Photographing Eagles

Capturing America's national symbol through the lens is an exhilarating endeavor. Over the course of numerous decades, I have dedicated myself to photographing bald eagles, while leading various photo tours and workshops across North America's premier nature photography destinations.

THE QUEST
Driven by an unwavering passion for these majestic birds, my mission was clear: to pinpoint locations offering optimal opportunities for capturing stunning, full-frame images of bald eagles against captivating backgrounds, and in plentiful numbers. Thus began my photographic odyssey across North America in pursuit of eagles, a journey both time-intensive and financially demanding, involving scouting numerous locations and choosing and coordinating with various boat captains. Let’s be honest, I loved every second of it. Experienced boat captains are indispensable in this quest, as they possess the expertise to navigate the waters skillfully, ensuring that photographers can get close to wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat. Therefore, it is paramount to choose a good boat captain who can enhance the overall experience and maximize photographic opportunities.

My quest demanded locales where one could effortlessly capture multiple eagles in all their glory within a single day. Among the many excellent locations across the United States, I hold a special affinity for Alaska, Florida, Maine, Oregon, Yellowstone National Park, and Washington State. Each offers its own unique charm and photographic allure, making them fantastic destinations for eagle enthusiasts like me.

ALASKA
Alaska stands out as my ultimate favorite destination for bald eagle photography in the United States. With its abundance of accessible eagle nests and opportunities to capture thousands of eagle images in a single day via boat excursions, it remains unrivaled.

The diverse scenery here adds an extra dimension to eagle photography, offering endless possibilities for stunning backgrounds. Whether it is capturing eagles against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rivers, or during intimate moments like feeding their chicks, Alaska consistently delivers a wealth of photographic opportunities in just a single day.

Alaska's allure extends far beyond its eagle population. Its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife provide endless photographic opportunities. While immersed in eagle photography, I have had the privilege of capturing breaching whales, sea lions, seals, puffins, and various other bird and mammal species.

Additionally, Alaska has afforded me remarkable encounters with two other species close to my heart: sea otters and bears. Having traveled the United States for decades in pursuit of bear photography, I have found Alaska to be particularly captivating. My adventures in Alaska will inspire numerous articles on bear photography throughout North America. These writings will highlight the state's pivotal role as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Here are some essential tips for photographing bald eagles:

Know Your Subject
The more you know about bald eagles, the better equipped you will be to capture stunning photographs. Familiarize yourself with their preferred habitats and behavior patterns. Whether it's diving for fish, nesting, vocalizing, or interacting with other eagles, understanding these aspects enhances your chances of capturing remarkable shots. Study their flight patterns, vocalizations, and feeding behaviors to predict their movements accurately.

Positioning is Key
Invest time in observing and understanding eagle behavior to anticipate their actions. By positioning yourself strategically, you can capture images from the best angles, ensuring optimal composition for captivating photos. This proactive approach significantly increases your chances of capturing award-winning images.

Recognize their Distinctive Features
Bald eagles are one of the most recognizable birds in North America. Identify their unique characteristics, such as their slow, rhythmic wingbeats and broad, plank-like wingspan held outward. Understanding these traits helps you track and photograph them more effectively.

Understanding Age Progression
It is essential to recognize the aging process of bald eagles. It typically takes around five years for them to develop full adult plumage. Being able to distinguish between juvenile and mature eagles enhances your ability to capture diverse and compelling images of these majestic birds.

Location and Timing
Choose spots wisely and time your visits correctly. Some locations may offer numerous eagle sightings one day but few the next. Understanding food availability and migrations is key.

Food and Diet
Eagles primarily hunt fish but also target waterfowl and scavenge carrion. They are opportunistic feeders, often stealing prey from other birds.

Hunting Behavior
Eagles prefer elevated perches with a view of the water. It is important to spend time observing to learn their favorite hunting spots, often tall trees near water.

Use a Small Boat
I prefer using a small boat that accommodates a group of six people. This allows us to access prime locations and get close to the action. Larger boats limit your ability to approach closely or navigate near the shoreline.

Camera Settings:

Auto ISO
Utilize auto ISO to adapt to changing lighting conditions automatically.

High Speed Continuous Autofocus
Opt for high-speed continuous autofocus to ensure sharp and accurate focus, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects like eagles.

Correct Focus Points
Select the appropriate focus points to ensure precise focusing on your subject.

Shutter Speed
Aim for a minimum shutter speed of 1/1250 of a second for capturing eagles, and even faster for in-flight photography. This high shutter speed ensures sharp focus and freezes wing motion.

ISO Sensitivity
Understand that higher ISO settings may introduce more noise into your images. While this can concern some photographers, prioritize sharpness over noise, as a slightly noisy image is preferable to a blurry one.

Exposure
Avoid overexposing the white feathers of the eagle's head. Maintain proper exposure to retain detail and texture in this crucial area of the image.

Track the Eye
Keeping focus on eagles presents its challenges, yet their large size and slow flight make it relatively straightforward to maintain autofocus. Personally, I find it particularly rewarding to track the eagle's eye when capturing photographs.

Focal Length
The longer the lens, the better the results when photographing eagles. While some locations in Alaska may allow for full-frame images with a 70-200 mm lens, this focal length is often insufficient. Opting for a longer lens, ideally around 500-600 mm for a full-frame sensor or less for a cropped sensor, is recommended. In the past, quality lenses at these focal lengths were expensive, but now there are several affordable options available for under $1200. Alternatively, lens rental provides another option to explore.

Capturing Majestic Shots in All Conditions
Make the most of lighting conditions, whether it's cloudy, sunny, or foggy, when capturing images of eagles in flight. Remember, eagles typically fly into the wind, so pan smoothly with the bird to capture dynamic shots. 

Conclusion:
Mastering the art of bald eagle photography requires a deep understanding of their behavior, precise timing, and strategic positioning. Choosing the right locations and timing, along with utilizing appropriate camera settings, such as high shutter speeds and auto ISO, are essential for capturing stunning images. Alaska emerges as a standout destination, offering unparalleled opportunities not only for eagle photography but also for encounters with other wildlife like bears. Through these experiences, photographers cannot only capture breathtaking images but also contribute to the broader understanding and appreciation of these iconic North American species.

Join us on one of our photo tours or workshops in Alaska for an unforgettable opportunity to photograph bald eagles in their natural habitat.