THE OUTFIT AND METHODS OF THE 

 BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER 



THE BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER'S OUTFIT 



HE beginner must not suppose that 

 good bird photograi)lis can be 

 made only with expensive apjja- 

 ratus. Under favorable conditions 

 there is no great difference in the 

 results secured with the ordinary 

 camera and lens of anj^ reputable 

 maker and those of the highest class. My own 

 work has for the greater part been done with an 

 outfit costing about thirty dollars ; and although 

 the best lens is, of course, to be desired it is not a 

 necessity, and cost therefore is no more an obstacle 

 to the hunting of birds with a camera than it is 

 to their pursuit with a gun. 



The Camera. — Individual taste will doubtless 

 govern the size of the camera chosen, but most natu- 

 ralists and sportsmen consider the camera carrying a 

 plate four by five inches as the one best adaj^ted to 

 their wants, and with this decision I heartilj^ agree. 

 The advantages of size, weight, and economy, both 

 as regards the camera, its holders, and plates, are all 

 in favor of the 4 X 5, while as far as the bii'd pho- 

 tographer is concerned, it is not often that he has 

 need of anything larger. The image of a bird will 

 rarely be without adequate setting in a space four 

 6 



