Great Blue Heron Takes Flight . . .

[RJSorensen]

I have just been blessed with GBH flight shots of late. AND I am getting a handle on my focus problem along with what I hope is some better photoshop skill as Bob so kindly points out to me.

This photograph was taken in the afternoon after a rain. The warm ground gave up a mist or steam if you will to transform this unlikely background into something that looks ok to me.

Your thoughts?

20D/100-400

[RJSorensen]

I think I found my laser guided tracking system, the one that comes on all 20D's along with the hidden duck & gull shot. Seems that once it gets lock and fires the shutter for me . . . all I have to do is down load the pictures. I am looking for a Bluetooth utility to even do that for me. ;)

Since I am shooting in Raw and do not have to edit any longer I should write a program to up load them for me as well . . .

20D/100-400

[tupe]

Beautiful shots!

[TammieO]

The second one is too cool. Have you grown wings? It looks like you're flying above him and shooting down?

[RJSorensen]

I have enough of, 'shots from behind & underneath' you know, the too late shots, so I try to not take those any more, lol. I am after that one good shot. Not a basket of 'dribble' as I was once pleased with. Besides this forum is so tough to compete on and or in, that one need not waste their time with anything but near perfect, or excellent photographs. You know Tammie . . . like yours.

Thank you tupe . . . we seem to like these birds, you and I.

[TammieO]

I like these birds too, I just can't get a good picture of one. :p

[tupe]

Thank you tupe . . . we seem to like these birds, you and I.I certainly do. And these shots are two more unique looks from these versatile creatures.

[Maureen Souza]

Wonderful shots...especially the second one. I love the GBH's and have seen some huge ones in the swamps of Louisiana. We went "coastal" this weekend and all I could really find were seagulls..... sigh. Not even a pelican to be found....

[robertwgross]

The first shot has the interesting element of the tree. However, it is nicer when the bird is flying into the frame, rather than out of the frame. The second shot is much sharper of the bird.

RJ, if you are good with PhotoShop, you will figure out how to composite the two. Take the better bird from #2 and stick it into #1 with the bird facing the tree. It's just an idea.

---Bob Gross---

[boomer1959]

Magnificent as usual RJ :D

[sparker1]

The second one is truly outstanding, as are most all of your photos.

[RJSorensen]

I liked the first one best . . . 'cause I have lots of the second type now that I have found the place to eat & where they are nesting. It is cool these big birds high up in the tops of trees . . .

Anyway I don't think I have the skills to transpose one bird from one shot to another as of yet. But I do see that despite my love of the tree the bird needs room to fly into. I will look at this again on the morrow and perhaps re do it once again. Thanks bob for the tip.

[Maureen Souza]

. RJ, if you are good with PhotoShop, you will figure out how to composite the two. Take the better bird from #2 and stick it into #1 with the bird facing the tree. It's just an idea.
---Bob Gross---

Personally, I think you ought to leave them as they are. We are getting 'too perfected' instead of accepting things as they are. I love them both for what they each present to the viewer.

[tupe]

I like the first one. To me it's surreal. The bird's wings look like a cloak, and I imagine him going out stealthily on some dark mission. I'm sure the tree has something to do with that feel.

[stoneylonesome]

Fantastic shots. I wonder if I can get an after market laser guided tracking system attachment for my 10D? :lol: :lol: :lol: looks like a nice extra. :rolleyes:

[RJSorensen]

LOL, Sandy . . . that laser tracker is a RonCo product. Three payments of 19.99 each and you get a free fish knife as well. Well, with your paid order of course. I think the laser/rangefinder has helped both my golf and my photography.

My kind regards as always.

[stoneylonesome]

LOL, Sandy . . . that laser tracker is a RonCo product. Three payments of 19.99 each and you get a free fish knife as well. Well, with your paid order of course. I think the laser/rangefinder has helped both my golf and my photography.

My kind regards as always.

Long as it doesn't add to much more weight to the 10D, what with the mini-heat seeking missle launcher I have installed to eleminate those idiots that jump in front of me and ruin that once in a lifetime shot. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Maureen Souza]

Just wondered what this would look like with a bit more contrast......... not sure if I like it any better but I played with it anyways.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Love the second shot!

[marie]

they are beautiful birds to see in flight
and so graceful

we'll never get our legs that straight after being at the computer http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif

[PacAce]

The 2nd one's really great. I like the way how it's composed, especially with the bluish mountain(?) at the bottom. Great job you did there! :)

[Airedale1]

they are beautiful birds to see in flight
and so graceful

Superb photos RJ!........and yes! If you ever are fortunate enough to see a GBH in flight it is breathtaking. They flap their huge wings very, very slowly and with such grace.

Again, great captures RJ.