Thursday, May 03, 2007

Flyaway


Flight
San Francisco, CA, March 2007 [Click to embiggen]


By now, my propensity to shoot pictures of birds is well-known (please see here, here, here, here, here and here.) I do so for a number of reasons:
  • They're everywhere, so it's always easy to get some bird photography practice.
  • They're pretty magical, what with their ability to fly and all.
  • They force you to focus your photographic efforts more intensely than virtually any other subject. Make the call, shoot fast, adjust and shoot again...you have little time to waste, and that's a thrill in itself.
So as I watched the birds play around by the water's edge, I trained my lens on them and went to work. Weeks after my arrival home, I find myself coming back to this image time and again. It has such, I don't know, energy, and it makes me wish I could somehow convert that motion and potential into something I could use. Another lesson for everyday life, I think.

Your turn: What is it about birds that prompts you to look?

25 comments:

Gina said...

Check out Corpus Christi, Texas. Bird photographer's paradise.

Anna said...

The wonder of flight makes me look. It really stinks sometimes that my feet are planted firmly on the ground. :)

Sara said...

Ever since a bird pooped on my shoulder while I was at the beach, I commonly look at them while I'm at the beach, so to avoid a repeat occurance - LOL

I also look because they just seem so calm, floating around on air currents!

Carolyn said...

Take this bird: Looks like he's missing feathers on one wing area. I imagine different scenarios he may have gotten himself into where his feathers were torn out. Otherwise he looks in good shape. He has a shrewd look in his eye, which indicates to me he knows how to fend for himself. He's also looking at your camera and doesn't look frightened by it, so he's also a big ham, lol!

Unknown said...

I think that the light colors on the center of the bird that darken gradually toward the tips of the wings are quite dramatic. And then again the beautiful blue water draws me in too as I have always been drawn toward aquatics...

Lifelong Learner said...

Watching to see if they are looking at me! It's a connection, I think. :)

Anonymous said...

This pic is great- he's looking out of the corner of his eye back at you, a little smirk perhaps?

Carli N. Wendell said...

I always look to see if they're on the attack. . . especially if I'm with Tippi Hedren.

Linda said...

I love the gracefulness of birds. Particularly the large birds of prey...they sail through the wind, wings expanded, gliding silently.

Oh, by the way - my sister has approved your "adoption" into our family - you can be our brother, she said! (see birthday wish comments at my blog!)

Linda said...

I think birds are interesting to watch if only because they are able to fly. Wouldn't it be great to be able to fly? I assume it would feel very liberating.

Heart of Rachel said...

It's a lovely photo of a bird in flight. I think flying birds are challenging subjects. Great job!

I like macaus because of their vivid colors but I only see them in zoos and not in the wild.

sage said...

birds in flight give movement to the picture--however, your first sentence about "shooting birds" got me thinking of you in an orange vest and a shotgun

Anonymous said...

Your photo is amazing!

I live in the city, so I don't tend to see interesting birds about. But I remember when I was hiking in Griffith Park, we saw this eagle just floating. It was beautiful to watch

Bobkat said...

That is a great shot - I can see why you keep going back to look at it!

I love all animals, including birds. My garden is always full of them as I have four bird feeders so I can always watch them.

Chica, Cienna, and Cali said...

the grace with which they swoop down on their food..its incredible.......staying close to sea has made me appreciate gulls and pelicans like never before.....nice shot, carmi .

kenju said...

Their grace, speed, colors, feathers, shapes and the way they swoop around is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

That is a a cool picture. I was playing w. my new camera yesterday. I was taking pictures of some seagulls and, you are right, you have be quick, quick, quick. I am so happy w. a few of my shots. I will be posting them soon.

And, as I watched the birds riding on the wind gusts today, I was jealous. It looked like so much fun. Way better than the day I had.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

There's something that seems free about a bird, ya know?

As for the whole Jewish thing, I'm Eastern European and Ashkenazic, too. But I couldn't resist the pun on Sfar's name!

Paul Nichols said...

China?!? I wish I was going with you. We have an adopted Chinese Granddaughter. We have several Chinese friends here in The Big City. Love 'em. Your fear is probably unfounded. Have a great time.

Birds. A brilliant red Cardinal will stop my in my tracks every time. Hawks are mezmerizing, too.

Unknown said...

i can never catch a bird in flight lol

Anonymous said...

I spent half my time in Cedar Key this past February shooting birds. Of course they had so many kinds, pelicans, and terns, and herons etc. I think part of why I like it is the challenge of trying to shoot a moving target and do it justice. Nice shot!

kenju said...

Michele sent me back, Carmi. Three more until what?

L said...

seagulls do tend to poop on people a lot though.....

good pic though :) as usual!

longspider said...

Their elegance... I love birds, love how light and etherial they are, yet how hardy and resilient at the same time.

Great photo - amazing how you can get such a razor sharp focus on something in flight!

SJ said...

Another beautiful shot, Carmi.