Friday, June 27, 2014

Photographing Peregrine Falcons

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Peregrine Falcon In Flight
camera settings: f/8, 1/2000 seconds, ISO-400
Single Point AF AI Servo

Peregrine falcons are probably my most photographed birds. I simply enjoy watching them. Photographing them in flight is a big challenge though, as they are not only very fast, they are the FASTEST ANIMAL on earth. They could dive up to 200+ mph when taking their prey. Oftentimes, my camera and lens is not fast enough to focus on them. The happiness however, of capturing them in flight is un-explainable, no words could describe, haha!!!

Lately however, I have learned some strategies when photographing birds in flight. That is to observe their behavior. When birds are perched on a cliff and on a tree, I watched them til they poop, which is a signal that soon they will leave and fly.  I prepare then my camera to be able to catch them in flight.

Sometimes, when I see them flying, I aim my camera at them, even it has difficulty focusing right away because of their fast speed. I however, still continue to follow them with my camera because I know there is a chance they could slow down, or find a place to perch, where my camera would have greater chance of focusing. Patience on following them while they are in flight until the camera and lens focuses do pay off. :)
Peregrine Falcon About to Perch
camera settings: f/8, 1/2000 seconds, ISO-400
Single Point AF AI Servo

Well, while observing them perched, I also got some bonus, I get some non-flight pictures of them that I find funny and cute to look at. Hmmmm, I do not know if you share my joy, but they are one of the simple joys in this simple life that I take advantage of. :)
juvenile peregrine 
"I gotta take care of my amazingly sharp claws"- imagined thought by me :)

 adult peregrine
adult and juvenile- twogether

Want to laugh with the peregrine? 

they are such a joy to watch. :)
♥♥
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18 comments:

  1. Wow! Did you really take those photos!?! To me they look professiona, or maybe morel!!! Bravo!!!! I should probably save those settings. I have never tried moving pictures, they're always blurred. ;P

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  2. You have such an amazing skill in photography AteB, both you and your hubby!

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  3. Wow! pang National Gegraphic ang mga photos. Parang professional ang nag-shot.

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  4. Great shot, i totally agree to you taking a moving subject like birds is a big challenge . You did a great job love it.

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  5. You're just a pro! They are just amazing and stunningly beautiful!

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  6. You have great skills in photography! That's still on my bucket list on how to take better pictures. Your shots are all focused, clear and crisp even though you said they are the fastest bird when in flight.

    I liked the shot of one bird that looks like he is looking at you straight in the eye or the lens! That's cute!

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  7. that falcon looks so amazing and your photos too! you captured every little things that a falcon can be and how they can soar high

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  8. i have to hand it to u girl...u know ur craft and ur doing great!!! from the angles where some of the shots were taken...u were actually in a higher spot than the birds in flight...good that udont have height phobia... like i do...ahahaha
    love your work betchai!...especially when it makes me feel u are so passionate about what u do...u're teaching us how and what to look for in this activity...now i instantenously want to go out and start photo birding!...ahaha labit sis!!! isa pa!

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  9. wow, these are stunning photos...I can't tell which one is my favorite...they're all good!

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  10. I agree with Icy, you are a PRO! Breathtaking peregrine captures, Beth. Love the second action shot the most!

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  11. Amazing captured moments of one of the greatest birds on earth! I have seen a falcon up close but feared to touch it because of its sharp talons. Wow, those pictures you have there are simply amazing! It's like right in front of me, so close and so vivid.

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  12. Those are really amazing photos of the falcons. I especially like the one that is landing.

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  13. Great shots, one of the picture, seems like the bird is taking a pose for your camera. Incredibly beautiful.

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  14. How on earth do you get such superb images? That peregrine falcon in flight is such an amazing shot.

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  15. It is staring at you,

    "who are you to study me?"

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  16. wow! as in wow!..each of us has our own way to be happy..kanya kanyang trip lang yan. we can see that you really love what your doing. ang galing! i like the one that look like the falcon is staring at you. galing!

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  17. Great shots, and it's really hard to capture perfect ones with falcons. Good job sis as always!

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  18. The adult Peregrine shot is my fave! Those eyes seem to be showing very deep thoughts. And whew what can I say, I share your incomparable joy watching nature... not much time to do just that these days though: ) love yah: )

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!