Photo Series-Love Birds

Love birds of paradise, or more commonly known as just love birds are very popular pets and have achieved their reputation as one of the few totally monogamous birds species found in nature.

"A Lovebird is one of nine species of the genus Agapornis (Greek: αγάπη agape 'love'; όρνις ornis 'bird'). They are a social and affectionate small parrot. Eight species are native to the African continent, while the Grey-headed Lovebird is native to Madagascar. Their name stems from the parrots' strong,monogamous pair bonding and the long periods which paired birds spend sitting together. Lovebirds live in small flocks and eat fruit, vegetables, grasses and seed. Black-winged Lovebirds also eat insects and figs, and the Black-collared Lovebirds have a special dietary requirement for native figs, making them problematic to keep in captivity. Some species are kept as pets, and several color mutations were selectively bred in aviculture. Their average lifespan is 10 to 15 years.^{[1]" Wikipedia.} "Lovebirds are 13 to 17 centimeters in length and 40 to 60 grams in weight. They are among the smallest parrots, characterized by a stocky build, a short blunt tail, and a relatively large, sharp beak." Wikipedia

This particular photographic project should not be too hard d to complete as these birds popularity as pets should make locating suitable subjects an easy task. you best alternative is to locate one of the many pet shops were these birds are sold as "rent" them in order to take their images. ou can also find these birds at most zoos.

Once you have secured their use try to set them up in a wire free enclosure such as a large hand made cage complete with tree trunks and some vegetation where they will feel more at ease and be more apt to allow you to photograph them at ease. This will probably take at least a full day as they can be rather nervous once introduced into a new environment.

Try to build a special enclosure that allows you to photograph without the presence of wires or other distracting being too obvious. Building one side of the enclosure with a clear glass side should be sufficient. Make sure to arrange natural materials such as perching branches at an angle that best affords you a clear and obstacle free complete view of them.

Like for most bird photography you should record images in close up modes that showcase their colorful plumage and beaks.

Of interest are images of interaction between males and females as their habit of spending long times next to each other is one of the reasons for which they acquired their name.

Love birds can also be quite humorous and they often seem to play games with each other on purpose and are quite adept at navigating any plaything that catches their attention and they also seem to have a rather adventurous and very inquisitive disposition. Capturing these images will make your project that more appealing and entertaining.

Many of these images are very suitable for the many publications that specialize in the breeding and sale of them as are many of the publications that cater to nature lovers, the greeting card companies and many poster publications.

Photographic stock houses are also looking for many pleasing images that have the potential of being used by a multitude of clients.

Be very thorough in your image taking. Be sure to allow for your creativity to surface and ensure that the images are technically perfect.

Capture all the moments that show these creatures in their natural playfulness as well as their "tender' moments.

Carefully studying their habits will render many opportune moments sure to reward you with many great photographs.