photo by Emily Fava
The National Aviary will host a Photo Safari event this Saturday April 11 allowing spectators to capture photos of rare species of birds.

Photo major Hannah Jones never imagined she would get the opportunity to photograph a rare species of birds just a mile and a half from her Downtown apartment.

One of the more difficult aspects of wildlife photography is that subjects are always on the move and watching, but during the upcoming Spring Plumage Photo Safari event on April 11, visitors can watch right back, according to manager of avian encounters and interactive media Dave Miller.

“This event will really help anyone build their skills whether they’re into sports photography, outdoor photography, wildlife photography or just want to improve their low-light skills,” Miller said.

National Aviary experts will aide participants in capturing the best shots at the Photo Safari class, according to the Aviary’s marketing director, Laura Smith. Tropical birds and photo-enthusiasts alike will get the chance to practice their photography skills up-close.

The Spring Plumage event will let registered participants into the National Aviary from 9-11 a.m.-Before the general public-when feeding time begins for the birds and many of the shyer species come out from hiding. Seldom-seen birds will be brought out of their exhibits by National Aviary trainers while National Geographic photographer Michael Fay will lead the event, tailoring to each individual’s skill level. 

Participants will also get to work with the Aviary’s loose feather collection, including macaw, barn owl and screech owl feathers. The main focus of the event will be how to capture the perfect shot using different lenses, angles, lighting and body position, so attendees do not intimidate the birds. 

The National Aviary is America’s only non-profit zoo exclusively dedicated to birds and preserving threatened and endangered species. The site of the aviary was once occupied by Pittsburgh’s first plant conservatory, which is on the lot of what was once the Western Penitentiary. In 1952, the Aviary was added on to the conservatory and later took over the site in 1982. In 1992, by declaration of the U.S. Congress, the Pittsburgh Aviary was given nation status and renamed the National Aviary. 

“Our Safari events are an on-going annual program that we do at the Aviary, but new to 2015, we now bring out birds that we usually don’t have in the exhibits,” Smith said.

With the event catering to all photographers of any interest, Jones hopes to expand her interest in wildlife photography and step outside of the work she’s done in the past.

“After I visited the National Geographic archives last fall with the School of Communication, I started taking photos of animals at the zoo and even of my own cat at home, so an event like this could help me get better photos of subjects on the move,” Jones said.

Caring for wildlife and birds has always been one of Miller’s passions; now he spends his days caring for the threatened and endangered birds and spreading his knowledge with visitors at the Aviary. Miller puts an emphasis on timing when taking photographs of wildlife, especially when in groups like the Spring Plumage Photo Safari Event.

“There can be 10 people all lined up to take the same picture of one bird, but when that bird is getting ready to take off, and you snap that perfect lucky shot, everyone else gets a great photo; but what you have will be truly magical and valuable,” said Miller.

Pre-registration costs $50 and those interested can contact Laura King at 412-258-9439.