Canon DSLR Speed Challenge #182 - Serendipity

Canon DSLR Speed Challenge #182:
Serendipity

Serendipity: The randomness of fate, the lucky shot etc... lets see your best example and please provide a brief reason why it was so serendipitous.

This challenge begins when posted, and will end at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday, February 28, 2011.
Winner of this challenge will be announced shortly thereafter.

Standard Rules apply:
Photo Submissions:

1. Camera - Any Canon DSLR Camera
2. Time - any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
3. Size - Please visit Image Posting Rules.
4. Post-Processing - do whatever you like and the host will decide if it works.
5. Posting - * ONE PHOTO per photographer in each challenge.*Photo Name in the message subject line.* Camera model & lens used.* Notes -- post brief EXIF data including ISO, shutter speed and aperture used.
6. Commenting - No commenting during challenge. When the posting is closed and a winner has been declared, comments can be made in this thread.
7. Have questions, PM me.
8. Have FUN!


One challenge every week, on the following schedule:

* New Topic - After winner is declared.
* Posting Starts - Right after topic is announced.
* Posting Ends - 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday, February 28, 2011.
* Winner from this competition decides the theme of the next one (and judges it for a winner) after this competition is closed.

Previous Winners
Previous Winners, part 2

One day in early January when I was trying to think of some place to go to shoot wild birds, my wife suggested trying the footbridge over the river where she had seen some waterfowl. I took her advice, and I am so glad I did because just as I arrived at the river I saw a Red-tailed Hawk take a pigeon from the roof of the church across the road. He landed with his prey on the low roof of the adjacent building. Usually these hawks are very wary, but he was quite content to enjoy his meal and let me walk up to within 20 feet and take a number of shots. I thought that was a most serendipitous moment.

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Governor Schwarzeneggar

I had taken my 8 year old grandson on the Amtrak train to Sacramento to visit the California Railroad Museum. Our hotel was only 3 blocks from the Capital so I bribed him into going over there with me as I had never been inside before. He really didn't want to go in but when we did, we found that the Governor was getting ready to announce the newest State Supreme Court Justice. Sadly, I only had my 24-70mm lens on but I got a few photos. After wards, when we walked out, a local radio show heard us talking about the event and interviewed us on air. Serendipitous, for sure.

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Leeping Deer - Serendipity

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …naclephotolog/5​475915725/

Was at the local fair, watching the young equestrians, when I spotted this little one and her steed. It really showed to me the bond that is created between horse and rider.

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Leaving

Leaving

The wife and I had just picked up her mother at LAX, and I was in the backseat snapping away. I caught this 747 taking off from the International terminal, and fired off two shots...this was shot #1 and it is the original un-cropped composition.

Help I am Stuck!

I saw this chipmunk looking around this old run-down birdhouse and went to grab a few photos. As I was setting up my camera, I noticed he went into the birdhouse and got himself stuck and needed to brush his teeth.
Here is a link to other photos taken

Help I am Stuck!

I was shooting something else (similar) and these riders came by.

Comp is closed - and great entries everybody - looks like I have a tough choice ahead of me.

Thanks for all the entries everybody - some wonderful examples!

Garry - No Title: Birds are my favorite subject and I have yet to get a good red-tail shot. Wonderful shot with very nice light - great catch. I hope you thanked your wife. (P.S. remember to title you photos in these competitions)

Maureen - Governor Schwarzeneggar: Wow what a lucky day for you - Seeing the Governator, getting on the radio and getting a decent shot not a day I would forget! (exif ??)

Pinnacle - Leeping Deer: Nice catch - it took me a few to see the deer. I'm glad you got Daisy under control after you got the shot!

Flo - No Title: Gail that is one sweet photo and very touching - I think you captured the moment very well!

Jason - Leaving: Very nice Jason - I like everything about this photo from the composition to the processing - very well done.

John_B - Help I am Stuck: This made me laugh right away - wonderful capture John - color and detail is very nice. I hope he got out ok.

airfrogusmc - No Title: Allen my immediate reaction was "very cool" - great catch!

Winner is airfrogusmc

Closely followed by Jason, Flo, Garry, John_B, Maureen and Pinnacle in no particular order.

Thanks for entering everybody - and please remember to follow the posting rules in the future

Sorry I forgot my exif... (although I did state that I had my 24-70 lens on the 5DII). I actually put the camera in Auto mode and held it above my head. I took 4 shots and only this one came out

Congrats to Allen for the win and thanks for the fun challenge, Monty.

Alright Allen! Great captures everyone Good job with the competition, Monty!

Mo, when I was still riding, I ran into Arnold Schwarzenegger several times at The Rock Store riding his H&D Fatboy with armed escort in tow. Had a few words with the gov, too.

Gail, love your capture. And to add to your Zombie sig, always remember rule #1: CARDIO.


Jason C

Good pictures on a hard (but open) subject.

Congrats airfrogusmc!

Thanks Monty and great job everyone Serendipity baby!!!!!

Thnaks for posting the comments Monty.

I'll get a new topic up soon.

Yeh well done airfrogusmc I like that shot a lot as its got everything in it, motion, mood and that bit of magic.