Had an absolute blast meeting up and shooting with Geoff and Ron in Florida recently. You couldn't pick two nicer, more easy-going FMers to shoot with than these guys. Oh, and they also happen to be very talented photographers (with Ron's special talent being his ability to generate unlimited BIF opportunities )! I want to thank them for making this such a memorable trip.
Geoff flew in on a red-eye from Vancouver, while Ron and I drove down together and picked Geoff up at Orlando airport. Ron took the last leg of the drive into Orlando while I caught some shuteye, and of course he managed to get us to the wrong airport . Fortunately, my excellent planning had us reach Orlando about an hour ahead of schedule, so we still had time to get to the correct airport to pick up our Yukon buddy .
I'd say the trip was a great success. We visited a number of locations and saw a lot of Florida's signature birds, as well as a gator or two (and a surprise at the end of this set). We introduced Geoff to Chick-fil-a and got him a tan, but we missed out on treating him to the freshly squeezed orange juice. I guess that's for next time. On the other hand, we did come across his mentor and idol at one of the locations, so that must have been inspirational .
So here are some of the birds that I managed to photograph before Ron could get out of the car and scare them away .
Super shots Mitesh. How did you get so low for shots like 22? I may be able to shed some light on that in a future post.
If memory serves me correctly, your gps was also pointing to the wrong airport, and I did point out that the sign did not say Orlando International Airport.
As far as scaring birds, I do remember you scarin' a few away too. And I did miss the best Osprey dive chance we had by staying in the car while Geoff shot.
Overall, a great trip and anyone who gets a chance to shoot with either Geoff or Mitesh should just do it ~ Ron
What Mitesh has failed to mention is that all these amazing shots were shot with his point and shoot Olympus gears. Very impressive indeed
Awesome set Mitesh, you know I loved the silhouettes you took as I stood there and didn't even consider them. The little blue with the fish toss is awesome....maybe a lower angle would have been better or were you worried about what might be lurking below the water
It was a great 4 days....the most tiring I've ever had with the early mornings but well worth it. And yes shooting beside the world's most famous bird photographer at Gatorland was a special treat
arbitrage wrote:
What Mitesh has failed to mention is that all these amazing shots were shot with his point and shoot Olympus gears. Very impressive indeed
Awesome set Mitesh, you know I loved the silhouettes you took as I stood there and didn't even consider them. The little blue with the fish toss is awesome....maybe a lower angle would have been better or were you worried about what might be lurking below the water
It was a great 4 days....the most tiring I've ever had with the early mornings but well worth it. And yes shooting beside the world's most famous bird photographer at Gatorland was a special treat...Show more →
p.1 #10 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
morris wrote:
1,4, 11, 12, 23 superb from a great set Mitesh.
Ron, going to the wrong airport is a special talent. We did that and missed a flight!
I'm looking forward to more great photos and stories from this adventure
Morris
Thanks, Morris. Ron's other talent is his ability to produce an endless string of witty remarks and zingers. Although, by the end of the trip, I was about ready to leave him in FL with the rest of the old people .
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jaylee73 wrote:
What an enjoyable set of images Mitesh! I'm having a difficult time selecting favourites. I'm glad to hear the 3 of you had a great time.
Thanks, Jason, for the comment as well as your detailed information on locations from your trip earlier this year.
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dhlewis wrote:
Great set, #21 is my pick. Sounds like you guys had a great time.
Thank you, Dale, and yes, we had a great time. Unfortunately, it's back to reality now!
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onegreatcity wrote:
I love your work Mitesh.
Ha, Cam, you're always too nice! We've gotta get you down here with Geoff next time, so start planning now!
p.1 #11 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
surfnron wrote:
Super shots Mitesh. How did you get so low for shots like 22? I may be able to shed some light on that in a future post.
Oh boy, I know you have some very unflattering images of me!
surfnron wrote:
If memory serves me correctly, your gps was also pointing to the wrong airport, and I did point out that the sign did not say Orlando International Airport.
Well, old man, at your age, I wouldn't assume that your memory is serving you correctly . You couldn't even remember where we had shot the day before !
surfnron wrote:
As far as scaring birds, I do remember you scarin' a few away too.
Oh yeah? Name one.
surfnron wrote:
And I did miss the best Osprey dive chance we had by staying in the car while Geoff shot.
It's ok, don't beat yourself up over it. Geoff didn't get the shot either because he had buffered out, remember? Click, click, click, click... click.... click....click
surfnron wrote:
Overall, a great trip and anyone who gets a chance to shoot with either Geoff or Mitesh should just do it ~ Ron
Yes sir, it certainly was, and you're right at the top of my list of FMers who I'd want to shoot with on any given day. Fair warning to others: if you shoot with Ron, you will miss some shots because you won't be able to see through the tears of laughter when Ron is in form like he was last week!
p.1 #12 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
arbitrage wrote:
What Mitesh has failed to mention is that all these amazing shots were shot with his point and shoot Olympus gears. Very impressive indeed
Awesome set Mitesh, you know I loved the silhouettes you took as I stood there and didn't even consider them. The little blue with the fish toss is awesome....maybe a lower angle would have been better or were you worried about what might be lurking below the water
It was a great 4 days....the most tiring I've ever had with the early mornings but well worth it. And yes shooting beside the world's most famous bird photographer at Gatorland was a special treat...Show more →
Thanks, Geoff! It was a pleasure to shoot with you again. It was an especially long distance for you to travel, and I am sure I speak for Ron when I say that we appreciate it and enjoyed your company, and look forward to the next time!
p.1 #15 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
mitesh wrote: morris wrote:
1,4, 11, 12, 23 superb from a great set Mitesh.
Ron, going to the wrong airport is a special talent. We did that and missed a flight!
I'm looking forward to more great photos and stories from this adventure
Morris
Thanks, Morris. Ron's other talent is his ability to produce an endless string of witty remarks and zingers. Although, by the end of the trip, I was about ready to leave him in FL with the rest of the old people .
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Then you better not shoot with the two of us as you will need to plug your ears :-}
p.1 #18 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
Fantastic, Mitesh! Wonderful diversity, perfect technique, great poses and comps. (Olympus should hire you as an explorer of mirrorless light).
Great birds, great images, and great FM colleagues--a perfect trio!
Greg
P.S. I think 22 is a Least Sandpiper.
P.P.S. I believe I recognize the site at which Geoff ran into his idol--perhaps you have some images of the eminent one feeding hotdogs to the Wood Storks.
p.1 #19 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
Plinian wrote:
Fantastic, Mitesh! Wonderful diversity, perfect technique, great poses and comps. (Olympus should hire you as an explorer of mirrorless light).
P.S. I think 22 is a Least Sandpiper.
, thanks, Greg, for your compliment and the ID assist! I also would like to thank you for your recommendations/advice on locations. Unfortunately, we were too late for Blue Cypress Lake (and the water levels are too low right now), and Ron B. had a tour booked already.
Plinian wrote:
P.P.S. I believe I recognize the site at which Geoff ran into his idol--perhaps you have some images of the eminent one feeding hotdogs to the Wood Storks.
p.1 #20 · Florida with Geoff and Ron (image heavy)
Plinian wrote:
Fantastic, Mitesh! Wonderful diversity, perfect technique, great poses and comps. (Olympus should hire you as an explorer of mirrorless light).
Great birds, great images, and great FM colleagues--a perfect trio!
Greg
P.S. I think 22 is a Least Sandpiper.
P.P.S. I believe I recognize the site at which Geoff ran into his idol--perhaps you have some images of the eminent one feeding hotdogs to the Wood Storks.
)! I want to thank them for making this such a memorable trip.
. Fortunately, my excellent planning had us reach Orlando about an hour ahead of schedule, so we still had time to get to the correct airport to pick up our Yukon buddy 
.
