p.3 #7 · Why these 14 are my favorite shots of 2018
Tony,
I find #1 quite interesting as around here seems they are always so territorial. To see them sitting quietly next to each other just seems impossible, yet there they are. Documenting this behavior is rewarding in itself.
I've never seen a Merlin up close so that's a treat. The fish on their spawning run is an excellent capture, the low level puts me right there.
p.3 #10 · Why these 14 are my favorite shots of 2018
jbledsoe wrote:
Tony,
I find #1 quite interesting as around here seems they are always so territorial. To see them sitting quietly next to each other just seems impossible, yet there they are. Documenting this behavior is rewarding in itself.
I've never seen a Merlin up close so that's a treat. The fish on their spawning run is an excellent capture, the low level puts me right there.
Thanks for sharing -- Jeff
Thanks Jeff. Seems critters have to slack off on territorial behaviour when it comes to mating time.
When the Merlins were skimming our pond for dragonflies, they often perched on our roof.
You would not believe how many missed fish shots went into the garbage. A great advantage of memory cards over film.
p.3 #11 · Why these 14 are my favorite shots of 2018
Enjoying this set for the umpteenth time... no need to tell Tony his images are stellar, but what I really enjoy are his observational skills, documented in both images and his descriptions. At least for me, I have a great day in the field if I have seen interesting birds and behaviour, whether I come back with some high quality photographic keepers or not, and I get the impression Tony feels the same way.
p.3 #12 · Why these 14 are my favorite shots of 2018
Questions: would you say that with the 300mm that you were able to get closer to the subjects and therefore did not need, say, a 200-500mm lens? What is the (what shall we call it?) "secret" to getting close enough to the subjects to make a 300mm a viable lens choice? Is it patience? Is it choosing your spot and waiting for the wildlife to get close enough? Do you use any kind of blind or camouflage yourself? Do you choose known highly inhabited spots? Do you prefer the 200-500mm in what kind of circumstances?
p.3 #16 · Why these 14 are my favorite shots of 2018
NorthMac wrote:
Enjoying this set for the umpteenth time... no need to tell Tony his images are stellar, but what I really enjoy are his observational skills, documented in both images and his descriptions. At least for me, I have a great day in the field if I have seen interesting birds and behaviour, whether I come back with some high quality photographic keepers or not, and I get the impression Tony feels the same way.
Thanks Colin. I see and learn something new almost every time I go out. Such is Nature.
p.3 #17 · Why these 14 are my favorite shots of 2018
pasblues wrote:
Questions: would you say that with the 300mm that you were able to get closer to the subjects and therefore did not need, say, a 200-500mm lens? What is the (what shall we call it?) "secret" to getting close enough to the subjects to make a 300mm a viable lens choice? Is it patience? Is it choosing your spot and waiting for the wildlife to get close enough? Do you use any kind of blind or camouflage yourself? Do you choose known highly inhabited spots? Do you prefer the 200-500mm in what kind of circumstances?
Too many gear questions for this forum.
I get as close as I can using all sorts of methods. They are not secrets. I prefer zooms for changing focal-lengths faster than you can with any primes, and no longer own the 200-500mm.
IMO wearing camo on yourself is a waste of time for nearly all animals. Most of them can see your face and lens, and any movement you make regardless of the camo you are wearing.
