Challenging Subject!

[Loupey]

The hardest in-flight bird shots I've done to date!

Came across several Tree Swallows actively feeding on insects out in the open this evening. I managed to work my way into the center (more or less) of the frenzy and I figured it was a good opportunity to practice my in-flight/manual focusing training.

It was too dark and they were too close to keep the 2x on. So I went straight 300mm. They would streak by so close sometimes that I could hear them squeak like a mouse just overhead. I found a few individuals which seemed to prefer flying low while most others hunted high above.

Have I mentioned why I like to shoot manual focus ? I don't think AF could even have locked on any of these. It was hard enough just to keep them in the viewfinder.

[Lionheart]

Wow. That was manual? Amazing shots. I've tried getting swallow shots at the Mission San Juan Capistrano a few years ago, and I couldn't get anything worth keeping. I was shooting with an EOS A2, Tamron 500mm f8 mirror lens, and 70-210 f4, and it was frustrating, both AF and manual. Those birds are seriously FAST. Great shots getting them in focus in flight.
again, amazing.
Leon

[Jaedon]

Wow. Seriously Loupey. Wow. That first image is incredible with the posturing and attitude in the bird. Simply beautiful. They are all good but the first one and fourth one are my favourites over all.

[big baldo]

You are a machine!! I see them here everyday over the water but I havent even attempted to get a shot!! WWAAYYY too fast for me right now.
GOOD JOB!!

[karen m.]

Amazing shots just beautiful great job Loupey:thumbsup:

[Bevb]

Great work Loupey, these little missiles are'nt easy, i remember posting some images of these last May when i spent hours trying to get decent shots, but its a challenge fulfilled when you do get a good result at the end of a shoot.
Loupey your bird shots get better and better, i remember beginning of last year in one of your threads you saying, il never become a bird nerd! and most of your shots were of Macro's, and a few cussings thrown in when your flight shots were'nt easy!, well, Boy your flight shots now are amazing!
This shows how persiverence, and never being put off by a challenge that fails sometimes, makes people like yourself a brilliant photographer.

[AmberC]

What awesome pictures and such a beautiful little subject!! Great job!

[Copy_Kot]

Outstanding as usual Loupey!

[paulnj]

swallows are very tough in flight.. great job!

[Loupey]

You people are too kind! Tough for sure - I tried it a few days before with not much luck as well as a few times last year - but I wanted to give it a solid effort to see if it could be done. I figured practicing with the hardest subject I can find would keep me ready to shoot just about anything else.

Bev, you're exactly right - I just couldn't fathom all the obsession with birds. This time last year, I could ID about 5 types of birds. Now I can ID about 10

Having never been around so many photographers before, I can say that you ALL are inspirations to me. Opening my photography to new subjects, new direction, and new techniques.

Here are a few more from this afternoon's sunny day. Again, just the 300mm alone at either 1/1000s or 1/1500s. Not as many flying about. The middle two are cropped significantly.

[Loupey]

A few nights ago (everthing cool happens when it is almost too dark ), I spotted these two swallows going at it - courtship I presume.

They met about 40' above the marsh and went at it as they both fell towards the water. I was thinking "pull up! pull up!" They actually hit the water a little and continued at each other. Unfortunately, I couldn't get their free-fall. Fortunately, when they did level off, it was parallel to me

[RobMac]

Wow, those are spectacular!

[payn817]

love the golden color in those last images.