Camera settings
I'm using the OM-1 camera, which has the advantage of Procap as a feature, so anticipating the subjects take off is so much easier. I usually shoot at around 1/4000, F10, and at 25 fps or more, so hopefully i will be able to capture the subject several times before it leaves the frame. ISO is set to auto but with these settings the light has to be bright. F10 gives you a decent depth of field and you can lower your shutter speed to your liking. Try and keep it above 1/2500 to keep your subject sharp. I also prefer to use single point focus (S-AF)
Taking the shot
All my shots are hand held. My preferred method is to either focus on the subject, or the perch it's sitting on, or what it's about to land on. It's important not to follow the subject when it takes off because you will have to match the background of each image when you put your sequence together. It's always easier if you can get a clear or out of focus background rather than one that is cluttered. Anticipating the direction of flight is by trial and error. Most fly straight out of focus, so don't get disheartened. I throw away thousands of images. Practise and tinker with these settings and good luck.
Small YouTube video on
