Does practice really make perfect?

[SARtech]

Or at least fairly decent?? I really have trouble catching small birds in flight. Following them in telephoto seems impossible to me. All my shots look bad. Not sure what the major problem is, but I'll keep trying!
:mad2:

Kristine

[Loupey]

How long have you been practicing?

Don't expect to "master" (in quotes because, with small birds, I doubt anyone can ever master it) it in even a year or two.

It is difficult because it tests just about everything: your equipment, your proficiency with that equipment, understanding of individual species' flight characteristics, understanding of weather, understanding of feeding habits, your manual dexterity, your endurance... to name a few that come immediately to mind.

Keep at it. Practice with anything that moves. Bugs, falling leaves, drifting milkweed, kids throwing a ball, etc. Imagine you are a western gun slinger always practicing how fast you can draw and put a bullet on target.

A skill that you will be able to use in every type of photography.

[SARtech]

LOL... can you tell I'm one of those people with no patience at times? When I want something, I want it NOW.
Thanks for the tips Loupey!

[Martin Brazil]

I think perfect is asking a lot but it certainly improves your technique. Swallows are notoriously difficult to shoot in flight which is why I use them for practice myself. 99% of my swallow shots are deleted straight off.
How long is your lens Kristine ? Is it a zoom ? I use a 70-300mm and start the bird with it on a low zoom then zoom into it.

[SARtech]

I also have a 70 - 300mm. I'll just keep trying!

[lionman]

you can do better than me anyday lol i think they look great to be honest

[SARtech]

You are kind lionman, but you will find as you get better that these of mine rather... ummm... "suck" to put it bluntly...hahaha.

THESE are "great" actually. Check them out: A few photos

There are tips there also.