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Breezy Bird Farms

How to take photos of your chickens, outdoors

Ever try to take a photo of a chicken and all you see in their butt or its just so blurry you can’t make it out. Some may even speculate that it’s not even a chicken at all!

You can take a great photo any time of year. All you need is three things: a camera and a bit of patience and a chicken.

If you don’t have a fancy camera, don’t worry. It is not required. A simple cell phone will do.

First before you get started, ensure the flash is turned off. You will want to use natural lighting.

If you are using a cell phone, do not choose a setting that is super close up. This is a slower frame rate and chickens move quickly, you will get of focus or blurry or out of focus photos most of the time.

Position yourself with your back to the sun. Taking a photo toward the sun will yield photos that will not always have a good visual.

You will want to get low to the grown. So wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet.

Next, find a suitable candidate. Not every chicken will want to comply just because you are ready to photograph them. This is where you will need the patience. The key to this is to spend time with your birds by just being there. Let them get used to your camera. This can sometimes scare them as they may not recognize it. Once they realize you are not there to catch them or bother them in any way, they will soon forget about running away. You can even go a step further by throwing special treats to excite them and gain their trust.

Once the chickens are more relaxed. Focus on one bird and not the whole flock. I usually choose one that does not seem so shy or sketchy, there is always another day for another subject that you had in mind. Don’t force the process. This can lead to frustration. Go with the flow.

Once you have selected your target. Remain patient and calm. Inch your way closer and slowly. Remember to keep your back to the sun. If it is cloudy, this is the perfect day for picture taking as shadow casts will be minimal and you will have more range. Pay attention to the bird’s boundaries and stay within them. Focusing on one bird is the best way to get one good photo vs ten lousy photos with chickens posed all different directions. Especially if you are new to taking pictures of your chickens.


Coronation Sussex photo taken on an over cast day

If you are getting ready to take the photo and you notice any garbage or junk that will be in the photo, remove it. It is generally not a good look. You may want to scan the area for junk prior to setting up for your shoot.

You can crouch or lay right down on the ground. I do both depending on the terrain and what kind of shot I am looking for.


Coronation Sussex rooster taken while lying down on an over cast day

Before you snap that photo. Ensure their face is in view. Grabbing the eye(s) will be key to a good photo. If you can capture the glint in the eye(s) you will have a great photo. The glint bring the photo to life. The glint is the suns reflection (or a light)on the eye.

Sometimes you can get by with just that butt picture, but it better be a clean fluffy one !

Expect to take a lot of photos. To get one great photo can sometimes take numerous shots. There are days I will head outside and take 300 plus photos and only one will be suitable or even, sometimes none. There are other days, I can snap 200 and I will have 5 or 10 photos that are worth working with. There is no right or wrong. Just go with it, be patient. If it doesn’t work out try and again and enjoy the process. Being with nature and your birds is the best part. This is you time and having that great photo is only the bonus!

You can edit your photo using your apps on your phone or computer however you see fit. It is your time to shine with creativity.

Good luck and enjoy. Let me know if you found this inspiring or if any of my tips helped you with your journey of chicken picture taking.

Candace Lylyk

Breezy Bird Farms




Posted 127 weeks ago

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