Why I Use Auto ISO for Bird-in-Flight Photography

Bird-in-flight (BIF) photography is both exciting and challenging, with the need to capture sharp, well-exposed shots of fast-moving subjects in constantly changing conditions. One technique that has worked well for me is using Auto ISO, which simplifies the process and allows more focus on composition and timing.

Auto ISO adjusts automatically to changing light, ensuring proper exposure whether the bird moves from a bright sky to a shaded area or into backlighting. By pairing Auto ISO with a fast shutter speed (1/2000s or faster) and a set aperture (around f/5.6 or f/8), I can prioritise freezing motion and maintaining focus, leaving ISO adjustments to the camera.

Modern cameras handle higher ISOs impressively, and setting a maximum ISO (such as 3200) helps maintain image quality. This setup has greatly improved my success rate and helped me capture those fleeting, dynamic moments that make BIF photography so rewarding.

If you’re exploring bird photography, this approach might work well for you too—it’s an easy way to adapt to unpredictable conditions and increase your chances of capturing stunning images.