Chaos

http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/~maltman/090411DSC_8210.jpg

D200 + 80-400 VR @ 400mm, ISO 800, 1/80, f 5.6, fill flash (SB800 + better Beamer)

This is my favorite photo from last year and was the first photo I posted on BPN. I’d posted in on Avian and now that I understand this place better realize this is where I should have posted it. I have not seen a rule disallowing posting a photo on more than one forum. Please remove the post and let me know if this is not permitted.

The photo was taken at Nickerson Beach on Long Island’s Long Beach Island in September on a cloudy morning just before sunrise. I was sitting about 15 feet from the colony of black skimmers when a jogger came along scattering them.

Comments and suggestions welcome,

Morris

Morris, There is no rule that I know of. Nickerson is one of my favorite places. I like the pattern and the amount of blur. I also like the angle of their bodies. Nice job!

Thank you Denise,

You were on the beach with Artie the morning I took this.

Morris

Morris, was this towards the end of the season?

Hi Denise,

It was September 4^th. I was with my friend Bob and we came over and talked for a little while. A large flock of tree swallows showed up over the dunes and the two of you took off after them. From our view on the beach it looked like a scene out of a Woody Alan move as you sort of danced and bounced over the dunes taking photos of the swallows. I bet the mosquitos were plentiful and they caused a feeding frenzy. Ah, the joys of nature photography :-}

Regards,

Morris

I remember the day very well. The skimmers were blasting early in the morning near the surf's edge. The tree swallows were swarming - it was a great day!!!

Well, Morris, I love the blur and I love the story that went with it:S3:

Yes it was a great day Denise. I’d love to see the photos you came home with that day. I’ll send you a message with my picks from the day.

Thank you Cheryl,

There is a little more to the story. When the jogger came up along the water’s edge, he spotted us all set up there taking photos and started to head inland to avoid the colony. Artie yelled out, “Don’t go around. Go right into them.” Brilliant move, what a delight to have them blast off when you are so close and ready.

Morris