Friday Funnies
FAIL!
First things first, the young eagle was fine . . . just really mad when he got up!
These two youngsters we conducting a "dog fight" at low altitude fighting over a fish (notice you can still see the fish firmly grasped in the "crashed" eagles claws). During a turning dive, there was not quite enough altitude for successful completion - resulting in the crash landing!
Stay in focus,
Mark
It's all fun and games to the spectators at the air shows, but it's a deadly serious business to the performers.
These men and women are true athletes in every sense of the word - think of the strength, endurance - and guts - it takes to perform these stunts. These performers are also carrying on a tradition that extends back to just after the first world war, although there were some early pioneers such as Didier Masson, Lincoln Beachey and Glenn Curtiss.
"Barnstormers" delighted the crowds, gave rides and introduced the upcoming generation to the thrill of flying and the importance of air power.
Looking for some good clean family fun for next Saturday's movie night? Be sure to check out Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines! A great movie from 1965.
And the next time you see these guys on the ground after an air show, take the time and pay them their due.
Stay Focused,
Mark
With photography, always expect the unexpected. Keep your camera handy and at the ready, for you never know when a situation will turn "interesting".
This doe approached just a little too close to a Redwing Blackbird's nest. It started with a few "dive-bombing" approaches - which I was expecting - but I didn't see the landing coming. I don't think the doe expected it did either, she swung around and proceeded to have a discussion.
Oh, and just to pat myself on the back a little bit . . . this image was a North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) 2011 Top 100 Showcase Winner!
Stay in focus,
Mark
Make sure you take the time to study your animal subjects - the behavior can be fascinating (and even inspiring). These herons are a perfect example - they have specific rituals not just to mating, but nest building as well. One gathers and then hands off the building material, the other takes the material and adds it to their nest.
Stay in focus!
Mark
We're always starving for light when shooting birds, especially action shots - but consider the potential for interaction before you drive down to a wide open aperture. As I started shooting more than a single eagle, I increased my aperture to ensure I had enough depth of field to capture the two birds. Not wanting to lower my shutter speed for an action shot, I increased my ISO to compensate (Don't be afraid to shoot at higher ISO's - it's a better alternative that an underexposed or blurry shot).
Learn to always have a feel for what your depth of field should be - pay attention to your subjects and adjust accordingly. It takes some time to build this thought process into "muscle memory" - but it's worth it. Try this online Depth of Field Calculator to help gain a better understanding of the impacts of distance, lens size and aperture. There are also some good iPhone and Android apps that allow you to take your calculations out into the field with you.
Stay in focus,
Mark
Another lesson in always being ready for the action. The Coot on the left was being mercilessly chased by the other for about five minutes - you knew something had to give. Sure enough, the "chasee" turned around and proceeded to kick the snot out of the "chaser" - and those are some serious feet to get kicked with!
I almost left this pond, but decided to hang around just in case. It's a good thing I was prepared, this brawl was over in about 15 seconds!
Stay in focus,
Mark