If you feed birds and regularly photograph them from your patio or kitchen window, studio flash can add a unique dimension to your images. Here I share a few tips and thoughts based on my own experience.
As a studio photographer, I normally use studio flash to light my subjects. When I decided to explore bird photography, I naturally wanted to integrate studio flash into my workflow. While many photographers use an on-camera speedlight, I chose to take it one step further. Since the birds are already familiar with my feeding station in the garden, I positioned Elinchrom THREE and Elinchrom ONE flashes to create distinctive and controlled lighting.
When ambient light is soft due to overcast skies or shade, images can easily look flat and lack depth. A carefully positioned flash from the side creates stronger highlights and shadows, giving bird portraits more character.Avoid placing the flash directly in front of the bird, as this can make the image appear flat.
In direct sunlight, contrast is often harsh and shadows become very dark. This is where Elinchrom flashes really shine! Use light modifiers such as the Rotalux Deep Octa 70 cm or the High Performance Reflector to soften the contrast and reveal detail in the shadows.
During the early morning or at dusk, studio flashes can be used as the primary light source. By adjusting the exposure and keeping the background slightly underexposed, I have complete control over how the birds are lit. Using multiple flashes, with a Rotalux Deep Octa 70 as the key light, creates a true studio look outdoors. I used no light modifiers on the remaining flash units.
Battery-powered studio flashes, such as Elinchrom, offer major advantages in terms of battery life, recycling speed, and light output. When photographing this type of subject, I don't want to risk the flash going into standby mode or powering off during a session. That's why I disable those functions in the flash menu, ensuring the units remain ready throughout the shoot. A major advantage of the Elinchrom THREE and ONE is Active Charging, which allows you to connect an external USB-C power bank, eliminating the need to leave your position to swap batteries. This is especially beneficial during long photo sessions with shy wildlife. The extended battery life and fast recycling times are particularly valuable when capturing rapid movements and maximizing the chances of photographing the birds in the perfect pose.
I usually position the flashes when I go out to refill the bird feeder. Then I wait for a while before bringing out the camera, giving the birds time to get used to the flashes standing near the feeding station. One important tip: remember to switch on the flashes when you place them, so you won't have to walk back to them once you're ready to start shooting.
To keep disturbance to a minimum, I use small reflectors or no light modifiers at all on the flashes. Careful placement and avoiding unnecessary movement while setting up the equipment helps the birds quickly accept the flashes as part of the environment. The flash itself doesn't seem to disturb them. When I use larger light modifiers, such as a softbox, I usually set it up just before shooting. I don't want it standing outside for too long because it catches the wind, and some birds may choose not to visit the feeding station. I believe this is more related to my recent activity around the area than to the light modifier itself.
I hope these tips and insights inspire you to explore the creative possibilities of using flash when photographing birds at feeding stations. By experimenting with light modifiers and flash placement, you can create distinctive and eye-catching portraits of your feathered visitors.
Good luck!