Some Thoughts On Bird Photography

Birds are a photographer’s dream with exquisite plumage and beautiful eyes. Combined with feeding, courtship and social/antisocial behavior there is always opportunity for new photographic experiences. However, there are difficulties; birds are often small, are in constant motion and usually not willing models. In fact, getting a bird in the frame is often a problem. Jorn Hansen is a retired Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Toronto. He began bird photography in the early 1980’s and has been an active competitor in International Salons. He has received over 800 acceptances in International Salons, receiving Gold, Silver and Bronze metals as well as many Honourable Mentions. All acceptances and awards were for bird photographs. Jorn is a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and in 2014, he placed 3rd in the PSA Who’s Who North America ranking for Nature Photographers and he has a PSA 5th Galaxy ranking in Nature Photography. In the fall of 2019, his illustrated article “On-Camera Flash For Bird Photography” will be published in the PSA Journal. Jorn’s presentation will share lessons learned in photographing dramatic/interesting bird-behavior involving feeding, aggression, reflections and flight using both natural light and ash. As requested by Jorn, MCC will be making a donation to the Ontario Field Ornithologists (www.ofo.ca) instead of payment to him.