Pinky takes a bath

[Canon_Bob]

Captured these images of a Roseate Spoonbill taking a bath (and then drying off) yesterday in the mid afternoon sun. Harsh, sidelit conditions...But I think the sidelighting actually adds a bit to these. The dark BG made exposure tough as well. I actually had to shoot this series at minus two and a third EC! No wonder I like the morning light so much! Shooting in this kind of light is just too much darn work! He finally got scared off by a Bald Eagle flying over.

[Dylan8i]

wow another great series, with a competely different feel than normal for you. i like these alot.

at first before i scrolled down i saw the water and black background and though it was stars, and was tryign to wonder how you got bird pics under the stars (would be awesome)

[AgingEyes]

at first before i scrolled down i saw the water and black background and though it was stars,

Even though it was not stars, but it does look like so. But I find the photos a bit too dark. I think a little bit brighter should be ok.

The pose of the second shot is awesome !

Oh Bob, your camera was not touching the water, was it?

[Eric D]

These are truly Spectacular!! May I ask what settings were used for these shots?

[paulnj]

ah, but you pulled it off masterfully.

[Canon_Bob]

These are truly Spectacular!! May I ask what settings were used for these shots?

No problem Eric. These are the settings fro number 2, but they're all basically the same (slight variances in shutter speed is all).

Canon 1DsMII, 600mm f.4L with 1.4x TC, f/5.6, 1/3200, ISO 200, -2/1 EV (verified correct by histogram check), off tripod at ground level (lying in the mud, as usual). And yes, one leg of the tripod was actually in the water. End of the lens was probably 2 to 3 inches above the water surface.

[Canon_Bob]

ah, but you pulled it off masterfully.

Thanks Paul! I try :thumbsup:

[readingr]

Bob,

These are truly outstanding photo's.

Now I understnad why I can't get close enough "600mm with 1.4TC" and I'm trying with a 100-400!

Roger

[mn shutterbug]

Awesome series. Roger, poor boys like us just need to practice stealth.

[Canon_Bob]

Awesome series. Roger, poor boys like us just need to practice stealth.

LOL - My 100-400 PAID for my 600! That's absolutely a fact! The 100-400 is always close at hand (usually on the 40D). I think anyone contemplating the 600 should carry it for 2 miles before buying it That thing is a beast! I'm a big guy (6'3" and 250), and those long slogs through the muck with that 600 on a 1D body definitely make you evaluate how much you love photography! Then you get back home and start looking at the images....

I love that 600. It isn't for everyone, though. If my primary was a 1.6 CF body, I'd only get the 500. MUCH lighter, and you'd be able to find the darn birds in the viewfinder more than occasionally!

[paulnj]

My 100-400 bought me 6 months of mortgage when I was laid off.... what was I thinking???

[Canon_Bob]

My 100-400 bought me 6 months of mortgage when I was laid off.... what was I thinking???

That would've been a tough call....but I'd have probably chosen 6 months of camping Houses are overrated as compared to good glass :thumbsup:

Seriously, though...I can't think of a better lens for the money than the 100-400. ROI on the 600 is insane. It will take many years. Don't even get me started on the 800 (no, I'm not even thinking about getting an 800).

FWIW - For every image you see like these where I had to reach out with the big glass and make them happen, I'll take up close and personal with smaller glass any day. I have lost MANY great shots while working with the big lens because the bird comes in too close for me to shoot! All you can do is smile and kick yourself for not having a second body/lens combo with you (2nd body is not always a possibility when hiking alone with a 40 pound rig). The 600 just extends your range of options, but it really can't replace the versatility of the 100-400,70-200, or 300 prime.

[Martin Brazil]

Bob,

These are truly outstanding photo's.

Now I understnad why I can't get close enough "600mm with 1.4TC" and I'm trying with a 100-400!

Roger

Same here Roger, I'm trying hard with a mere 300mm and I just cant get near enough but I have a 2x teleconverter on its way so I'm hoping that will help.

Beautiful shots Bob, I especially like no2, how do you always get the subject to look at you ?

[Canon_Bob]

how do you always get the subject to look at you ?

I just wait until they do. Occasionally, I may make a very subtle sound or movement to attract their attention. Most of the time I lay quite motionless along the water's edge.

[Old Timer]

I am NEVER disappointed when I open one of your post Bob. Amazing series.

[Loupey]

Excellent work as usual, Bob!

I love seeing action that isn't normally seen/photographed.

[Sushigaijin]

Bob, I think these are perhaps better than your usual style. These are slightly surreal, full of drama and still perfectly exposed and composed. I think these offer something more than a photo of a bird, which is a tough thing for a nature photographer to capture.

good job with these.