Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:04 AM
No, Todd, this isn't a group shot of all the RMNP photographers looking for the fall colors in Zion last month.
On my way to hike up Zion Narrows I was detoured by a gaggle of wild turkeys blocking the road. This was the first time I was able to get any pictures of turkeys, so I didn't mind delaying the hike for a few hours. It was quite fun watching a dozen birds chasing each other in circles, like a bunch of kids playing tag. Would have been great to have the 5DII video option - quite a comedy routine.
All shot with 1Ds2, 500mm + 1.4TC @ f4 on a tripod:
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:05 AM
2
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:06 AM
3
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:06 AM
4
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:08 AM
5
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:09 AM
6
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 15, 2008 at 4:10 AM
7
Posted by John Mumaw on December 15, 2008 at 7:45 AM
These are superb...well worth the delay!!
Something almost Zen-like about #5, which is my favorite.
#6 is a very close second for the same reason.
I'm awed at the sharpness and quality of these images taken with a 1.4x TC.
You did a tremendous job here, sir.
Posted by Jeremy Week on December 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM
What a neat find! I agree with John on #5. Well done!
Posted by Roger Rouch on December 15, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Wow, that's a great gaggle of photos! If we're picking favorites, I'd go #1, which is quite stately and #4.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on December 15, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Great shots! I really like the sheen on the feathers and the level of detail.
Posted by Morris McClung on December 15, 2008 at 10:42 AM
The light is outstanding, and you did a great job of comps with these shots. Well worth putting the hike off. These are tough birds to get shots of.
These are terrific! #6 and #3 are my favourites. The turkeys I saw this fall weren't about to let me get a close up, though they were evidently thrilled to wake me up at 3 a.m.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
The black pearl appearance of the feathers is incredible in these. I've never seen turkey's feathers with an iridescence sheen like this.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on December 15, 2008 at 11:52 AM
All are awesome, especially #5! Very nice collection.
Posted by Stan Rose on December 15, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Gobble Gobble!
Posted by Laurie Wendt on December 15, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Bill, What a wonderful collection! The colors are fantastic. I have to say #5 is my favorite. What a pose.
Great series! I love the color, detail and intimate comp of 6 the best. Outstanding!
Posted by Jack Brauer on December 15, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Wow... #5 is awesome!!!!!
Posted by Rick Dunn on December 15, 2008 at 8:02 PM
All-around impressive collection, Bill! I agree with John - something about the pose in #5 - and the colors - that separate it from the others. Can't tell if it's doing the Vogue, or Walking Like an Egyptian - regardless, very cool.
Posted by Don Grall on December 16, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I actually like #2 the best with its blurred out background it allows the turkey to really stand out.
Posted by Adam Schallau on December 16, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Not exactly the most beautiful bird, but I really like #5.
Bill, all are just fabulous. I'd echo what the others said about light and sharpness. Just for fun, I'd love to see a tight crop of #5 of just the chest/wing area. such great color in there would be a great abstract IMHO. Very nice work.
Posted by Paul Beiser on December 17, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Bill, really cool, agree #5 is my favorite. How the heck did you get so close? wow
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 17, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Patrick, is this the crop you had in mind ?
Although the canyon was well shaded, the red cliffs acted like a perfect gold reflector.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 17, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Paul, I just parked ahead of them a few hundred feet and let them come to me.
The group pretty much ignored me as they passed.
Of course, a 500mm + 1.4TC + plenty of pixels helps.
Although, in this case, a 100-400mm zoom would probably have given me a lot more composition options.
Bill, that's exactly the crop of I was thinking. Such an array of textures, shapes and colors and the serpentine shape of the feathers. Thanks for doing that.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on December 18, 2008 at 1:17 PM
These are fantastic shots, Bill! My favorite is also #5.
Posted by Dan Walters on December 21, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Great images! I like the first one alot and the detail of the feathers as well.
Discussion
29 repliesOn my way to hike up Zion Narrows I was detoured by a gaggle of wild turkeys blocking the road. This was the first time I was able to get any pictures of turkeys, so I didn't mind delaying the hike for a few hours. It was quite fun watching a dozen birds chasing each other in circles, like a bunch of kids playing tag. Would have been great to have the 5DII video option - quite a comedy routine.
All shot with 1Ds2, 500mm + 1.4TC @ f4 on a tripod:
Something almost Zen-like about #5, which is my favorite.
#6 is a very close second for the same reason.
I'm awed at the sharpness and quality of these images taken with a 1.4x TC.
You did a tremendous job here, sir.
Although the canyon was well shaded, the red cliffs acted like a perfect gold reflector.
The group pretty much ignored me as they passed.
Of course, a 500mm + 1.4TC + plenty of pixels helps.
Although, in this case, a 100-400mm zoom would probably have given me a lot more composition options.