Graham Cam
Graham Cam (PhD) is a research scientist, ornithologist, bird photographer and educator. He is the former President of BirdLife Photography and the Competition Coordinator for the 2025 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards – and here he shares his top tips for entrants into this year’s competition.
What advice do you have for bird photographers?
All too often, photographers are led to believe that photographic success comes through developing a unique style. Whilst this can be important, it can lead to distracting you from capturing creative bird images. By all means work towards your unique style but not at the expense of the key fundamentals of photography. Bird photography is the same as other photographic genres: planning is essential and implementing the photoshoot is the execution of those plans. Originality and variety in your images are the other key ingredients for capturing the viewer’s attention, and dare I say, the judge’s interest.
There are several considerations when selecting the best image(s) for display and entering into competitions. These are:
1. Confirm sharpness
Review the image at 100% to confirm sharpness in the principal subjects. For birds, the eyes and head should be sharp; a long bill does not have to be sharp throughout its length if there is a clear artistic intent. In-camera blurring to achieve a creative effect is the exception to the sharpness rule and these creative images are acceptable.
2. Remove unwanted noise
At 100%, examine the image for digital noise, particularly in the shadows and remove unwanted noise with a suitable app. Failure in items 1 and 2 almost certainly means image disqualification.
3. Read the competition rules
This is a tip that can’t be over-emphasised. Read and re-read the rules of the competition, paying particular attention to image and file sizes. This year images which do not meet the minimal size of at least 1800px on the longest axis will automatically be rejected at the time of submission. Images which do not meet the animal ethics requirements will also be automatically rejected - UNDERSTAND the requirements before you check the boxes on the submission page.
4. Don’t over-process
Refrain from over-processing images, including over-sharpening and oversaturating plumage colours. Reds are often saturated to an unrealistic level. Remember to appraise your image at 100%.
5. Learn the basics
Learn how to undertake the basics of post-processing and apply judiciously, as per the rules, to enhance the image.
6. Don’t fear failure
Be prepared for failure, as not every image will be perfect. However, capturing large numbers of images generates a higher rate of ‘keepers’. If an image does not meet your expectations, it’s time to capture another image.
7. Be creative
Be creative and look for unique opportunities – when faced with thousands of images judges are looking for originality. Creativity is often considered to be an innate attribute, but equally, it can evolve through trial and error. Some of our best photographers have cultivated their ‘art’ by studying the master painters of the past – have you?
How did these master painters achieve such captivating artworks? Colour, space, arrangements, lighting, action, being their own critic and perseverance are just a few elements to consider.
8. Pick your best shot
Take your time to select the best shot from a sequence of similar images, this is particularly relevant with burst sequences generated by the latest mirrorless cameras. Often asking another photographer or family member for advice can be helpful.
9. How to position yourself to win a category
One should always enter a category which holds the greatest interest for you as a photographer. Nonetheless, entering a second or third category, one that is less patronised, means less competition from other entrants and has a greater potential to capture the judge’s attention.
Beautiful Firetail by Graham Cam