{"id":36254,"date":"2025-09-08T10:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T15:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=36254"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:13:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:13:05","slug":"bird-photography-101-with-sunil-gopalan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/bird-photography-101-with-sunil-gopalan\/","title":{"rendered":"Bird Photography 101 with Sunil Gopalan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><em>Are you a budding photographer looking for a challenge? Try bird photography\u2014it\u2019s part technique, part timing, and a whole lot of patience. Most of all, it requires a deep understanding of your subjects.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Get some bird photography tips in this guest blog written by NRF Field Trip leader Sunil Gopalan! Sunil is a National Geographic photographer, so these tips are guaranteed to help you photograph birds right here in Wisconsin and all around the world.<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sunil-Gopalan-courtesy-of-Sunil-Gopalan.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Sunil Gopalan standing next to his camera that is on a tripod &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Sunil Gopalan Courtesy Of Sunil Gopalan.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>Sunil with his trusty camera. Photo courtesy of Sunil Gopalan<\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>The Beauty (and Challenges) of Bird Photography<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>There are more than ten thousand species of birds in the world, with over a thousand in North America. Yet, increasing development and urbanization seem to have pushed them out of sight and out of mind. But finding them and capturing a fleeting moment in their lives can be a powerful way to reconnect with nature.<\/p>\n<p>The challenge of observing a small and wary creature with the capacity for flight is compounded many times over when attempting to actually <em>photograph<\/em> it. Be prepared for a lot of misses. It is incredibly important to enjoy the moment in order to avoid being frustrated by results. When it works, it\u2019s magic.<\/p>\n<p>Below are some key considerations to help you get started or sharpen your skills.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Get to Know Your Camera<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>It is important to be familiar with your gear before investing a lot of time in the field. Modern cameras are complex tools and some time spent up front will pay a lot of dividends when you glimpse a bird and time is of the essence.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Learn how your camera handles autofocus (AF), including focus modes, AF points, subject tracking, and back-button focus.<\/li>\n<li>Practice adjusting key settings without taking your eye off the viewfinder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Indigo-bunting-by-Sunil-Gopalan.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;an Indigo Bunting perched in a tree&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Indigo Bunting By Sunil Gopalan.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>An indigo bunting, a native species of Wisconsin, perched on a plant. Photo by Sunil Gopalan<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Understand the Light<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Lighting plays a huge role in bird photography\u2014affecting everything from color to mood.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>When using direct sunlight, try to keep your shadow pointing at your subject. This ensures the bird is well-lit.<\/li>\n<li>Overcast days offer soft, even lighting and can be perfect for detailed portraits.<\/li>\n<li>Want to get creative? Try backlighting to silhouette your subject or highlight feathers with a rim of light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Northern-Gannet-Scotland-by-Sunil-Gopalan.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a close up of a Northern gannet&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Northern Gannet (Scotland) By Sunil Gopalan.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Close-up of a northern gannet in Scotland. Photo by Sunil Gopalan<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Nail the Exposure<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Even though modern cameras can be complex, the fundamentals of the exposure triangle are the same as ever.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>ISO, aperture, and shutter speed directly contribute to correct exposure and you control those parameters to make your image. Know how to change each one independently.<\/li>\n<li>\u201cExpose to the Right\u201d refers to adjusting your camera\u2019s exposure so that the histogram shifts toward the right (highlight side), without clipping. This maximizes detail in shadows and midtones for better editing later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/King-Eider-Alaska-by-Sunil-Gopalan.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a king eider flying above the ground&#8221; title_text=&#8221;King Eider (Alaska) By Sunil Gopalan.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A king eider flying close to the ground in Alaska. Photo by Sunil Gopalan<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Master Composition<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>A technically perfect photo still needs good composition to stand out. Here\u2019s how to create visually compelling images:<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Rule of thirds \u2013 a balanced image is best achieved by placing key elements \u2013 whether that is the bird or a key part of the habitat along thirds of the frame. For example, in the image above, the focus point of the image (the bird\u2019s eye) is one-third of the way from the right edge of the image.<\/li>\n<li>Negative space \u2013 it is tempting to fill the frame with as much as possible. But it is important to leave an uncluttered area to define and emphasize the subject.<\/li>\n<li>Be mindful of your background and try to get at eye-level with your subject. This helps with intimacy and connection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Tell a Story<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Like with most other forms of photography, strive to do more than just document your encounter. What is it you want the viewer to see? Birds have complex behaviors and you will want to think about how to capture the fleeting moments that highlight something special.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Focus on unique behaviors, expressions, or interactions.<\/li>\n<li>Use creative angles or framing to highlight something beyond just identification.<\/li>\n<li>Include environmental context if it adds to the story.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to experiment. Perspective is powerful\u2014show us something we haven\u2019t seen before.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ruff-Finland-by-Sunil-Gopalan.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;two ruffs sitting in shallow water&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Ruff (Finland) By Sunil Gopalan.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Two ruffs approaching each other in Finland. Photo by Sunil Gopalan<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Know Your Subject<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Gear aside, it is important to be familiar with bird behavior and habitats. Your subjects are not usually cooperative and having an idea of how they behave will help you get an advantage.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Study field guides or birding apps.<\/li>\n<li>Observe before you shoot\u2014take notes on behavior and patterns.<\/li>\n<li>Patience and quiet observation often lead to the most rewarding shots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Expand Your Horizons<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Rules are useful\u2014but they\u2019re meant to be broken. Challenge yourself regularly.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Try photographing different species, in varied environments.<\/li>\n<li>Experiment with shutter speeds for motion blur or high key exposures for dreamy effects.<\/li>\n<li>Revisit the same location in different seasons or light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Roseate-Spoonbill-Florida-by-Sunil-Gopalan.jpg.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;roseate spoonbill mid-flight&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Roseate Spoonbill (Florida) By Sunil Gopalan.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Aroseate spoonbill mid-flight in Florida. Photo by Sunil Gopalan<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Stay Motivated<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Find joy in the process, not just the results. You will not always come away with good or even acceptable results.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li>Set goals for yourself and celebrate progress.<\/li>\n<li>Join online communities, local birding groups, or photography clubs for inspiration and support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Whether you&#8217;re just starting out or honing your craft, bird photography offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and tell compelling visual stories\u2014one frame at a time.<\/p>\n<p>If you found these tips helpful, share your own favorite bird photography experiences. I\u2019d love to see what you discover! Feel free to connect with me on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/birdtog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_team_member name=&#8221;Guest Blogger&#8221; image_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Sunil-Gopalan-.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h4><\/h4>\n<h4>Sunil Gopalan<\/h4>\n<p><em>Bird photographer and NRF Field Trip leader<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Sunil Gopalan is an NRF Field Trip leader based in Madison whose photography has been published in National Geographic, Audubon, Birding, and National Wildlife, and has been exhibited in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. He has photographed birds on five continents.<\/p>[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Practice your photography skills on NRF Field Trips<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Our popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/field-trips\/\">Field Trips program<\/a> features many birding trips annually, and often includes nature photography trips as well. This year, Sunil led a Field Trip titled &#8220;Bird Photography Workshop at Horicon Marsh&#8221; where participants learned pro tips for bird photography. Other Field Trips for practicing your bird photography skills include &#8220;Urban Nature Photography,&#8221; &#8220;Kirtland&#8217;s Warblers &amp; Pine Barrens,&#8221; and &#8220;Fall Waterfowl Viewing on the Chequamegon Bay.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/\">Become a member<\/a> (or make sure to renew your membership) to be sure you&#8217;re ready for this season&#8217;s trips.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Join or renew your membership&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><em>&#8216;Practice your photography skills on NRF Field Trips&#8217; section written by Emma Schatz, digital communications coordinator<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=&#8221;3&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;696&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you a budding photographer looking for a challenge? Try bird photography\u2014it\u2019s part technique, part timing, and a whole lot of patience. <\/p>\n <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/bird-photography-101-with-sunil-gopalan\/\"rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":36622,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[38,36,16],"tags":[872,98,90,798,873,87],"class_list":["post-36254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-field-trips","category-profiles","category-wildlife","tag-bird-photography","tag-birds","tag-field-trips","tag-nature-photography","tag-photography-tips","tag-wildlife"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bird Photography 101 with Sunil Gopalan<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you a budding photographer looking for a challenge? 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