Just a Barn Swallow

Flew · Jun 14, 2005

These guys are always flying around the local pond. From time to time though, I get lucky and catch one posing. This guy put on a real show. For reference, these guys are a little over 6 inches long from beak to tail.

Taken with the D2H / 300mm f2.8 + TC-17EII.

Posing:

Stretching:

Flapping:

Well, Hello my Friend:

A few more can be seen here:
http://flew.smugmug.com/gallery/595513/1/25031525

Thanks for looking.

Keith · Jun 14, 2005

Hi Frank

Great series Frank, awesome job :!: They are very tiny birds. Take it this was with your 300mm gem ;-) really like the shallow DOF as well!! 8)

Flew · Jun 14, 2005

Keith,

Thanks. Now, if I just had a 400 2.8.... 8)

God, I'd love to have that lens. :wink:

greyflash · Jun 14, 2005

Love these shots Frank, especially #2. Kind of looks like he is thinking, Ho Hum Another Photographer. Well taken images.

Nikam · Jun 15, 2005

Really nice series Frank!!!! Those guys don't sit still for long. That little one seemed to be making faces at you. A 400 2.8 with VR would be even better - maybe Nikon will make one just about the time I could afford it.

hans · Jun 15, 2005

Frank, I'm not that birdman but these are a feast for the eye

Really great work of a lovely birdie

kramp · Jun 15, 2005

Nice ones Frank, I like the background such a nice gradient.

Martin

Uncle Frank · Jun 15, 2005

Super job, Frank. Not only great captures, but artistically done!

The second shot is my fave. I couldn't look at it without smiling .

mike mac · Jun 15, 2005

Great job, these little buggers are tough you did great perfect poses great bokeh. I am with Frank I like the second one the best a classic look on its face.

Steve S · Jun 15, 2005

Super job on these Flew, but what really strikes me

is that you used Manual Exp mode. Remember when you absolutely freaked out when your D2H's metering went kaput, and you had to send it in to Nikon? What's your reasoning behind all this "madness"?
Excellent shots, btw!

Flew · Jun 15, 2005

Re: Super job on these Flew, but what really strikes me

Steve S said:

is that you used Manual Exp mode. Remember when you absolutely freaked out when your D2H's metering went kaput, and you had to send it in to Nikon? What's your reasoning behind all this "madness"?
Excellent shots, btw!
Click to expand...

Steve,

I've gone almost exclusively to manual mode for most bird shots, because the background brightness (sky vs. trees vs. water) can vary by more than a stop during one flight sequence. I do still use A mode when there is a mixture of shadow and direct sunlight, but M for almost everything else. I just get more consistent exposures.

BTW, I learned to do this when my metering went out. :?

Thanks for the kind words.

Frits · Jun 15, 2005

Very nice captures Frank.
Next: try to catch 'em flying (they are faaaast!!).

dmwphoto · Jun 15, 2005

most impressive work! I love seeing these kinds of shots

Flew · Jun 15, 2005

Frits said:

Very nice captures Frank.
Next: try to catch 'em flying (they are faaaast!!).
Click to expand...

Frits,

Tell me about it. I have a couple of flight shots of these guys that are actually in focus, but they are pretty far away. My next goal is to get some flight shots that are at least 20 - 25% of the frame. The problem is (as I'm sure that you know) they aren't just fast; they dart all over the place. :roll:

Ken-L · Jun 15, 2005

Great shots, Frank, but how do you train them to model for you.....

Blind Observer · Jun 15, 2005

Excellent shots Frank, just super, nice and close with detail and tack sharp.

Flew · Jun 15, 2005

Ken-L said:

Great shots, Frank, but how do you train them to model for you.....
Click to expand...

Ken,

Normally these guys are very shy, but this one just sat there and performed. I was certainly grateful.... :lol:

Thanks for the kind words.

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Just a Barn Swallow

Flew

Keith

Flew

greyflash Subscribing Member

Nikam

hans

kramp

Uncle Frank

mike mac

Steve S

Flew

Frits

dmwphoto

Flew

Ken-L Guest

Blind Observer Guest

Flew