Just got back from a trip to Finland. Spent a couple of days shooting the Osprey's fishing at Kangasala. A bit early in the year but still saw a few....
I have pondered over this for a day or so and, judging my the lack of response to date, I assume the same can be said for a few others.
IHMO, its a question of position realitive to the bird's direction. I feel that it could have been better if there was better delination between the white of the head (under the beak) and underside of the far wing. Whilst this really wasn't in your control I think the lack of it makes the center of the image slightly confused as initially try and on the eye, the OOF nearside wing adding to the task.
Better than any Osprey shots I've got.
A 300mm lens eh? Is this full frame? If so are the birds regularly fed and used to humans?
Do you get midges in Finland?
So many questions, I know, but only because I'm in the middle of saving for a Finland trip, but would rather go and stay with non photographer friends and photograph wildlife away from other ppl.
Like Tom I couldn't pin down what I did/didn't think worked in this image. I like the dynamic action, the splashing water and the sharp head, but I don't think the composition is right - the bird looks cramped in the frame and there's too much space up top - I suppose if you look at the eye its actually pretty central which may be what I'm angling at badly. BG is also a bit too distracting, especially the water, but don't think this could be helped.
Obviously its still a nice shot of an osprey catching a fish , just for me needs something extra - the dream is obviously for the head on shot!
Yes it is full frame. You are so close I was even a bit too tight with a 300 sometimes....
They where shot at a fish farm in Pohtiolampi, Kangasala, Finland. Here the Ospreys are no longer considered pests. A pool has been provided for the Ospreys, where they can hunt their prey without disturbing the work at the fish farm. The pool is sandy and shallow enabling the birds to find their prey more easily. (and very easy to get pictures!!!!) The Ospreys have learnt to hunt at the pool instead of the nearby fish farming pools. They have built 4 hides next to the pool for photographers so you can get very close, they can strike for a fish as close as 3 metres away from the hide. It was a bit early when I went and only saw about 16 strikes over 2 days but in the summer months when they are feeding their chicks there can be up to 100 a day.
It is a great place to go but as I understand it I was very lucky at last minute to get a spot which fitted in with my other work. They are booked up for the rest of this year, so it is something you have to plan well in advance. Also if the wind direction is wrong, which it was for me, all you will photograph from the main hide is the Osprey's back!
The midges are big but didn't bother me after lots of repellent.
For some reason I liked this as it was a bit different from the typical head on shot, which I did get a couple of I will post one for you. Maybe it would work better croped as a thin landscape???
Nice action, but I think a number of things conspired against you in this image. I feel the light is too contrasty and the birds wings being level instead of either down or raised have both helped to break up the image a little and the bird just doesn't stand out against a busy BG. With this sort of photography I feel the 1D MkII will always come out on top against the 1Ds MkII where you would have probably of got more frames to choose from!
Kangasala is a nice place and high on my list. A great action shot and the nits have already been mentioned. The one problem with this location is the fact that you often get the o.o.f background i.e grass in your images. The only way around it is to crop your images. Also if the wind blows out of the wrong direction, the only thing you will photography are Osprey a.......s
Rene de Heer
Hi Barry, I have to agree with the former comments. Allthough it's nice action, the bird is a bit centralised, and not have space to move out of the picture. Seems like a place to work with wide-angle too ?
Can't help you there Tom, but I know that Ryanair do cheap flights to Tampere from Stansted, and will soon be launching a service to Tampere from Liverpool, which is handier for those of us based in the north. Last time I flew to Tampere was last September. Cost about £29 return. In fact, once the Liverpool service is launched, I'll be able to get to Tampere cheaper and quicker than I can get to London!
Posted by Rene de Heer on July 4, 2006 at 11:02 AM
Info re ospreys
Kangasalan Pohtiolampi Oy
Seppo Heikkilä
Tel. +358 3 377 0345
+358 49 838 326
Discussion
14 repliesBarry
1dsmk2 300 2.8 1/640 f5.6 250asa
I have pondered over this for a day or so and, judging my the lack of response to date, I assume the same can be said for a few others.
IHMO, its a question of position realitive to the bird's direction. I feel that it could have been better if there was better delination between the white of the head (under the beak) and underside of the far wing. Whilst this really wasn't in your control
Have you got any others?
A 300mm lens eh? Is this full frame? If so are the birds regularly fed and used to humans?
Do you get midges in Finland?
So many questions, I know, but only because I'm in the middle of saving for a Finland trip, but would rather go and stay with non photographer friends and photograph wildlife away from other ppl.
Cheers
John
Like Tom I couldn't pin down what I did/didn't think worked in this image. I like the dynamic action, the splashing water and the sharp head, but I don't think the composition is right - the bird looks cramped in the frame and there's too much space up top - I suppose if you look at the eye its actually pretty central which may be what I'm angling at badly. BG is also a bit too distracting, especially the water, but don't think this could be helped.
Obviously its still a nice shot of an osprey catching a fish
Cheers
Mark
Yes it is full frame. You are so close I was even a bit too tight with a 300 sometimes....
They where shot at a fish farm in Pohtiolampi, Kangasala, Finland. Here the Ospreys are no longer considered pests. A pool has been provided for the Ospreys, where they can hunt their prey without disturbing the work at the fish farm. The pool is sandy and shallow enabling the birds to find their prey more easily. (and very easy to get pictures!!!!) The Ospreys have learnt to hunt at the pool instead of the nearby fish farming pools. They have built 4 hides next to the pool for photographers so you can get very close, they can strike for a fish as close as 3 metres away from the hide. It was a bit early when I went and only saw about 16 strikes over 2 days but in the summer months when they are feeding their chicks there can be up to 100 a day.
It is a great place to go but as I understand it I was very lucky at last minute to get a spot which fitted in with my other work. They are booked up for the rest of this year, so it is something you have to plan well in advance. Also if the wind direction is wrong, which it was for me, all you will photograph from the main hide is the Osprey's back!
The midges are big but didn't bother me after lots of repellent.
Cheers
Barry
I understand what you are saying....
For some reason I liked this as it was a bit different from the typical head on shot, which I did get a couple of I will post one for you. Maybe it would work better croped as a thin landscape???
Cheers
Barry
Nice action, but I think a number of things conspired against you in this image. I feel the light is too contrasty and the birds wings being level instead of either down or raised have both helped to break up the image a little and the bird just doesn't stand out against a busy BG. With this sort of photography I feel the 1D MkII will always come out on top against the 1Ds MkII where you would have probably of got more frames to choose from!
David
Rene de Heer
Is Kangasala the place just outside Tampere? I've got friends in Tampere - maybe it's time to pay them a visit
Michael S
Rene de Heer
T
Kangasalan Pohtiolampi Oy
Seppo Heikkilä
Tel. +358 3 377 0345
+358 49 838 326
Pohtiolampi
FIN-36270 KANGASALA
FINLAND
Thanks .. I feel a short trip coming up next summer..
T