In this video, I take you behind the scenes of a morning spent photographing American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts at a local riparian preserve. From the moment I step out of the truck to the final edited images, I walk you through my low-angle approach and the gear that helps me get there — including my Canon R7, EF 600mm f/4, and external monitor setup.
We left behind the comfort of daylight and bird calls and headed into the vast stillness of the Valley of the Gods. The goal was to capture the Milky Way — but what we found was more than a photograph.
This short film introduces the heart of Birds and Backroads — a journey through light, wildlife, and the quiet roads in between.
The trailer captures the essence of Chris Forslund’s approach to bird photography: rooted in field craft, shaped by light, and guided by patience. It offers a glimpse into a life built around seeing — and sharing — with intention.
Whether you're here for inspiration, technique, or simply the stillness of nature, this is where the journey begins.
Photography is more than documentation, It's a form of visual expression. From how we see the world through the viewfinder to the choices we make in composition, lens selection, and editing, each step contributes to our personal style.
More than a hobby, bird photography is a way of seeing.
It’s about presence—waiting for light, listening to the quiet, and watching life unfold one wingbeat at a time.
Through the viewfinder, the noise fades, and what’s left is simple, calm, and beautifully alive.
This isn't just about capturing images—it's about the experience: The soft light of morning, the chorus of birdsong, and the stillness that settles in when you raise the camera to your eye
Recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, is a 110-acre sanctuary that thoughtfully blends water conservation, wildlife habitat, and public recreation. Established in 1999, the preserve features seven water recharge basins that use treated effluent to replenish the aquifer, supporting a rich and diverse ecosystem of marshlands, riparian zones, and upland vegetation.
