Picture This!

OR, HOW TO GET BETTER PICTURES OF YOUR POULTRY


I wanted to share some info I've learned about trying to take good pictures of poultry. I use a relatively low-dollar digital camera, it's inexpensive in the long run as you don't buy film, pay to have it developed, and if you are computer or web-based like I am, then you have the pics easily where you wanted them in the first place.

I have found that not using the flash and taking the photos in good lighting shows a better color, doesn't wash-out the birds or startle them!

I use the fast-speed setting, as the birds hear the shutter and move, jump, or do something silly. It is not a mechanical sound, it is a computer-generated sound of some sort. If you can turn this function off, it might be better yet.

If going in an outdoor pen to take photos, go sit a spell, then start photographing. The birds will feel more at ease and will act more naturally, stand in a better pose, etc.

Chicks or small birds - build a "set" that is color-coordinated to contrast with the color of the bird. Avoid using black or white, or very dark or extremely light backgrounds. Provide chicks with good footing so they don't slip and hurt themselves, or make crippled-looking photos.

Show something in the background for size comparison - a standard-size feeder or waterer, or even chicken wire that is "x" high.... this is good especially if your birds are large, like Jersey Giants, or small like Button Quail.

Get down on the bird's level to take a picture, so you show more than the top of the bird.

If you are familiar with the standard for the type of bird you are trying to get a snapshot of, choose to take photos when it is in a position to best show its attributes.

Avoid radically changing the coloring or distorting the size of your photos. If you stretch it to be tall, it must also be wider or your birds will look like they are visiting a fun-house.

If possible, avoid shots through a fence. Not always easy, but you'll typcially take better pictures that way.

Take notes of the age(s) of the birds in a photo you like, any band number for ID, etc.

If you have a great photo taken but there is something ugly in the background, have a professional take the background out. Most at-home programs do a poor job and look very "doctored".

If you are aiming at black and white photos, remember that the color red will appear as black, it is a poor background for a black chick.

Try not to take photos of a caged bird in which the cage looks dirty, insecure, or there is obviously no food or water. Someone may assume you do not care for your animals properly.

Try not to photograph birds that are picked, injured, sickly, or malformed bird. Again, people can get the wrong assumption.

If you show a hen or group of adults with an egg, make sure the egg isn't dirty or sitting someplace dirty. Remember that "perception" is often more important than fact or reality - if it is perceived that there may be a problem, eggs are dirty, birds aren't fed or watered, cage is dirty, etc. then it really doesn't matter what the reality might be.

If you show your incubator, it should look clean and tidy. Again, the perception thing.

Hope these ideas help!


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