The beauty and wonder of birds can often be experienced through photographs and videos. Bird photography is a rewarding challenge, with skills and techniques that differ from other forms of image capture due to the unique nature of birds. The fast movements, cryptic coloration, and small size of birds require patience and practice, but can create treasured gifts for us all! Below are some resources for both novice and experienced bird photographers.
Learning About Bird Photography
Albuquerque Open Space Division
Learn to Photograph Wildlife – Hands-on Workshops
Various dates between August 2nd and November 6, 2024
https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/events
Festival of the Cranes
Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge
Annually in December
Photography workshops on-line and in person – fees vary
https://friendsofbosquedelapache.org/festival/
National Audubon Society
Tips, videos and articles on bird photography techniques, gear and ethics
https://www.audubon.org/photography
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
On-line photography courses – fees vary
https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/course-list
Videography
A videography tutorial by one of our members, Steve Siegel: CLICK HERE
Bird/Wildlife Photography Contests
Festival of the Cranes/Bosque del Apache Photo Contest
Annually beginning in July
https://friendsofbosquedelapache.org/photo-contest
National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest
Annually beginning in January
https://photocontest.nwf.org
National Audubon Photography Awards
Annually beginning in January
https://www.audubon.org/photoawards-entry
New Mexico Magazine Photography Contest/Animals
Annually beginning in July
https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/enter-new-mexico-magazines-2024-photo-contest/
Bird Photography on Facebook
NM Bird Photography: https://www.facebook.com/groups/585495791924149
Birding–Arizona and The Southwest: https://www.facebook.com/groups/birdingarizona
Birding New Mexico: https://www.facebook.com/groups/birdingNM