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WC#461-Nesting Blue Jays
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WC#461-Nesting Blue Jays

by Ernie Marx

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted December 6, 201090 views11 comments
I took this 34 years ago when I was 16 years old (please don't do the math). Inspired by Eliot Porter's Birds of North America, I scoured the woods and found these nesting blue jays. I then hauled in a stepladder, tripod and camera.

I had a 16-foot air release, which was a cable release activated by squeezing an air-filled bulb. I set up the camera near the nest then hid behind a tree and waited for the adults to return. Having no motor drive, I could only get one shot per visit by the adults. After three days and about 20 exposures, I sent the Kodachrome off for developing.

The quality doesn't match today's standards, but I'll never forget my excitement when this image came back from the processor.

C&C are welcome. Thanks for looking.

Nikon F
Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm
Kodachrome 64

Comments

11 comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on December 6, 2010 at 10:59 PM
This is some shot for 34 years ago! The only "nit" is the motion blur, and considering you couldn't see what was going on too well, it's might impressive. A real nice intimate view.
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 7, 2010 at 1:49 AM
That's a great story behind the shot. Very impressive, especially considering the equipment limitations and technique required. It did immediately remind me of Eliot Porter.
Registered on January 26, 2005, 27 Posts, 265 Comments
Comment posted by Carol Nichols on December 7, 2010 at 8:02 AM
Really nice family portrait Ernie. I love the open mouths on the chicks.
Registered on November 7, 2007, 161 Posts, 1420 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Moore on December 7, 2010 at 9:04 AM
I always enjoy the story behind the shot. I personally love the motion blur and think it is a super image. Some of the greats have "quality" issues.

Dan
Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments
Comment posted by Stan Rose on December 7, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Motion blur doesnt bother me one bit here--terrific shot, Ernie! :toast:
Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments
Comment posted by Monica Siri on December 7, 2010 at 3:23 PM
Really a great family shot, Ernie. Interesting to know how you got it. :toast:
Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments
Comment posted by Philip Schwarz on December 7, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Wow what an effort with great results considering the circumstances.
Registered on November 29, 2006, 236 Posts, 1210 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Teller on December 7, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Great story and great image. I can feel the excitement of your first images.
Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments
Comment posted by Mauro Pasquero on December 9, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Very great shot, Ernie, in particulary considering the equipment you had 34 years ago !!! :toast:
Cheers.
Mauro
Registered on January 21, 2010, 650 Posts, 2500 Comments
Comment posted by Bruce Palla on December 9, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Great story and shot! At 16, I might carry a ladder into the woods. Doing the math, I won't anytime soon!
Registered on December 19, 2007, 25 Posts, 328 Comments
Comment posted by dan elster on December 10, 2010 at 4:03 PM
I own that Eliot Porter book and see the influence here. Love your story and determination. Really sharp nice image with old time equipment. :toast:
Registered on September 23, 2005, 299 Posts, 2443 Comments