PetKal wrote:
Steve, a well crafted set with excellent species variety, all of them "tricky" flyers.
(1) Perfect framing, nice background, the bird perspective is level, colours are authentic and the bird attitude is good.
(2) The wind-up twist is always a hoot to photograph, well done.
(3) The little bastards are shy and hard to get to in my area......you have done
remarkably well and the pleasant background is a bonus.
(4) The Peregrine is a beauty photograph on the whole, it just goes to show that a fine shot is possible without being able to see each and every feather fibre.
(5) A great moment photographed, the image is a bit busy but so is the nature.
I think, all around, you've passed with flying colours your BIF shooting self-assignment. ...Show more →
Whew, thanks for the individual critique, Peter! You're right about the Peregrine, it's more about the overall composition than getting the detailed clarity of the bird; I really wanted to get the wave action in the bg and the feeling for the location. And I DID ask Mrs. Vermilion to feed her kidlets on a single branch with a pleasing bg, but she would have none of it. Appreciate it, sir!
Tim Kuhn wrote:
Great work Steve capturing the birdies doing what they do! I reeeeaaally like Falcon with the surf in the background, that's a cool and unique shot The twisting and shaking Tern sure is a fun shot! Heck, I like em all!
Tim
Tim, I'm sure you remember you, me and Lil were in that same area where I snapped the Peregrine, though they were high-flying on that day. As for the Tern, I've tried to get 'em in mid- twist like that for years, and now I got it and can move on with my life. Glad you like 'em all!
Wow, I Know a few of these shots, All Awesome. you don't compilate a set of 5 bif's that awesome in just a couple of outings. Alot of work and talent into this post. Well Done, Steve
Tim
BearCreekLar wrote:
Wow, sweet set! that Falcon is stupendous, love the wave in the background and the KF is pretty dang cool too. The Mama going by the young one is my second fave behind the Falcon
Larry
Thanks Larry, yeah, the Peregrines are a challenge to get in-flight, especially with the wave action in the bg. The AF has a hard time knowing what to focus on! It was fun watching Mrs. VF drop food off to the kiddies while Mr. VF made a few half-hearted attempts.
eyelaser wrote:
That first shot is so perfectly focused that it may appear over sharpened but I think not...the upside down flyer is so freaky cool...I want to turn my computer upside down....the peregrine is to die for (if you are another bird) and the others simply wonderful.
Eric
Eric, appreciate you giving your take on the Greenie. I looked at it on 2 other monitors and I saw no "jaggies" on it, in fact it looked better on the others than on mine!
Gary Thompson wrote:
Super collection Steve. The Bushhawk seems to be working really well for you. I'd be interested in you comments about it, especially in regards to general walking around with it.
Gary
Gary, I never take the 7D/500 f4 off the BushHawk. I even use it when I have the connector cord problems I mentioned in my PM as I still find it easier to carry than hand-held. Thanks for looking!
Really nice images, I am heading down to San Diego next week for five days , hope to get some good shooting ops. Can you tell me how close Bolsa Chica is from San Diego? Bruce
Whew, thanks for the individual critique, Peter! You're right about the Peregrine, it's more about the overall composition than getting the detailed clarity of the bird; I really wanted to get the wave action in the bg and the feeling for the location. And I DID ask Mrs. Vermilion to feed her kidlets on a single branch with a pleasing bg, but she would have none of it. 
The twisting and shaking Tern sure is a fun shot! Heck, I like em all! 