Tree Swallows in flight: I have tried and failed, for a while, to photograph Tree Swallows as they chase bugs around a field. They are fast, and the make u-turns at impossible speeds.

mdougc Loc: Sarver, PA

I have tried and failed, for a while, to photograph Tree Swallows as they chase bugs around a field. They are fast, and the make u-turns at impossible speeds. It became a challenge - an old-age obsession. So, recently, I went to a park where they have returned for the Spring; I sat in the grass where I could easily spin around, yet maintain a solid grip on the camera and telephoto lens. These were shot at f/8, 1/1600, and ISO3200-5000 on a cloudy day. I used Adobe Lightroom to develop the RAW.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Very nice.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Those are incredible shots

AJFRED Loc: Alabama

Persistence pays! Beautiful shots of very pretty birds! Good work.

scallihan Loc: Tigard, OR

Certainly no fails here. Beautiful shots of an elusive critter.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

Beautiful birds, beautiful work!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

mdougc wrote:

I have tried and failed, for a while, to photograph Tree Swallows as they chase bugs around a field. They are fast, and the make u-turns at impossible speeds. It became a challenge - an old-age obsession. So, recently, I went to a park where they have returned for the Spring; I sat in the grass where I could easily spin around, yet maintain a solid grip on the camera and telephoto lens. These were shot at f/8, 1/1600, and ISO3200-5000 on a cloudy day. I used Adobe Lightroom to develop the RAW.

Nice shots

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

mdougc wrote:

I have tried and failed, for a while, to photograph Tree Swallows as they chase bugs around a field. They are fast, and the make u-turns at impossible speeds. It became a challenge - an old-age obsession. So, recently, I went to a park where they have returned for the Spring; I sat in the grass where I could easily spin around, yet maintain a solid grip on the camera and telephoto lens. These were shot at f/8, 1/1600, and ISO3200-5000 on a cloudy day. I used Adobe Lightroom to develop the RAW.

Fantastic set

tcthome Loc: NJ

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

These are really tough birds to get in flight. You've done a fine job!

HRBIEL Loc: Rapid City, SD

Very nice! Beautifully sharp and lovely background separation!

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

Great job.

srg

mdougc wrote:

I have tried and failed, for a while, to photograph Tree Swallows as they chase bugs around a field. They are fast, and the make u-turns at impossible speeds. It became a challenge - an old-age obsession. So, recently, I went to a park where they have returned for the Spring; I sat in the grass where I could easily spin around, yet maintain a solid grip on the camera and telephoto lens. These were shot at f/8, 1/1600, and ISO3200-5000 on a cloudy day. I used Adobe Lightroom to develop the RAW.

The distracting writing with the clashing colors severely detracts from what would otherwise be very good photos.
It's the first thing one notices. Ego Exercise?

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Great captures.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I have tried photographing those guys in flight. Tough job. You did very well.