Monday, February 1, 2010

The Improv

Things that fly often give you the bird. It's really that simple. Over the years I've come to the realization that photography is primarily about recognizing opportunities. Many times I leave the house with a certain vision or objective in mind, only to discover that the conditions or subject matter simply do not lend themselves to success.

It is during these times that it's critical to see what IS there, and take what the defense gives you.

Reflected Phragmite Selective Color

This year it has been extremely difficult locating eagles. The birds have been unpredictable, moving significant distances from day to day. With the onset of some excellent evening light, we decided to chase northern harriers. Getting to within 25 yards of a wild harrier (about the maximum distance which will yield a detailed image) usually involves enough waiting to make Rip van Winkle appear slapdash by comparison.

JayMorr captured a spectacular image of an elusive male this week, well worth checking out on his blog. He also sniped a shot of me on the boomstick (Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VRII).

Boomstick

I got a few images of a female, who made a single 3-second flyby within range.

Harrier Cupped Wing

Harrier Gforce

3 comments:

  1. It is during these moments that I learn the most Bro! Your images are fantastic. I enjoy your photography immensly but more importantly your friendship. Here's to another "3-Seconds".

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really, really cool. Capturing the way she's rolled out like that...I don't know how you do it, but I likes it.

    ReplyDelete