Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA  


In-flight skimmers and terns by Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA

January 2020 - In-flight skimmers and terns

About the Image(s)

How I did it—PSA friends and I were photographing on Anna Marie Island about 1 hr. South of me about 4 yrs. ago. The beach presented us with us with nesting Black Skimmers, Royal and Least Terns. These birds often take off together, fly a 360 degree flight pattern, then return to their take off area. I happened to be positioned perfectly to capture one of the take offs. Tools of the day were my trusty Canon 7D and Canon 100-400 IS f 4.5-5.6 lens, hand held. My settings were 400 ISO, f 8 @ 1500th of a second at 160 mm. I love the contrast of the Black Skimmers and the lighter Royal Terns, including the water and beautiful sky.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Erik, great combination of skimmers and terns flying in groups. The skimmers are in focus, but the terns are not, but still are clear enough to know what they are, the same as the ocean, creating depth and tridimensionality. Now, at the edge of the frame we have a few amputated birds which creates some tension and distraction. Not being this a pure nature group, I used some of the CC2020 magic to clean the distractions. The colors are well balanced.   Posted: 01/01/2020 13:53:20
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Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Well caught action, Erik. Exposure and focus are just right. Tracking flying birds and holding focus is not as easy as it looks - I've tried it a few times without much success. From a pictorial point of view, I like Isaac's version, but of course that would not be acceptable for a Nature image.   Posted: 01/04/2020 12:04:32



 
I like the two species of birds. But as long as you're cheating I'd suggest removing the tern that is overlapped by the skimmer on the right. But I'm not good enough a post to make a convincing removal   Posted: 01/06/2020 18:01:19
Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Joe, Done   Posted: 01/13/2020 10:42:25
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Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
I appreciate your input Guy, Joe and Isaac. I planned to use this image in the Nature Div. that is why I didn't eliminate bits and pieces of birds. If used in the PID Div., your crop is an excellent choice.   Posted: 01/13/2020 11:23:27



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
This is just like a painting the colour palette is gorgeous the birds are striking they add a dash of colour to a beautiful background the near most birds are so sharp I feel I could almost touch them this deserves to do so so well for you this group is blessed with some very very talented wildlife photographers and for me this image is right up there with the best we have been lucky enough to enjoy.   Posted: 01/19/2020 14:59:05
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Thanks so much for your kind remarks Ian, I truly love Wildlife and hope some of my images can be of help to interest and teach folks how important it is to preserve their eco system. Some of us have created an imbalance by our bad decisions and lack of knowledge. We need to remember if wildlife is in trouble we are in trouble. Perhaps Guy has shared the fact that Betty Sue and I will be in London June 23rd. Love to have you and your wife join us for a meal and perhaps some shooting. Please forward me your e-mail.   Posted: 01/19/2020 15:22:45
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
My e-mail is ianatgolfcourse@aol.com   Posted: 01/19/2020 17:40:55