Photographing eagles requires patience and precision, and understanding how to adapt quickly in changing conditions makes all the difference.
Coming to you from Matt Shannon, this insightful video walks you through a behind-the-scenes look at an eagle photography workshop in British Columbia. Shannon captures not just stunning wildlife imagery, but also shares practical techniques, such as effectively using manual mode with auto ISO and managing exposure compensation to preserve crucial details in challenging lighting conditions. One standout tip from Shannon is deliberately underexposing images slightly to maintain details in the eagles' bright feathers, particularly when dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. This ensures that critical highlights are preserved for later adjustments in post-processing.
Shannon also emphasizes the value of patience and adaptability—two essential qualities in wildlife photography. He highlights situations where participants had to wait hours for eagle activity to peak, using these quiet periods effectively by discussing camera settings, learning local culture, and relaxing to maintain focus. Shannon clearly communicates that a successful photography session often depends as much on patience and timing as it does on technical skill. Importantly, he offers insight into capturing sharp, high-quality slow-motion video of fast-moving wildlife, explaining his choice of stabilization settings on camera and lens for optimal results.
Additionally, Shannon gives practical guidance on how to cope with challenging shooting conditions, such as being on a moving boat and tracking rapid wildlife action. He covers using image stabilization effectively to maintain clarity and minimize shake. He consistently stresses that understanding wildlife behavior and respecting natural rhythms are just as critical as technical knowledge and equipment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Shannon.
