A bit of birds in flight

[elsa hoffmann]

Brown throated Martins and Barn Swallows aren't exactly so easy to track and shoot.

[atpaula]

Fantastic!!! The first one is the best imho because of the bokeh.
What is the camera/lens?
Thank you for posting.

[elsa hoffmann]

Thank you kindly
D500 & Nikon 200-500 lens

[Fons Baerken]

Thats no wimpy setup, you wield it well, Elsa.

[elsa hoffmann]

Thank you Fons !

[elsid]

Very well done Elsa. Small birds, as you say, are difficult to track.

[Bent Hjarbo]

Stunning pictures Elsa
Number 2 with the reflection is my favorite.
I must get out and  practice as I have the same setup, but never got so good pictures.

[Fons Baerken]

Stunning pictures Elsa
Number 2 with the reflection is my favorite.
I must get out and  practice as I have the same setup, but never got so good pictures.

Tripod?

[Bent Hjarbo]

I normally use free hand, as I don’t have a gimbal head.
Elsa how did you accomplish those fine pictures?

[elsa hoffmann]

Thank you Elsid & Bent

I wish they were "fine" but I think at best they are fairly okey.

I found a channel where 50-60 of the were flying in a pattern - sweeping down to drink in the same area, a spot of roughtly 2 sq meters. Whish is a lot for these small birds. So a LOT of hit and miss. out of probably 300 pics - I got about 15 keepers. it was my first time doing these little ones - so I hope next time I will do it better. f5.6 is too shallow I think - and I will sit my arse down flat next time (shooting from an embankment down onto the water in the channel)

I might also try my gimbal next time. And perhaps not group setting again, I dont know. you live and learn

[chris dees]

Beautiful series, the 2nd is my pick as well.
Tried several times to catch them but miserably failed.

[elsa hoffmann]

Thanks Chris. The trick is to find a confined place where they drink, they do stick around and return in circles to the same area.
I have the swallows at my home too - but the water area is too big so they are not confined to drinking in one spot.
I swore I would never get them -  but I did. Now to do it again!

[Randy Stout]

Elsa:

#2 for me for the unique pose.  background on #1 is to distracting.

I shoot an occ. picture of a bif, and swallows are very difficult, as you have found out.  Your yield % was pretty good for them.  I have shot both handheld and with a gimbal, and each has its plus and minuses.

Cheers

Randy

[elsa hoffmann]

Thanks Randy. One can but try. And try I will again

[Akira]

I'm breathtakingly floored with my jaw dropped...