CHAPTER IX 



PHOTOGRAPHING BIRDS' NESTS 



UNDOUBTEDLY the easiest branch of nature 

 photography, and yet one in which there are 

 many difficulties to be overcome, is the photo- 

 graphing of birds' nests. It offers more possibili- 

 ties for really artistic results than does any other 

 branch, with the exception of flower photography ; 

 and, if we study our subject well before making 

 an exposure, to discover from what point of view 

 the best lighting and general effect is obtain- 

 able, the resulting picture will often be a thing of 

 beauty that may well call for the admiration of 

 all who see it. 



Therefore we should be in no hurry when 

 photographing a bird's nest, for it will not run or 

 fly away and we can take our time. Look at it 

 and study it from every direction, through the 

 camera, for one is better able to judge how a thing 

 will look in the picture by seeing it upon the 

 ground glass than by looking at it as it appears 

 naturally. When we have decided from which 

 direction it makes the best appearance, then is the 



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