composition, which includes more of the habitat. Recently, I’ve been trying to use different lighting techniques, especially backlighting, to make my photos stand out. Many photographers focus on getting close to the bird and filling up the frame. This is a great way to capture the feather detail, but it does not show the bird’s full beauty.
What have you learned about this genre over the years?
Over the years, I’ve discovered that the more time spent in the field, the greater the chance of capturing a unique photograph or an interesting behavior. I’ve also learned that great images often require many hours of scouting. It is important to find a location that will allow you to capture a good photo of the bird. Finding their habitat can be relatively easy, but it’s also important to locate them in an environment where they can make for a beautiful photo. I have seen many great birds in places that were not conducive to photography. It is important to choose a location with good light, a great perspective and allowing you to be close to the bird.
What is your passion for photography?
I enjoy the challenge of trying to capture difficult species or to capture something common in a unique way. The constant challenge of trying to improve on a bird photo I have taken keeps me coming back.
What is the key to success as a professional photographer?
It is often difficult to master the art of seeing light and using it in the way you want. My wedding photography gave me a good foundation in natural lighting. I have used many of the lighting methods I learned while taking portraits in my bird photography.
How can you plan an outing for photography?
I start most of my outings well before sunrise. I like to be ready and on location as the sun rises. On an overcast morning, I will usually leave home later. The night before, I prepare my equipment and ensure I am dressed appropriately. Usually, I shoot the morning and then stop shooting when the light becomes harsh. This can happen as little as an hour or so after sunrise. If I plan to shoot all day, I will spend the afternoon scouting out new locations before wrapping up my session just before sunset.
Your gear?
I use only Nikon equipment. I currently shoot with a Nikon D4s, and I use a Nikon 500mm VR lens primarily for my bird photography. Sometimes I will use a Nikon 1.4x Teleconverter, or a Nikon300mm f/4PF lens. For shooting at ground level or water, I use the Naturescapes GroundPod to maintain a low-angle perspective. Otherwise, I prefer to be on the move so I use my monopod. It is more flexible and portable than a tripod.
Copyrights
All pictures on this post are copyrighted Ray Hennessy. It is illegal to reproduce any part of these images without explicit permission from the owners.