Bird Photography Workshop

Sunday 11th October 2026

Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan

Discover the art of bird photography in one of Sydney's best locations for photographing Australian birdlife.

Join Glenn Smith Photography for a half-day Bird Photography Workshop at the beautiful Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan. Designed specifically for beginner bird photographers, this workshop will help you gain confidence with your camera while learning the techniques needed to consistently capture sharper, more engaging images of birds in their natural environment.

Whether you're photographing colourful parrots, tiny fairy-wrens or birds in flight, success comes from understanding not only your camera but also the behaviour of your subject. Throughout the morning, Glenn shares practical techniques developed over many years of photographing Australia's native birdlife and teaching photography workshops at the Gardens since 2016.

The morning begins in the classroom where we'll cover the essential camera settings and techniques before heading into the Gardens to put everything into practice with personal guidance throughout the walk. We'll finish back in the classroom with a wrap-up session and an opportunity to ask questions.

During the workshop you'll learn:

• How to achieve sharp, well-exposed bird photographs

• Understanding Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO for bird photography

• Camera settings for perched birds and birds in flight

• Long lens techniques for improved sharpness

• Better composition and background selection

• Positioning yourself for more natural images

• Reading bird behaviour and anticipating action

• An introduction to photographing birds in flight, including panning techniques and choosing shutter speeds for freezing action or creating a sense of movement

• Making the most of modern mirrorless cameras, including Eye Detection Autofocus, exposure preview and an introduction to Pre-Capture technology

• Ethical bird photography techniques that allow you to photograph wildlife responsibly without causing unnecessary disturbance

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is ideal for photographers who:

• Own a DSLR or Mirrorless camera

• Are new to bird photography

• Want to move beyond Auto mode

• Struggle to consistently achieve sharp bird photographs

• Enjoy photographing Australian wildlife

• Want to build confidence using longer telephoto lenses

No previous bird photography experience is necessary.

What might we photograph?

The Australian Botanic Gardens is home to an incredible variety of native birdlife. While wildlife is never predictable and sightings can never be guaranteed, species regularly photographed include:

• Superb Fairy-wrens

• Eastern Spinebills

• Rainbow Lorikeets

• Eastern Rosellas

• Willie Wagtails

• Grey Fantails

• Spotted and Striated Pardalotes

• King Parrots

• Kookaburras

• Bell Miners

• Olive-backed Orioles

• Tawny Frogmouths

• Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

…and, if we're lucky, perhaps even a Brown Goshawk or Pacific Baza.

Every workshop is different, making each visit a unique photographic experience.

Recommended Equipment

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera

• Telephoto lens (200mm or longer recommended)

• Fully charged battery (plus a spare if possible)

• Empty memory card

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Long pants

• Hat

• Drinking water

Workshop Details

📅 Date: Sunday 11th October 2026

🕗 Time: 8:15am – 1:00pm

📍 Location: Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan

Each participant receives a comprehensive set of workshop notes to take home.

Numbers are limited to 12 participants to ensure everyone receives plenty of individual guidance during the practical session.

A minimum of 4 participants is required for the workshop to proceed.

Book early to secure your place.

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