One for Ken
Hi Ken I made this one for Memorial day ... and appropriate for this weekend !!! Was trying to get the bird and the flag Took a few tries but got it !! It was made with the 100-400 .. no focusing problems. btw works just as well with the 50D
Comments welcome and much appreciated
Canon 1DMk3
100-400 IS
f 8.0 1/2500 sec
Manual exp
ISO 800
What an awesome image!
Great wingspread Al! The flag makes a superb BG.,
Wow! I am (almost) speechless! That's just an awesome photo, Alfred.
I think my problem in getting satisfactory images of barn swallows lies in refusing to recognize that age (72) has taken a toll on my reactions (which used to be very good). As Clint remarked about another character in one of the Dirty Harry movies, "Man's got to know his limitations." But I'm probably too stubborn to give up yet. I'm sure my equipment surpasses my abilities.
Last time I got a chance to look, the Martins weren't bringing dragonflies back to the nesting boxes. I think I'll go out and see what they're doing tomorrow. Only trouble is, to get to them, I have to pass the place where the swallows are flying.
You, especially, and many others, have always been a great help to me (though I know it may not show in what I produce). This photo is just an inspiration!
I hope I can get down to Florida to take one of your workshops sometime.
You have to realize though that barn swallows are also smaller than purple martins and so you've picked the more difficult one to go after :)Originally Posted by Kent Wilson
Well, you may as well shoot them then...:DI have to pass the place where the swallows are flying.
The problems with swallows are they are small and they fly erratically. If you can find a spot that let you stay close to them, like near their nests or nest boxes, you have a better chance to get better shots. I think Al and Fabs shoot by manually focusing the lens at its minimum focusing distance and wait for the bird to get closer? You may want to try to see if that works for you, if you have not already.
PS: I've commented on this photo before on other board.
Hi Desmond
We pick a place fairly close to the nest that we can use the far focus, prefocus and watch the bird get larger in the viewfinder and when its almost in focus start tracking and shoot.
btw the only way you can be successful is stacking the odds on your favor by having lots of wind, birds will be predictable in the approach. If they are just flying around they are tough to get !!!
Kent get the right conditions and you will nail them !!! Lens wise you will see a difference in the straight 400 but could do without !!!
This photo was posted in birds and posted for this past memorial day !!!
love the wingspan complete with fanned out tail - against a great BG - Awesome :)
Alfred, Nicely done!! I like the use of the flag in the BG it adds some depth to the image and really makes a smaller bird stand out. Happy 4th of July to you and Fabs!!!
More good advice. thanks again, Alfred and Desmond.
On another thread, Desmond, you mentioned an e-zine article on flight photography by Alfred and Fabiola. I've looked in the archives and can't find it. Would you please point me to it? I try to read as much as I can on bird photography and sure would not like to miss this article.
Happy and safe 4th to all,
kent
Excellent capture of this agile bird! Happy 4th of July everyone.
Alfred: A Happy 4th to you!!! I'll salute you and the U.S. with a hot dog and a beer tomorrow. You have made many of my days happy, with your thoughtful, helpful critiques. . . . thanks . . . (and that is surely a beautiful photograph)
Well composed and executed, this fellow is flying high and proud...love it...:cool:
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