I believe this to be a perspective on a landing raptor that one seldom sees in a photograph. It may not be to everyone’s taste but I found it interesting nonetheless.
It’s not easy to photograph birds in the process of landing because they’re difficult to track as they approach their landing spot – autofocus tends to lock on to the background instead of the bird. One trick is to pre-focus on their soon-to-be perch but you typically don’t know exactly where it will be – birds are unpredictable like that.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But for this shot I had a good idea where the hawk would land – right on top of the whitewash. These traditional perches have likely been used by raptors for decades, perhaps even centuries or more and the white uric acid stain is persistent and obvious, especially on dark rocks like these on Antelope Island.
Here the whitewash was likely being used as a target twice – by me and by the hawk. I pre-focused on the spot and fired off a burst as the bird landed and hoped for the best. I expected that the images would likely be throw-ways because they’d be butt shots and I wouldn’t be able to see the bird’s head but I got lucky with this image and there’s even light in the eye. I like the intensity of concentration of the hawk on its target, the foot/talon position, the shadow on the rocks revealing individual flight feathers, the “open” alula and feather group definition of the right wing and the good look at much of the dorsal surface of a landing raptor.
Yes, it’s still a “butt shot” but it works for me in a different sort of way.
Ron
PS – I hope all of you are dealing with the time change this morning better than I am. Speaking of butts, it kicked mine!
This is not what I would consider a butt shot. The perspective is unusual and I love the detail.
I’m with you, Ron, this is a great shot!!!
Excellent tip.
I think it was you who mentioned that birds often poop just before taking off. Now I can use a careful study of their excretory habits to catch them both coming and going!
Clever photography and a beautiful result, Ron. I especially appreciate you sharing your techniques, a clear sign of your background as a teacher. May I ask whether you use back-button focusing or simply hold your half press on the shutter button while pre-focusing on the landing spot?
Thank you, Dwynn. I nearly always use BB focus for birds, including for this shot. In fact I never change that setting on this 7D.
A butt AND britches shot. And a perspective that few of us will ever see. The details on the plumage are incredible, and I love those grasping talons. Not like it? True. I love it.
You and your “britches”, Elephant’s Child! Sure glad you like them…
Great shot, (please stop disrespecting and putting down “butt shots”–they show backside feather patterns and detail like no other). Love how colors of bird and rock compliment and echo each other…LOVE this shot!!!
I’ll work on my attitude toward butt-shots, Patty!
Fantastic! I love this shot and thanks for info about pre-focusing. I think about the tips you’ve shared with us every time I go out to photograph… and my images are improving. They’re no where near the caliber of yours, but they are improving none the less.
Delighted to learn my tips have been helpful to you, Sharon. Thank you.
Excellent Landing Photo Ron ! Really love the shadow of the wings on the rocks as well.
Thanks, John. I like that shadow too.
Wonderful shot Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Wow – spectacular! One of my favorites amongst many of your photographs, Ron. I love that glint in the eye and the outstretched talons.
I’m glad you like it, Alison. I wasn’t sure how it might be received.