Even though I am not feeding the birds in our garden at the moment, they are still visiting. The tūī pop in to check whether the feeder has returned before continuing on to the neighbour’s camellia tree. The fantail/piwakawaka still flits around the garden, catching midges and other tiny insects, while the blackbirds scratch across the pavers searching for food beneath fallen leaves.
That means I still have plenty of opportunities for garden bird photography right outside my window.
Why Daily Photography Practice Matters
One thing I have learned over the years is that photography is very much a use it or lose it skill. The longer my camera sits unused, the harder it becomes to capture the images I want.
When you photograph regularly, your camera settings become second nature. Your hands know exactly where the controls are, and adjusting shutter speed, aperture or focus happens almost without thinking. Leave the camera untouched for too long, though, and that muscle memory begins to fade.
That is why, when I spotted the fantail today, I picked up my camera immediately. I didn’t even stop to check the settings because I know how quickly these little birds disappear. A fantail rarely stays in one place for more than a minute or two.
Working With the Conditions You Have
My first photographs were taken through a very dirty window. After weeks of strong winds, the glass is coated with dust and pine pollen, making the images softer than I would have liked. A few highlights were also a little overexposed.
Even so, I was happy to work with what I had.
Not every photograph has to be technically perfect. Sometimes simply picking up the camera and capturing the moment is enough.
A Different Window, A Different Perspective
When the fantail moved, I shifted to a cleaner window and immediately noticed the difference. The light was coming from another angle, the bird was slightly closer, and the photographs had a completely different feel.
It was a reminder that small changes in position or lighting can transform an image without changing the subject.
The Garden Always Offers Opportunities
Whether I am feeding the birds or not, there is always something happening outside our window. The tūī, fantails and blackbirds continue their daily routines, providing endless chances to observe, practise and improve my photography.
Every time I pick up the camera, I strengthen those photography skills again. Sometimes the best practice doesn’t require travelling anywhere at all, it simply means looking out the window and appreciating the wildlife already in the garden.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II using my Leica 100-400mm lens. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.