See Kids, THIS Is How It's Done (Page 5): Thanks very much!! Best tip I could offer I suppose is to constantly be aware of your settings for the lighting and subject matter. Also fast...

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Sleeper wrote:

Your BIF's are incredible. I'm trying but just can't seem to put it all together. Please share some tips. Thanks in advance

Thanks very much!!
Best tip I could offer I suppose is to constantly be aware of your settings for the lighting and subject matter.

Also fast AF is critical. Pan with your subject and pump (the focus) for BIF to keep the bird always as sharp as possible.
I use BBF (back button focus) to utilize this technique.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Merlin1300 wrote:

Swamp Gator wrote:

Here's a skimmer shot she did. Think she's any good? :-D

Hey Gator !! :) Your better half got the 'money shot' :-)
.
And no wonder the old guy got the goods - -
His beak is bigger :)
I hope he shared with the kids - - -

Hey that's why she is the new Pro in town! :-D

Don't believe the old timer likely shared his meal with the youngsters. :-o

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

Wicked sharp shots!

Sleeper Loc: Texas

Thanks very much!!
Best tip I could offer I suppose is to constantly be aware of your settings for the lighting and subject matter.

Also fast AF is critical. Pan with your subject and pump (the focus) for BIF to keep the bird always as sharp as possible.
I use BBF (back button focus) to utilize this technique.[/quote]

Thanks for that. I'm shooting with a 7d with f2.8 70-200 L II IS. I've got a 2X teleconverter on the way, so equipment wise I'll be close to what you're using. Of course that's not even half the battle. The best hammer does not make a good carpenter.

What about AI Servo autofocus?

Paul B. Loc: North Carolina

Looks very good the water looks almost like glass.

Exposures and Art Loc: Murrells Inlet SC

Very nice-let me guess, Canon 100-400??

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

RMM wrote:

Wicked sharp shots!

Thanks very much!

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Sleeper wrote:

Thanks for that. I'm shooting with a 7d with f2.8 70-200 L II IS. I've got a 2X teleconverter on the way, so equipment wise I'll be close to what you're using. Of course that's not even half the battle. The best hammer does not make a good carpenter.

What about AI Servo autofocus?

I use AI Servo for action AF. But I don't count on it to automatically continue to provide sharp focus as the subject moves. I re-aquire focus on my own.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Paul B. wrote:

Looks very good the water looks almost like glass.

That's always the best skimmer water!

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

SouthernExposures wrote:

Very nice-let me guess, Canon 100-400??

Thanks!
But no, Canon 300 f4 with Canon 1.4 III extender was used.

Lazy Old Coot Loc: Gainesville, Florida

Swamp Gator wrote:

An adult and two juvenile black skimmers were operating in the marsh pond.
But who comes up with the fish?!?
Yes, it's the older and more experienced adult that gets a meal, while the youngsters have to be content to tag along.

I'm sure this is a learning experience for them as they are acquiring skills and knowledge to catch fish on their own.

Please hit Download for expanded view

Those are neat shots. I've always wondered why skimmers don't break their neck when they hit something in the water. It's amazing how little wake their lower bill leaves, it just slips through the water with no splash at all.
......... Coot

Lancer W/A Canon Loc: atlanta

Swamp Gator wrote:

An adult and two juvenile black skimmers were operating in the marsh pond.
But who comes up with the fish?!?
Yes, it's the older and more experienced adult that gets a meal, while the youngsters have to be content to tag along.

I'm sure this is a learning experience for them as they are acquiring skills and knowledge to catch fish on their own.

Please hit Download for expanded view

I know this is a day late, and I know you are really good, but just HOW FAST ARE YOU TO GET SHOTS OF BOTH SIDES OF THE SKIMMERS ????????

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Lazy Old Coot wrote:

Those are neat shots. I've always wondered why skimmers don't break their neck when they hit something in the water. It's amazing how little wake their lower bill leaves, it just slips through the water with no splash at all.
......... Coot

Thanks Coot!!
I wonder the same thing. They seem to know what they are doing and they must have strong necks. :-)

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Lancer W/A Canon wrote:

I know this is a day late, and I know you are really good, but just HOW FAST ARE YOU TO GET SHOTS OF BOTH SIDES OF THE SKIMMERS ????????

I'm not sure what you mean by both sides, but they were skimming east and turned around and flew off with the fish flying west so there ya go.

:-D

VHD-Tex Loc: Mc Allen Tx.

Gator--What are shooting with? Very nice!