Vernon Chalmers Photography: Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

Learn Birds in Flight Photography : For Canon EOS / EOS R Cameras

Intaka Island | Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Training Classes Cape Town - Image Vernon Chalmers

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island | Intaka Island

Canon Birds in Flight Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers facilitates the popular Birds in Flight Photography Workshop / Private Training (for Canon EOS / EOS R) in Milnerton, Cape Town - with hands-on practical sessions along the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and around the Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island.

Birds in Flight Photography Learning Objective / Training Level
For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding and application of introductory to intermediate birds in flight photography in terms of exposure settings / photography techniques / practical sessions (with ongoing Birds in Flight Training support).

Bird Photography Training Cape Town (Birds in Flight and Perched Birds)

Birds in Flight Practical Photography Training Intaka Island
Training can be facilitated at Intaka Island, Century City as well. Please note these sessions will be afternoons only (with the setting sun at the back of the photographer / bird hide I use) More here >>

Please note that the Birds in Flight Photography training is for Canon EOS / EOS R bodies only.

New / Updated: The Advanced (AF) Autofocus photography training workshop is now integrated as an advanced AF Module in the current Birds in Flight Photography workshop.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Costs:

Cameras EOS / EOS R Cameras R2 650-00 (Three Sessions of 4 Hours+ each)
There will be some Lightroom post-processing orientation (if required) and an extra session could be costed in for Lightroom training at half the cost of a separate Lightroom training session.

Ongoing Birds in Flight Photography Support

All delegates are eligible for WhatsApp / Email Support for uploading / discussing photos, learn more, get online support and / or shoot with me at Woodbridge Island (after the original workshop practicals).

Birds in Flight Practical Training / Application
More than 55+ different bird species (in-flight and perched) have been photographed over the last couple of years at Woodbridge Island, Milnerton- all within a relatively short walking distance from the training studio apartment. Bird Species | Google Map

Birds in Flight Photography

"Birds in flight photography is a thrilling and rewarding genre, as it captures the grace and beauty of birds in motion. Here are some tips to help you master this challenging subject:

Equipment:
- Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast autofocus system and a high continuous shooting rate is ideal. Examples include the Canon EOS 70D, Nikon D500, or Sony A9.
- Lens: A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm is recommended. Popular choices are the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM or the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.
Settings:
- Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/2000s or faster) to freeze the motion of the birds.
- Aperture: A wide aperture (e.g., f/5.6) can help isolate the subject from the background and allow more light into the sensor.
- ISO: Adjust the ISO to achieve a properly exposed image. In bright conditions, a lower ISO (e.g., 400) works well, while in low light, you may need to increase the ISO (e.g., 1600).
Technique:
- Panning: Follow the bird's movement with your camera, keeping it in the frame while maintaining a steady motion. Practice this technique to improve your tracking skills.
- Focus Mode: Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo on Canon or AF-C on Nikon) to keep the bird in focus as it moves.
- Focus Points: Select a focus point or group of points that cover the area where the bird is likely to be. Many photographers prefer using the central focus point for accuracy.
Composition:
- Rule of Thirds: Position the bird off-center to create a more dynamic composition.
- Background: Aim for a clean and uncluttered background to make the bird stand out. A clear sky or blurred foliage works well.
Timing:
- Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions, with soft, warm light that enhances the details and colors of the bird.
- Behavior: Observe the birds' behavior to anticipate their movements. Knowing when they are likely to take off or change direction can help you capture the perfect shot.
Practice:
- Patience and persistence are key. Spend time in locations where birds are known to frequent, and practice your skills regularly." (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2025)

Canon EOS / EOS R bodies covered in Birds in Flight Photography application / training:

Canon EOS 700D / EOS 750D / EOS 800D
Canon EOS 60D / EOS 70D / EOS 77D
Canon EOS 80D / EOS 90D
Canon EOS 7D / EOS 7D Mark II
Canon EOS 6D / EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS R / EOS RP / EOS R3 / EOS R5 / EOS R6 / EOS R7 / EOS R10
Canon EOS 5D Mark III / EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS-1D X / EOS-1D X Mark II / EOS-1D X Mark III

Recommended lenses for Birds in flight Photography (Focal Length)

70-300mm (Canon / Sigma / Tamron)
100-400mm (Canon / Sigma)
100-500mm (Canon RF)
150-600mm (Sigma / Tamron)
300mm / 400mm / 500mm / 600mm / 800mm (Canon Prime)

Read more about Starting Out with Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Small Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

Intermediate to Advanced BIF / Action Photography
Anybody with a Canon EOS DSLR who wants to get a more in-depth understanding of the Canon EOS Exposure Modes, Autofocus (AF) system and its application / tuning for Birds in Flight / Action photography.

Detailed discussion will be provided for all modern Canon EOS bodies up to the 65-point AF system. Please see the session's contents / learning areas below.

Further no-cost fine tuning is available after the initial workshop practicals at Woodbridge Island.

Detailed notes and other relevant information resources will be provided during / after the workshop.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Practice at Woodbridge Island
Practical / walk-around shooting session for attendees of both Session 1 and Session 2. This is an opportunity to experiment with the various exposure settings, AF system configurations and capturing / composition techniques with the various birds species around Woodbridge Island. Guidance will be on hand for fine-tuning of exposure settings and AF system configurations.

What do you need to bring?
DSLR / Mirrorless Canon EOS Camera, telephoto or zoom lens & your own memory cards.

Recommended lens focal length300mm ie: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (STM) or EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6(L) IS USM lens (or any 3rd party lens of similar focal length).

Birds in Flight image samples with a 70-300mm variable aperture Zoom Lens

Contact Me if you need more information about your DSLR body and lens pairing.

Each delegate will receive a folder with all workshop information and other useful resources.

Private Training / Workshop Learning Areas

BIF Fundamentals / Considerations