Magnificent Frigate Bird- Jensen Beach, FL

[Shawn Marques]

I love these birds. They are so graceful with their huge wingspan of 7 1/2 feet! They have the largest wingspread in proportion to weight of any bird. These birds always seem to fly at a high level and I have never seen them land- they never land unless they are on a very tall perch as their short legs and narrow wings make it difficult to take off. Taken in mid-morning. Thanks for looking!


Canon 40D, Canon EF 600mm
1/400s @ f/7.1, ISO 125, 600mm
Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, Wimberely mount

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice pose and sharpness. It looks a little underxposed to me, remember, medium background and dark bird need extra light, specially when flying directly above you, the underside of the bird is in the shade.

[Shawn Marques]

Very nice pose and sharpness. It looks a little underxposed to me, remember, medium background and dark bird need extra light, specially when flying directly above you, the underside of the bird is in the shade.
Thanks, Fabs. I would have loved to gotten this bird at a banking pose but all I have ever seen them do is cruise by pretty much like this. Now that I own a Speedlite and Better Beamer, my next attempt may be more successful. Do you think that would help?

[Fabs Forns]

Yes, if the bird is close to you, just do the same as you did here, but open up your ISO to 400 for extra light. I don't think a slower shutter speed would deliver sharpness in flight. Your f/ stop seems OK, so next in line is an increase in ISO. OI never go under 400 ISO unless I need to blur.

Good luck to you, they are certainly magnificent!

[Maxis Gamez]

I agree with Fab on this one. I have yet to photograph these lovely birds. This image needs about 1 stop of extra light.