My first successful "in flight" photo...

[LadyHawk]

I hate to post this just after the famous Alan B posted one of his beautiful bird pictures, but here goes. This was taken yesterday at Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT. All C/C welcome...

[Fotosmurf]

Well, as a first succesful in flight photo I think you should be proud of yourself! I have never managed to get a decent one, so I am a bit jealous here... You can see that you lightened it up. I am guessing because you were shooting against the light and the bird was probably a bit on the dark side so you changed the levels on the bird, right? It's not disturbing or anything but I am not sure if you wanted it to show or if it is by accident?
Great shot!

[LadyHawk]

Thanks for you input, Fotosmurf. You are a good observer... regarding the lightening up, I did apply a Nik Filter (soft gold) which did bring out more of the shadow detail.

If you are referring to the lighter halo around the seagull, I think I brought this on with a contrast action (USM 20/50/0) I used (twice instead of once). And I was hoping no one would notice... the people on this forum are just too good! :confused: :D

[BlueTit]

Great shot, still have not managed a decent bird in flight :-(

[LadyHawk]

Thanks, BlueTit... I am learning how to use the AI Servo mode on my 20D. I am amazed at how well it manages to keep focus on a moving object... on the other hand, these birds certainly can move fast! ;)

[jscotti]

Very nice in flight shot. I've only had my 20D for about 6 hours, but I was out taking some shots earlier with a 70-300 zoom and only tried to follow a bird in flight once and didn't even get him centered well enough to focus. I did get some decent closeups of some birds scavanging on the ground - I can't wait to see how they look after I download them tonight. I did get some birds of another sort in flight - some Air Force A-10s. Burst mode and AI servo made that pretty easy once I got them centered - I did have some early challenges getting it to focus but I got the hang of it after a bit of practice. Can't wait to get out and try some birds out in the wild....

Jim.

[Keiffer]

Nice shot Ladyhawk. I have been trying to get my first in flight shot lately with little success. I got one today but was somewhat out of focus, I got excited seeing him so close LOL
Also I had to adjust my shutter speed faster, but then he flew away. Oh well I'll get it sooner or later :-)

[LadyHawk]

Thanks Jim and Keiffer. Probably 95% of my inflight photos are pictures of a blue sky with only a beak or some tail feathers at the edge of the shot. It really makes me appreciate the beautiful work other members have posted. Congratulations on your new camera, Jim. I be watching for pictures from both you and Keiffer!

[Michaelmjc]

Not bad for the first time, It would look a bit better if you got it on an angle than directly under it.

[LadyHawk]

Not bad for the first time, It would look a bit better if you got it on an angle than directly under it.

Thanks for an objective opinion, Michaelmjc. Right now I'm happy to get a whole bird in the frame, but getting the right angle (and right light) are also important goals! :D

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

fantastic! I love it! Great job!

[MAD DOG]

VERY nice pic'.
You've done very well.

[LadyHawk]

Thanks, RbrtPtikLeoSeny. Thanks, Mad Dog. Appreciate the kind words!

[herderdog]

Nice shot, Karen!

I've been trying to shoot a few flying seagulls myself (and one GBH) None really have been all that great. The tide has always been out and I haven't had a lot of birds available to practice on.
I am back from AZ--did not get a lot of pics there either. Got one of the ever- elusive cardinal after waiting and waiting--but it isn't too good. Maybe I'll post it in a bit.

So congrats to you!!! and your seagull.:D

[LadyHawk]

Hi Bonnie, Welcome back! Hope you had a good time visiting in AZ.

This photo had to be cropped quite a bit so the resolution isn't that great. I'm saving for a longer lens... today was my birthday so a few more dollars have been added to the fund!

I'll be watching for your cardinal... :)

[herderdog]

Happy Birthday!
Hope your new lens comes along soon.
You do great with the 70-200. That will be my next lens--but not for a lonnnnnng time.
I just ordered a laptop to take along to the dog trials. I actually sold a pic!