Tips for Bird Photography-Ray Silva

For our meeting this month, we welcome Ray Silva, a former member of the Coastal Chapter of the GNPA and is now the Chapter Coordinator of the Virtual Chapter. Although Ray is in Illinois, we see him online and at the Expo, where this year he is one of the leaders for the Milky Way workshop.

Presentation Description:
Although “Bird Photography” can be accomplished “year-round”, the coming months are going to be prime shooting of birds migrating through the area. A refresher might be in order if you have not been out for a little while. The presentation “Tips for Bird Photography” should be a timely topic and hopefully add some techniques to your toolbox.
These tips will include not only a quick review of equipment, but also many practical suggestions that you might consider for improving your captures in the field. Knowing the best camera and lens set-up is important. Now is the time to practice in your backyard (or neighbors) or a local park so you will be confident and comfortable when you go on a photo shoot to that special location.
After the capture, images most likely will need some post processing. I will demonstrate a workflow process that uses using Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop and Topaz to edit your image. Although there is other processing software available, one can easily translate the effects discussed in the presentation.

BIO

Ray Silva
Originally from Massachusetts, Ray spent the last 10 years of his professional textile career in Georgia before retirement and a moved back to Illinois.
While in Georgia, he joined the Georgia Nature Photographers Association, Coastal (Savanna) Chapter, where he has been a member for over 12 years.
Currently the Chapter Coordinator of the “Virtual” Chapter. He is a member of the Grand Prairie Bird Alliance of the Central Illinois Audubon chapter. Ray has chaired the last three Photo Exhibitions for the Audubon Society.
He has volunteered as a photographer for the Illinois State University, Horticulture Center in Normal, IL for three years. Since he always enjoyed flower photography, it has allowed him to study and improved my macro/closeup skills. The Center is home to a wide variety of native and prairie plants.
Ray is currently a member of the Champaign County Camera Club, where he enjoys outings and sharing my photo knowledge with fellow photographers.

This meeting and presentation is free and open to the public. If walking the trails, please pay the fee at the visitors center or at the kiosk upon arriving at Oatland Island. If not a member of the the GNPA, use this link to join.