Ready to start photographing birds but not sure where to begin? Alpha Camera Academy's new Bird Photography course is built for beginners who want to get out in the field and start capturing stunning wildlife shots – without getting lost in the technical weeds.
Led by wildlife and landscape photographer Matt Kloskowski, this course takes a refreshingly practical approach – less like a technical manual and more like a day in the field with someone who genuinely wants you to succeed. Get a taste of what you'll learn from Matt below, then dive into the full course to watch all the lessons, take the quiz and earn your badge.
What You'll Learn
Bird Photography covers 6 focused modules designed to get you shooting with confidence from day one:
- Module 1 – Camera Gear: Understand the key differences between full-frame and crop-sensor cameras, which focal lengths work best for bird photography, and why the best gear is the gear you already have. (Editor's Note: Also check out The Best Lenses For Bird & Wildlife Photography In 2026 for more lens recommendations.)
- Module 2 – Exposure Settings: Master a simplified Manual Exposure approach using aperture, shutter speed, and Auto ISO so your camera handles the changing light while you stay locked in on the action.
- Module 3 – Focus Mode: Learn why Continuous Autofocus (AF-C) is the only focus mode you need for wildlife, and how pairing it with a high frame rate Drive Mode means you'll never miss the decisive moment.
- Module 4 – Focus Area: Discover how to tell your camera exactly where to focus – and when to use wide zones versus a tight center point – plus how Subject Recognition can help you lock onto birds in even the most cluttered scenes.
- Module 5 – Lighting & Weather: Learn how to read light, keep the sun working in your favor, avoid unrecoverable backlit situations, and even use wind to anticipate a bird's next move.
- Module 6 – Composition: Nail the creative fundamentals – background separation, eye-level perspective, and building toward action shots – that will keep you growing and engaged in bird photography for years to come.
Start Photographing Birds With Confidence
Whether you're stepping into wildlife photography for the first time or looking to finally make sense of your Sony Alpha camera's settings in the field, Bird Photography gives you the technical foundation and creative instincts to go out and shoot with confidence every time.
–Click here to take the Bird Photography course.
–Click here to explore all courses on Alpha Camera Academy.
