Photography is a type of art. With the skillful use of the artist's hands, photography can bring out the subject's "personality" and create almost magical moments which might not ordinarily be achieved through other means of self-expression. However, this magic can only be accomplished by those with technical skills, good taste, and a deep sense of appreciation for the object of that artistic expression. Many people eventually harness their skills and knowledge into a role as a professional photographer.

Nature is an important creative part of our lives. Capturing nature's beauty and creatures in the wild is a thrilling experience. Specifically, birds are subjects that have attracted many nature photographers because of their exquisite beauty and graceful "aerial dance."

For photographers, a bird can be an amazing focus of attention due to its incredible flight capabilities. If you are interested in mastering nature photography - birds in particular - below are some techniques to aid in improving and developing your skills to help guide you toward capturing these fascinating creatures.

1. The first step is to determine which types of birds interest you most. Familiarity with your own interests will help steer your direction, motivating you even more to develop expertise in those particular niches. After deciding, try to gather as much information as you can about those birds by soliciting advice from a professional or consulting a bird guide book. These will help you in taking great pictures once you're familiar with the bird's eating habits, behaviors, and even breeding seasons.

2. Always keep the bird's concerns in mind and try to capture it on film only when it is involved in its natural habitat. Temporarily leave the bird alone if you sense it is stressed by your presence, and instead wait until it is relaxed and comfortable. The disturbance might simply be that the bird has laid eggs in the vicinity and is invoking its protective behavior. A good photographer should always give priority to the well-being of his subject above his work.

3. In some areas, birds are accustomed to vehicles coming to and parking in the vicinity; however, few are familiar with a person standing on the top of a vehicle watching its every move while attempting to capture its movements on camera. Instead, take photographs of birds while sitting inside your vehicle. With that in mind, bring to the picture sight a vehicle from which you can easily capture a beautiful, natural shot of a bird. And position the vehicle in a location where birds seem comfortable in your presence. Be patient while waiting for them to adjust to their new "visitor."

4. To capture great bird images, use cameras with fast shutter speeds. We all know that birds zip through the air in a flash and are gone in the blink of an eye. Getting a fast flying bird on film must then be accomplished through a lightening fast shutter speed, preferably one that is 0.002 seconds quick.

A nature photographer should explore his surroundings. A great, simple, and inexpensive way to begin developing early expertise in capturing nature with your camera is to start in your own backyard. You will invariably find some amazing birds right where you live, offering you hours of practice opportunities. The more you practice, the more experience you will develop capturing nature and its wonderful moments.