Posted by David Hatfield on September 24, 2009 at 10:49 PM
An osprey nest was visible from Brannon's Landing earlier this year. I kept trying to arrange a time for someone to take me out in their boat to get some up close nesting shots but just never could get it set up. Maybe next year if they return.
Had to content myself with the one flyby they did close to the landing this summer when I was there with a camera. Caught this guy (gal?) late one afternoon. It was the only time I saw either of them on this side of the lake so feel fortunate that I got any shots at all.
D300; Nikkor 200-400VR w/1.4 converter; f8; 1/1500; ISO 400
Unusual raptors to see in this area but more frequent than most know.
Enjoy!
Dave Hatfield
Posted by Mike Hall on September 24, 2009 at 10:54 PM
You know that it's not a good idea for you to be in a boat with the camera!!! Especially on Lake Conway. Looks like shooting from the shore was good enough anyway. I like it! Almost looks like he/she enjoyed having it's picture made.
Posted by Karla Hall on September 24, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Yep, stay away from the lake with that lense!! I had no idea ospreys were in this area. Great shot. They are such beautiful creatures.
Posted by David Hatfield on September 24, 2009 at 11:13 PM
OOOOOH, that's cold, Mike! Now EVERYBODY is going to know I fell out of a boat and lost all my equipment!!!! For details everyone's welcome to email me and then laugh all you want.
Oh well, it's been a great sermon illustration for the last few years!
Anyway, I was grateful for the quick opportunity to shoot this guy and hope they return next year.
Dave H.
Posted by Ed Cooley on September 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Really nice catch Dave. You really nailed the focus and composition.
I saw one of these guys over beaver last winter, maybe he'll come back so I can get a closer shot.
Posted by Larry Fischer on September 25, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Great shot, esp. with only one pass.
The forward edge of the bird's left wing appears slightly out of focus--could be the reduction in size or my perception. I wish the sky was a slightly paler blue. The eyes of the osprey and the feathers under the wings make the photo engrossing.
Question if you have time: It appears autofocus is almost mandatory for such photos? Care to share shutter speeds, ISO, and other settings?? Thanks.
Dumped the equipment then, huh? Bummer.... Insured of course less deductible.....
the fisch
Posted by Daniel Loomis on September 25, 2009 at 9:25 AM
A very fine capture of a beautiful raptor. I've yet to get close enough to an Osprey to take any kind of photo. They are not all that uncommon around lakes or similar open waters, which are their preferred fishing habitat. The great detail on the head and eye really makes this one for the gallery. I hope you post it in the Avian Gallery.
Posted by Larry Daniel on September 25, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Excellent Dave!
Posted by Tom Kennon on September 25, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Great capture, Dave, the sharpness in the eye is incredible.
Posted by Gale Rainwater on September 25, 2009 at 11:55 AM
David really a beatiful bird and a great catch of him in flight. Well done.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on September 25, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Really good flight shot David. Looks like you made the most of your opportunity.
Posted by Scott Bean on September 26, 2009 at 7:32 AM
Excellent shot..as several have already mentioned, the sharpness in the eye really makes this a great shot!
Posted by David Hatfield on September 26, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Thanks to all for your kind comments. I'd love to be in an area where these beautiful birds were more accessible but I'll take whatever opportunities to shoot them I can.
Larry, in response to your question about autofocus, yes, when I'm shooting BIF shots I am always on continuous autofocus with my focus point on or as close to the eye as possible. I always shoot in aperture priority and rarely lower than ISO 400. That usually allows me to keep my aperture at least at f8 and still keep my shutter speed at 1/1000 or above.
Discussion
12 repliesHad to content myself with the one flyby they did close to the landing this summer when I was there with a camera. Caught this guy (gal?) late one afternoon. It was the only time I saw either of them on this side of the lake so feel fortunate that I got any shots at all.
D300; Nikkor 200-400VR w/1.4 converter; f8; 1/1500; ISO 400
Unusual raptors to see in this area but more frequent than most know.
Enjoy!
Dave Hatfield
Oh well, it's been a great sermon illustration for the last few years!
Anyway, I was grateful for the quick opportunity to shoot this guy and hope they return next year.
Dave H.
I saw one of these guys over beaver last winter, maybe he'll come back so I can get a closer shot.
The forward edge of the bird's left wing appears slightly out of focus--could be the reduction in size or my perception. I wish the sky was a slightly paler blue. The eyes of the osprey and the feathers under the wings make the photo engrossing.
Question if you have time: It appears autofocus is almost mandatory for such photos? Care to share shutter speeds, ISO, and other settings?? Thanks.
Dumped the equipment then, huh? Bummer.... Insured of course less deductible.....
the fisch
Larry, in response to your question about autofocus, yes, when I'm shooting BIF shots I am always on continuous autofocus with my focus point on or as close to the eye as possible. I always shoot in aperture priority and rarely lower than ISO 400. That usually allows me to keep my aperture at least at f8 and still keep my shutter speed at 1/1000 or above.
Have a great day to all!
Dave Hatfield