Animal and Bird Behavior for Wildlife Photography

Do you ever feel like birds move too quickly, leaving you with missed shots or stiff-looking images?

Many wildlife photographers struggle with capturing authentic behavior because they focus only on gear and settings—without understanding what the animals are actually doing.

In this training, Espen Helland, a wildlife and conservation photographer and videographer based in Perthshire, Scotland, shared how to read, predict, and ethically approach animals so you can capture powerful, natural images.

Espen is an OM System Ambassador with a background in wildlife biology and ecology, and he has more than 3 million views on YouTube where he teaches bird and animal photography.

What You’ll Learn in the Training

The core theme of this session is understanding animal and bird behavior so you can anticipate action and photograph wildlife in a natural way. Espen broke it down into practical lessons you can apply in the field.

Where to Find Birds (and Why Location Matters)

• Look for habitats that match the bird’s feeding and breeding needs.
• Research hotspots in your area to increase chances of consistent encounters.
• Use field guides and local reports to identify areas with seasonal activity.

When to Target Specific Species

• Understand how migration influences where and when birds appear.
• Track breeding cycles to know when birds will be most active and visible.
• Adapt your schedule to seasonal changes for better opportunities.

How to Identify Birds by Songs and Calls

• Train your ear to pick up calls before you spot the bird.
• Use recordings or apps to practice identification by sound.
• Recognizing vocalizations saves time and helps you locate species faster.

How to Approach Birds Without Disturbing Them

• Move slowly and avoid direct eye contact to reduce stress on the bird.
• Use natural cover or hides to get closer without altering behavior.
• Always prioritize the welfare of the animal over the photo opportunity.

How to Predict Bird Behavior

• Watch for body language cues like feather ruffling or wing stretches.
• Anticipate repeated actions—many birds follow consistent routines.
• Position yourself where the bird is most likely to move next.

How Weather and Seasons Affect Behavior

• Light, temperature, and wind all influence activity levels.
• Rain can bring out behaviors like preening or flocking near cover.
• Adjust your strategy based on the conditions for more natural results.

Who This Training Is For

This session is designed for wildlife photographers who want to go beyond technical settings and capture authentic behavior. It’s especially valuable if you are:

• A bird photographer who wants more dynamic, storytelling images.
• A wildlife enthusiast who struggles to get close without disturbance.
• A photographer who hears birds but can’t locate them visually.
• An intermediate or advanced shooter aiming to anticipate action, not just react.

Real Feedback From Attendees

“Excellent presentation and wonderful images. Thank you.” – Tim W. Oliver

“Wonderful presentation, information and wonderful images. Thank you very much Espen.” – Swati

“Thank you so much for the terrific presentation, Espen – love your beautiful images! Best wishes to you and thank you again for your time and sharing your work!” – Victoria Brader

“Superb presentation! Thank you Espen.” – Carolle Marchand

“Nice presentation! Thanks for doing this.” – Kevin

About the Presenter

Espen Helland is a wildlife and conservation photographer and videographer based in Perthshire, Scotland. Originally from Norway, he studied wildlife biology and earned a Master’s in Wildlife and Conservation before working five years as an ecologist. Today, he uses photography and film to tell conservation stories and inspire others to protect the natural world.

Espen is an OM System Ambassador, a regular contributor to Wildlife Photographic Magazine, and a judge for the Scottish Nature Photography Awards. He also runs workshops and courses, and his YouTube channel has surpassed three million views.

You can learn more about his work on his website: espenhelland.com.