Hey fans! Hero the Heron here. I am glad you want to learn how to take your own picture of me. I am a very patient bird and I spend a lot of time standing still, so I am a great bird to try and capture with your camera. Of course, I have friends and relatives all over the world, so this will help you take a picture of any bird.
To get the best pictures, you have to learn to think like a bird. I don’t like sudden movements around me — they scare me; and I don’t like people to get too close to me — that feels dangerous. Remember, I am a wild bird, not a pet. Now, let’s see if you can pretend you are me!
Start by watching what I do and how I move.
Then walk v-e-r-y slowly toward me. (It is the same thing you do when you want to sneak up on one of your friends and surprise them, except this time, you won’t yell, “BOO!”)
When you want to take pictures of birds, you have to act like me — be a little sneaky and v-e-r-y, v-e-r-y quiet.
Did you know that birds have better eyesight than any other living creature — including people?
You might think I am looking straight ahead, but my eyes are on the sides of my head, and my excellent vision helps me see whatever is coming in my direction. This is how I catch fish, fly safely, and … protect myself. Even if I don’t turn toward you, I am watching you very carefully. You will know you are too close if I move away.
Can you see things to your side when your eyes are looking straight ahead? Not very well, huh?
As you are walking toward me, stop every few steps and wait.
Lift your smartphone or your camera slowly and check to see how I look. Take a few more steps. (Tiptoe like I do.) Keep watching me. If you scare me, you may miss your opportunity and your picture. Taking good pictures often requires a lot of patience.
Every time you stop walking, re-focus your smartphone or your camera on me. If I start to move, stay still for a few minutes and then try again to come closer. If I still move away from you, that is as close as you will get to me.
Every time you stop walking, re-focus your smartphone or your camera on me. If I start to move, stay still for a few minutes and then try again to come closer. If I still move away from you, that is as close as you will get to me.
When I look good to you in your camera or smartphone, if you can, aim at my head, but make sure you have my whole body in the picture, right down to my toes. Then press the button. Always take a few shots and hope for one good picture.
Presto, you captured a heron!
And thanks for moving away slowly too. You will make me comfortable enough to let other kids take my picture. One more time:
Walk slowly …
be quiet …
and focus your camera.
Send your best picture, your name and the state where you live, to my friend Jan at jan@herotheheron.com. She will post it up on the Hero website.
We look forward to hearing from you!