Culture and outreach
Photography & Videography
Seabirds make remarkable subjects. The best images come from patience, good light and respect for the birds.
Getting the shot
- Use a long lens so you can stay back.
- Shoot in soft morning or evening light, and keep the sun behind you.
- For birds in flight, use a fast shutter speed and continuous autofocus.
- Get low for a more intimate angle on birds at the shoreline.
Ethics first
No photograph is worth disturbing a nesting bird. Stay on paths near colonies, never flush birds for a flight shot, and avoid flash at night near burrow-nesting species. If a bird is alarmed, back away.
Images as data
Dated, located photographs are useful to science. They confirm identifications, show bands and tags, and document plumage, behavior and prey.
Sharing your work
When you share images, include the species, place and date. Consider leaving out the exact location of sensitive colonies and rare nesting birds.
Get involved
Have photos, stories, teaching ideas or an event to share? We would like to hear from you.