Some shots form the pond today (5/6)

[Flew]

Patrick and I stopped by the pond for a little while (before I had to go back into work :?). We had quite a few shooting opportunities, but they were all Mallards, and believe me, these guys are extremely hard to track (they fly at about 60MPH).

Here are a few flight shots. Not very good, but all I got. Also some static shots that I like. All taken with the D2H / 300mm F2.8 + TC-14EII.

Harsh back lighting on this one:

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These guys (and a gal...;-)) made several loops around us. Didn't get many good shots, but this one isn't too bad:

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A head-on shot of this guy:

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Mallard chick:

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This gal was getting pursued by all of the boy Mallards:

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Patrick and think this fellow (or gal) was injured. Looks a little bloody:

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Going back out to the pond in the morning early. Hopefully, we'll do a little better.

Regards,

 

[CraigH.]

Not very Good? Frank, your flight shots are amazing. these too.

 

[Flew]

Thanks for the kind words Craig. I just felt like I had the yips today. I had a number of potentially killer shot opportunities, but either missed the focus lock, or just couldn't get lined up. Don't know what the problem was.

Like I said, Mallards have always been a challenge for me. :?

 

[Steve S]

A head shot is better than a butt shot anyday!

Love these head-on shots, they're spectacular, esp the pursuit shot! Sure would like to get one someday. Is your camera set to shoot even if it doesn't have a focus lock? (sry, don't know what thats called right now).

 

[Flew]

Re: A head shot is better than a butt shot anyday!

Love these head-on shots, they're spectacular, esp the pursuit shot! Sure would like to get one someday. Is your camera set to shoot even if it doesn't have a focus lock? (sry, don't know what thats called right now).

Steve,

Thanks for the kind words. 8)

I think the modes are called shot FPS rate, FPS rate + AF, and Focus. I have mine set in the middle one (FPS rate + AF). When shooting really fast moving scenes, the cam will hesitate if it loses focus lock for a moment. I still get OOF shots, but I assume that is because the blasted thing locks on something in the background (totally the cam's fault, of course....;-)).

 

[Backdoctor]

great shots frank, was that last one a self portrait? 8)

Some killer flight shots. Super sharp and well exposed.

 

[jfenton]

Frank

You've sure got a lock on capturing those fast ducks man....

I think that I need some lessons

 

[Dirtyharry71]

nr3 is the max !

 

[Gale]

You got some good ones there Flew. Good job. Love the little chick. Turtle is a great shot to and the head one wow.

 

[jkamphof]

I really like the second image with the three birds in formation together. Looks sharp, pleasing and with good framing (and the actual frame is nice too).



Joel.

 

[RFCGRAPHICS]

Hi Flew,

Very nice images especially the second one. The missing element I see so often on avian images is an interesting composition. You nailed it on the second one....outstanding.

Congrats

 

[Nikam]

I don't know how you do it Frank!!!! Those flight shots are incredibly sharp and I know how fast those guys can move. I really like shots showing behaviour, like the male chasing the female.

 

[PEPPER PETE]

Frank,
You make difficult shots look easy. Shooting ducks in flight is hard but the combo you used is even harder, you did a fantastic job.
Pete