Yesterday morning I inadvertently flushed this Swainson’s Hawk off prey as I drove a remote dirt road in the Centennial Valley.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
It had been very close to the road but it was hidden in the grasses so the first I saw of the bird was when it took off for a flight of only a few feet to get over the fence next to the road where it landed again. I stopped to watch the hawk but the wire of the fence was between me and the bird so I almost didn’t even raise my lens – in my experience wire between me and my subject invariably ruins the shot.
But in the end I watched it through my lens and couldn’t resist firing off a few shots despite the wire – this is one of them. When I reviewed my images I was amazed that I could see no trace of the wire, even though it was in front of the hawk and ran horizontally across its body. I think a combination of factors allowed that to happen:
- I was very close to the bird
- I was also quite close to the wire
- With my tc on I was shooting at an effective 1120 mm
These factors gave me very little depth of field and “softened” the wire to the point that it can’t be seen. Those with a more discerning eye than I have may be able to detect it but I can’t…
So for me this was another lesson learned – objects in front of the subject don’t necessarily ruin the image if you have a very narrow depth of field and that object isn’t particularly close to the bird.
Ron
PS – after this shot was taken the hawk walked through the fence, retrieved its prey (a vole I believe) and flew off with it.
What a majestic and beautiful bird. And, how lucky that you DID fire off those few shots. I suspect you are regretting other ‘shots not taken’ (with apologies to Robert Frost).
Love everything about this shot.
For some reason, I’ve been thinking a lot about hose wild horses you photographed a while ago and hing we het to see them again ….
I really, really, REALLY HATE this thing!!!
What a handsome, healthy bird!!! A real beauty! If that camera can reslly make wire disappear, it’s priceless! I only wish you’d train it on a lot more of the stuff…..especially devil wire….
Beautiful shot! And it’s such a healthy looking bird. I can’t detect the wire at all. Thanks so much!
Cool! I know the technique of getting very close to the wire in cages etc. have been used to make it disappear. Think there are some tips on the net regarding that. May open and opportunity for more photo’s you might otherwise pass on.
Again, a gorgeous shot of a gorgeous bird.
Thank you so much. It’s a joy to begin my mornings with you. What a blessing!
I shoot through wire all the time .Even chainlink and it’s never obious. Not sure exactly why? Someone smarter than I would have to explain that to me. . Just need to be close enough to it. . love Swainson hawks. I have a nest in my backyard. Glad your trip is turning for better. I think you should sell your house and move closer to the areas you love.
Marina, I think the simple answer is the “Circle of Confusion” (what a name!) or area in focus is so far way from the fence they just blur out of general view. I’m sure there’s a more technical answer, and I’d bet with certain types of test equipment – besides our eyes which are pretty forgiving – a slighter density may become apparent in the image?
But, I could be just “blowin’ smoke” and not knowing what I’m talking about too! LOL.
Thank-you I will look that up. I’ve heard that term before but geuss I didn’t study up on it. Will do so now.
Same thing happens to me when shooting grandkids playing Lacrosse through a chain link fence. The closer you are the better, and less likely the wire will be an obstacle.
But, more to the point, what an absolutely stunning animal! The “eyes” of raptors often have such a piercing/knowing stare. I love your work and this just shows off the intense “vibe” (revealing my 1960’s background ;`) coming from these animals!
Thank you for all your hard work and efforts!
Nope, can’t see the wire, as far as I’m concerned it doesn’t exist, except that you say it is there.
Fantastic shot, such a beautiful hawk!!
Info I will try and remember, very salient point for photographers. Thank you!
Nice capture and very good info.
Thanks for your blog.Lots of interesting great photos, facts , tips and aha moments.
It is indeed a sensational shot. Its wonderful that we can continue to learn new things.
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
It is amazing to see that there is no wire here. Glad you decided to try a few shots.
I was surprised too, Susan.