Head angle can be a hot topic in some bird photography circles. Some will criticise any image without the perceived correct head angle which is often defined as turned slightly toward the photographer such that the tip of the bill is in the same plane as the eye. There is no doubt that this pose leads to appealing images but being didactic about it precludes versatility. 

I had a very accomplished and talented bird photographer email me for my opinion when an image of his was repeatedly criticised on a forum for having the “incorrect” head angle. It was a dynamic image of a raptor banked and angling away from the photographer and in my opinion conveyed beautifully the speed and agility of the bird. To have it dismissed on the basis of head angle seemed absurd and highlighted the limits of rules that supposedly shouldn’t be broken. 

For a perched bird portrait the ideal head angle can make a difference between a good and a great shot but it is a rule that needs to be applied appropriately. 

By way of illustration I have a collection of Rock Wren images in various poses. They are tiny active birds so when the opportunity arises it is worth taking a lot of images. I have one with the supposed correct head angle and I am pleased with it. It would work well in a book to identify a Rock Wren.

My favourite image though, is one of him angled slightly away looking down into the valley below. The reason I prefer this image is that it, to me, better captures the spirit of a Rock Wren. They are tiny active birds that inhabit boulder fields high in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Having spent days in pursuit of these tiny birds the feeling I have about it is of a tough little bird supremely adapted to this unique mountain environment. This image captures that spirit of a little bird surveying his mountain kingdom while totally aloof to the clumsy human interloper stumbling through the boulder field. 

It could be said that I am applying my emotional involvement to the photo but I have had the image independently complimented by another extremely skilful international bird photographer whose opinion flattered me. 

The point that I am trying to make is that head angle is something to consider and is a useful rule in some situations, but, like most photographic rules, it should be broken at times. To dismiss images purely on head angle is too constraining and deprives us of other successful photos.