Bird photography generally requires using telephoto lenses of 400mm and up. Birds often keep a good distance from humans, and are relatively small subjects to begin with. If we are to embrace a bird with our frame in order to show detail, we must use a focal length capable of doing just that. Ravens are large birds, but even a large bird is a small subject when it comes to stressing detail and expression. I used my zoom lens at 420mm to bring out the texture of this raven’s feathers, the catchlight in the eye, and the explosive thrust of a beak in full cry. I fill more than half the frame with my subject. This long focal length, when used on a subject that is relatively close, will also throw the background into soft focus, simplifying the image by removing all background clutter and distractions.