The one that almost got away

Sorting through some of my older pictures I came across a directory or two of pictures I had forgotten about.
These are a few pictures of a young Red Tailed Hawk I took while near a large pond. I was standing near the edge of the wood on an embankment when I caught out of the corner of my eye this Hawk taking off. I quickly turned and start shooting away.
This was a hot humid bright sunny day in the middle of the summer here in eastern North Carolina.

I know it is better to frame them coming into the frame, but like the title says this is the one that almost got away.


http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accoun...=1290124922000


http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accoun...=1290124915000


Of these three shots I think this next one is my favorite.
http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accoun...=1290124925000

Tkerr, As a wanna-be wildlife photographer, All I can say is---I

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Originally Posted by Bob Williams

Tkerr, As a wanna-be wildlife photographer, All I can say is---I'm Jealous. We have lots of redtails where I am from, But I can never seem to get close enough to catch a good shot.


Nice Job.


Bob
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Time, patience and a lot of luck. If you try to stalk the wild life it will be hard to get close; you'll usually scare it away. You need to sit still and wait hoping they will come toward you. Luck!

I forgot to mention those were shot with my EOS 50D with the EF 100-400mm L IS lens.


Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Image Date: 2009-07-15
Focal Length: 400mm
Focus Distance: 30.3m
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure Time: 0.0006 s (1/1600)
ISO equiv: 320
Exposure Bias: -0.33 EV
Metering Mode: Partial
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No
Color Space: ProPhoto RGB
Photographer: Timothy L. Kerr
Copyright: Timothy L. Kerr

That is coool. I can

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Originally Posted by Steve U

That is coool. I can't even get the magpies in the front yard that sharp. Nice job. You'd probably be a good fisherman too.


Waiting, waiting, waiting zzz...
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I was at one time! I used to spend days on the end of the pier fishing for King Mackerel, Cobia, Etc. The wait was worthwhile when that real would start singing and you get that adrenaline rush.


Photography is pretty much the same as fishing in that respect. But the difference is that when your are fishing like that you are listening for the sound of the real to start singing. When you are waiting for the Birds or Animals to come into close view you are more in tuned with everything around you which keeps your mind more occupied and time seems to pass by pretty fast..


Those that get away are probably more than with fishing and probably more frustrating. And just like fishing you will have some pretty tall tales to share with your friends about the big one that got away.

Great shots tkerr, I think they got better as you went and agree with you on the third one.





I really enjoy the fishing analogy as well, hadn't thought of it like that.

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Originally Posted by ChrisW

Great shots tkerr, I think they got better as you went and agree with you on the third one.

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Thank You.

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Originally Posted by ChrisW

I really enjoy the fishing analogy as well, hadn't thought of it like that.
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Which part, the part about waiting or the part about the tall tales? [:D]

Haha the part about waiting!


I find myself walking through trails too fast at times and will begin to practice sitting in one place soak in the surroundings.

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Originally Posted by Chris W

Haha the part about waiting!


I find myself walking through trails too fast at times and will begin to practice sitting in one place soak in the surroundings.
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I was the same way until I got more familiar with the areas I shoot wildlife. Once I learned where most of the activity is I would go find a place downwind and just sit there waiting for the action. Wear clothing that blends with the surroundings, or find someplace to conceal yourself but still be able to get the shot.

Just like fishing, sometimes I get lucky while other times I go home empty. I'm glad I don't rely it to survive.[H]


There are times I still go out to the nature trails for a brisk walk, for the exercise, and bring the camera along in the event I might see a good photo opportunity.