Some of these are just great standalone BIF shots, wonderful light, great exposure control, sharp, nice composition, love the ones with the fish in the Egret's mouth. That you have captured a series showing something a little out of the ordinary certainly add to the achievement.
Now whether or not this is the holy grail I'm not sure, it depends what you mean. If you mean is this the very best sequence of Snowy Egret shots that can be imagined, then I don't think it is (for instance, too many of the shots have the bird looking away from the camera, a bigger fish would be more spectacular in 13 etc).
Now if you had asked whether this would win the gold medal in the "Snowy Egret" calss at an imaginary 2009 photography olympics then I for one would certainly not be betting against you!
Johnny Bravo wrote:
Glad to see that Ken Hamada has cleared up the confusion here. Dan posted a great series of Grailish proportions--but not one that qualifies for a decoder ring. As Ken notes, he's a Phounding Phather of the Holy Grail Society, and since he shoots Nikon we have been unable to implement a Nikon Exclusionary Rule, although it still sees debate in committee.
Here are some examples of Grail shots for which I immediately ship a decoder ring:
Osprey/Fish 'perfect timing' grab (look of terror on fish's face is an important element of one of these)
White Tailed Kite Mouse Passing shot
Falcon hitting prey in mid-air (the legendary 'puff of feathers' shot.) Oh, and:
Shot of Ken Hamada, hitting soft ground and buried up to his waist with the weight of all the gear he carries. (Look of Terror would be good here too).
Lastly, Dan J., it is apparent that you recognize that the list of photographers who've been published in Nat Geo is a long one. The list of Holy Grail Society Members is quite short--truly the elite. Good luck in your quest, grasshopper.
Thanks a mil for all the nice comments and the vote. As far as for the 'White Tailed Kite Mouse Passing shot', I assume that it is this post of mine you are referring to I'll PM you w/ my address so you can 'immediately ship a decoder ring:'
best,
Danno
These are excellent photos Dan. I think Monty Python would shoot for even better.
Dan, you can take these over the top by shooting during the magic hour for better light and color. Your sequence is wonderful and I don’t have any faults worth mentioning. If you are striving for your Holy Grail the photos need to be better than just perfect, then need to have incredible impact.
You did a great job and I enjoyed viewing every photo Dan.
Nello Milanese wrote:
OMG you're such a lucky little b@°#*"%d I guess after all the bad luck w the 200 pixels wide harriers you deserved this Was wondering who are the 6 guyz who voted no? I want names, addresses and I want'em now!
You did an amazing job buddy excellent AF tracking and perfect PP on these files!
Now that you joined the highest club don't look down on us
It's 11 and counting now Nello . Thanks for taking care of business buddy ...I know I can always depend on you for that . Let me know the outcome OK .
And thanks buddy for the un-derserving praise/comments.
Luv,
Danno
excellent AF tracking and perfect PP on these files!