Chaffinch in flight shots.

[DavyG]

Whilst waiting for Crested Tits to appear, I took the opportunity to practice photographing small birds in flight, they are a challenge.

All images taken with E-M1 II and 300mm Pro.

Chaffinch by David Goodwin, on Flickr

Chaffinch by David Goodwin, on Flickr

Chaffinch by David Goodwin, on Flickr

Chaffinch by David Goodwin, on Flickr

Chaffinch by David Goodwin, on Flickr

Chaffinch by David Goodwin, on Flickr

Thanks for looking.

Dave

[MJ224]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Super Photos Davy...............

[alfbranch]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Cracking set of shots

Sent from my SM-T580 using Tapatalk

[Olybirder]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Terrific work Dave. Any chance of one or two tips and suggested settings to assist us mere mortals?

Ron

[Guest]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Sensational photography, Dave.

[drmarkf]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

What they ^^^ said, and lovely light!

[Olybirder]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Whilst on holiday in Dumfries and Galloway, I recall sitting outside a cafe with Chaffinches hopping about on the table and taking Ruthy's Scone crumbs from our plates a few inches away from us. Are these specially trained Scottish stunt Chaffinches?

Ron

[Phill D]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Excellent set of captures Dave. I especially like that last one. Looking forward to your tips.

[Gate Keeper]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Great shots. When you have time Dave, please do post up your favourite tips for achieving such beautiful photos. Birds in flight is something I would like to aspire to. Thank you for sharing.

[DavyG]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Terrific work Dave. Any chance of one or two tips and suggested settings to assist us mere mortals?

Ron

Thanks to Ron and everyone else who commented for the very positive feedback, it's very encouraging and much appreciated.


Having met with other members of the Forum, drmarkf and Walti, I don't think my setup is much different to theirs however, I'm more than happy to explain my setup and how I use my E-M1 II and lenses.


My basic setup is taken from Wrotniak's webpage and this is much as I had my E-M1 setup also, the guide can be found here:

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/m43/em1.2-sett.html

Based upon this setup, I also turn off anything that may reduce battery life or slow the camera down therefore, Wi-Fi, Face Recognition, Rec View are all turned off, the rear screen is off and turned to face the camera body, I use it as and when required however, I tend to do most things using the EVF.


My basic settings tend to be: Aperture priority, IS = SIS Auto, ISO 400 (adjusted as light levels/shutter speed allows), C-AF, single focus point, silent shutter set to Low Sequential @ 10 fps, Spot Meter.


When using the kit, I tend to mount the camera and lens on a Manfrotto BeFree tripod upon which I have a Jobu Jr. 3 Deluxe Gimbal fitted. Unless the camera and lens is locked down, which would be unusual when I'm doing wildlife photography, IS is left switched on.


The main thing and perhaps the most difficult, is being where the birds/wildlife are and getting close enough to get decent images. Once you've identified where your subject matter can be found or attracted to, the rest is often down to patience and staying in one place/area. I used to wander around looking for photo opportunities, I've found that by going to the right places and waiting, the photo opportunities are better.


For those based in the UK who want to practice BiF photography, I'd recommend a visit to RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, I've found May and June to be very good for a wide variety of subjects.


For BiF/DiF shots, for me it came down to practice and getting as much time using the kit as possible, the weather this Winter hasn't helped much with this.


My wife uses the same camera equipment as I and has hers set up in the same way, she also uses a lightweight tripod and Jobu Jr. 3 Deluxe gimbal, she has also managed to get decent images of BiF/DiF and her images are often better than mine.


I hope this will be of some help, please ask if you would like more information on any specific settings or methods of use.


Thanks again to everyone for looking and/or commenting on the images and for your interest in how they were achieved.


Dave

[DavyG]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Whilst on holiday in Dumfries and Galloway, I recall sitting outside a cafe with Chaffinches hopping about on the table and taking Ruthy's Scone crumbs from our plates a few inches away from us. Are these specially trained Scottish stunt Chaffinches?

Ron

They do seem more abundant and less wary in Scotland Ron, maybe it's down to all the scone crumbs they've been getting.

Dave

[Wreckdiver]

Re: Chaffinch in flight shots.

Cracking shots, love them

Steve