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Dancing with Dragons, and more... · 10:10 AM

Just two...

Although not the top shelf from a technical perspective, the subject matter and low to the ground shooting brought back these rewards. I was lying on a blanket at the shoreline and used a Kirk Fat Bean Bag with the Sigma 500/4.5. First two images were taken with that other system...

Dancing with Dragons

Greater Yellowlegs - foraging for food:

(note OOF blue dragonfly above it's head)

I managed to last 30 minutes before the heat of the sun and the crawling insects was convincing me it was time to pack it in.

This next image was taken in a blind - again in that very hot temps down by the Rio Grande Valley. It was around 108F (heat indexed) outside the blind. Used the K20D + FA* 300/2.8 + Tamron 1.4x TC... cropped the top some to give better balance to the image.

Roseate Spoonbill

Now a crop of the Spoonbill image.

It seems to hold up nicely, with over 2600 pixels left on the long side...

Regards,
Marc

**Marc Langille** · 05-25-2009, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by sawtooth235

Great shots Marc, I like the Spoonbill one the best. Those red eyes are captivating.

Ray

I'll get more of those Spoonbill image coming your way later on Ray!

Perhaps a crop for starters? I've added it to the images at the top just for you...

Regards,
Marc

Originally posted by jeffkpotter

Wow Marc, I love all of them! First one is wonderful. Nice to see the feeding spoonbill.

Jeff, hope you are doing well? Thanks for commenting and I really enjoyed your clock images!

heliphoto · 05-26-2009, 12:11 AM

These are sweet Marc... Love those dragonflies in the first shot - Awesome!

Originally posted by Marc:

What was funny: one guy joined up with me for a couple days and he stated (no problem, I play golf in FL in 110 F weather!). He lasted two days, most of the time in a vehicle with the AC running...

Yeah, funny - I've cut fireline in 110°F heat before, so when aclimated, I can handle the heat, but only with low RH. Those high humidities kill me... I used to fly tours in the grand canyon, and in the summer, we'd sometimes see as high as 47°C (117° F) on the canyon floor - this was the worst temperature for us, because if it got hotter, it exceeded a limitation on our helicopter and we'd get to cancel the flights

.

Wombat · 05-26-2009, 04:31 AM

These are shots that every birdwatching photographer aspires to. You've achieved it and in doing so you inspire us all to redouble our efforts. Thank you.

drmartin · 05-26-2009, 06:06 AM

Wonderful photos! The first of them will adequately take a place on the main page of the book about birds

kent vinyard · 05-26-2009, 07:34 AM

Excellent shots Marc! Way to get down in the dirt with them!
Spoonbills are really strange bird and are ugly and beautiful at the same time.
You captured them very well.

**Marc Langille** · 05-26-2009, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by Sailor

Marc, the dragon fly shots knock me out - how do you do this?!?

Jer

Hi Jer,

It boils down to several things: it's a combination of patience, endurance, attentiveness, timing, a good understanding of the big picture or the subject, reflexes and technique. Luckily I have them all in good order!

Basically what I am saying is that it's the photographer and his/her skills that decides when the shot is taken - the human element.

BTW, I can photograph with both eyes open, which allows me to see incoming activity beyond the viewfinder - this can be very important to your success! Switching eyes is to the viewfinder is almost second nature, so I can track movement on either side of the lens. This is a also common technique employed amongst top level sports photographers.

Regards,
Marc

**Marc Langille** · 05-26-2009, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

Great shots Marc. The first is excellent and I like the last a lot too. Too bad the background is sorta bland but you can't control everything.

Thanks Peter for looking and commenting! That image was always compelling to me - thank you...

I've added a crop of the Spoonbill for you and Ray - less "bland" in the crop...

Originally posted by OrenMc

Thanks for posting Marc, there is always something to learn from you. With these its not all about the equipment, but about patience and enduance.

Thank you Oren. Sometimes I questioned my sanity and resolve. OK, so at least once a day I questioned it, especially when I was doing a slow bake in the blind....

Definitely a challenging environment to shoot in!

Regards,
Marc

**Marc Langille** · 05-26-2009, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by Jimbo

Wasn't sure what that was until you mentioned it Marc. One is a knock out though! Cheers JIM

Thanks Jim! I appreciate all the kind words.

Originally posted by Damn Brit

Great PP work adding the dragonflies Marc.

Reminds me of those fairy photos that fooled Conan Doyle.

Yes, Gary remains true to form... cheeky as usual...

Originally posted by Damn Brit

Seriously though, nice work. I know it the time that you have put into your craft that helps you get these shots.

Thank you Gary - much appreciated. Patience is a big part of this kind of photography. Sometimes the ants remind me that I've been there too long and that it's time to go...

Cheers,
Marc

Peter Zack · 05-26-2009, 06:11 PM

That cropped shot held up very well Marc and you wouldn't have to crop even that tight. It's a great shot no the less either way.

JMR · 05-26-2009, 06:17 PM

These are great shots Marc. It's like Peter said, you can't control everything.

JMR

gawan · 05-27-2009, 02:48 PM

Wow, Marc, I love the good isolation of the bird from the (beautifully bokeh'ed) background! The first shot is stunning!

**Marc Langille** · 05-28-2009, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by heliphoto

These are sweet Marc... Love those dragonflies in the first shot - Awesome!

I really appreciate that Josh - thank you!

Originally posted by heliphoto

Yeah, funny - I've cut fireline in 110°F heat before, so when aclimated, I can handle the heat, but only with low RH. Those high humidities kill me... I used to fly tours in the grand canyon, and in the summer, we'd sometimes see as high as 47°C (117° F) on the canyon floor - this was the worst temperature for us, because if it got hotter, it exceeded a limitation on our helicopter and we'd get to cancel the flights

.

See, you know the drill...

Originally posted by Wombat

These are shots that every birdwatching photographer aspires to. You've achieved it and in doing so you inspire us all to redouble our efforts. Thank you.

Wombat, a very sincere thank you for the kind words! I am not sure if that is truly the case for my images, but I shall endeavor to do even better in the future. Thank you...

Regards,
Marc

**Marc Langille** · 06-02-2009, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by drmartin

Wonderful photos! The first of them will adequately take a place on the main page of the book about birds

drmartin, thank you for looking and commenting. I am honored!

Originally posted by kent vinyard

Excellent shots Marc! Way to get down in the dirt with them!
Spoonbills are really strange bird and are ugly and beautiful at the same time.
You captured them very well.

Hi Kent! Yes, the ants seemed to like it too...

Hope all is well and thanks for stopping by!

Regards,
Marc

**Marc Langille** · 06-14-2009, 02:08 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

That cropped shot held up very well Marc and you wouldn't have to crop even that tight. It's a great shot no the less either way.

Thanks Peter - I am glad you enjoyed the shots.

Originally posted by JMR

These are great shots Marc. It's like Peter said, you can't control everything.

JMR

Agreed and thank you JMR! That's the challenge I always face with wildlife photography - lack of subject compliance...

Originally posted by gawan

Wow, Marc, I love the good isolation of the bird from the (beautifully bokeh'ed) background! The first shot is stunning!

Thank you Georg! Those were some of my first shots with that Sigma 500/4.5.

Regards,
Marc

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05-26-2009, 11:48 AM	#21
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Jer, your question Originally posted by Sailor Marc, the dragon fly shots knock me out - how do you do this?!? Jer Hi Jer, It boils down to several things: it's a combination of patience, endurance, attentiveness, timing, a good understanding of the big picture or the subject, reflexes and technique. Luckily I have them all in good order! Basically what I am saying is that it's the photographer and his/her skills that decides when the shot is taken - the human element. BTW, I can photograph with both eyes open, which allows me to see incoming activity beyond the viewfinder - this can be very important to your success! Switching eyes is to the viewfinder is almost second nature, so I can track movement on either side of the lens. This is a also common technique employed amongst top level sports photographers. Regards, Marc Last edited by Marc Langille; 05-26-2009 at 04:26 PM.

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05-25-2009, 07:30 PM	#16
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by sawtooth235 Great shots Marc, I like the Spoonbill one the best. Those red eyes are captivating. Ray I'll get more of those Spoonbill image coming your way later on Ray! Perhaps a crop for starters? I've added it to the images at the top just for you... Regards, Marc Originally posted by jeffkpotter Wow Marc, I love all of them! First one is wonderful. Nice to see the feeding spoonbill. Jeff, hope you are doing well? Thanks for commenting and I really enjoyed your clock images!

05-26-2009, 12:11 AM	#17
heliphoto Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Region 5 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,539	These are sweet Marc... Love those dragonflies in the first shot - Awesome! Originally posted by Marc: What was funny: one guy joined up with me for a couple days and he stated (no problem, I play golf in FL in 110 F weather!). He lasted two days, most of the time in a vehicle with the AC running... Yeah, funny - I've cut fireline in 110°F heat before, so when aclimated, I can handle the heat, but only with low RH. Those high humidities kill me... I used to fly tours in the grand canyon, and in the summer, we'd sometimes see as high as 47°C (117° F) on the canyon floor - this was the worst temperature for us, because if it got hotter, it exceeded a limitation on our helicopter and we'd get to cancel the flights .

05-26-2009, 04:31 AM	#18
Wombat Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 901	These are shots that every birdwatching photographer aspires to. You've achieved it and in doing so you inspire us all to redouble our efforts. Thank you.

05-26-2009, 06:06 AM	#19
drmartin Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Izhevsk, Russia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 858	Wonderful photos! The first of them will adequately take a place on the main page of the book about birds

05-26-2009, 07:34 AM	#20
kent vinyard Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Norman, Oklahoma USA Posts: 348	Excellent shots Marc! Way to get down in the dirt with them! Spoonbills are really strange bird and are ugly and beautiful at the same time. You captured them very well.

05-26-2009, 11:53 AM	#22
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by Peter Zack Great shots Marc. The first is excellent and I like the last a lot too. Too bad the background is sorta bland but you can't control everything. Thanks Peter for looking and commenting! That image was always compelling to me - thank you... I've added a crop of the Spoonbill for you and Ray - less "bland" in the crop... Originally posted by OrenMc Thanks for posting Marc, there is always something to learn from you. With these its not all about the equipment, but about patience and enduance. Thank you Oren. Sometimes I questioned my sanity and resolve. OK, so at least once a day I questioned it, especially when I was doing a slow bake in the blind.... Definitely a challenging environment to shoot in! Regards, Marc

05-26-2009, 06:07 PM	#23
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jimbo Wasn't sure what that was until you mentioned it Marc. One is a knock out though! Cheers JIM Thanks Jim! I appreciate all the kind words. Originally posted by Damn Brit Great PP work adding the dragonflies Marc. Reminds me of those fairy photos that fooled Conan Doyle. Yes, Gary remains true to form... cheeky as usual... Originally posted by Damn Brit Seriously though, nice work. I know it the time that you have put into your craft that helps you get these shots. Thank you Gary - much appreciated. Patience is a big part of this kind of photography. Sometimes the ants remind me that I've been there too long and that it's time to go... Cheers, Marc

05-26-2009, 06:11 PM	#24
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	That cropped shot held up very well Marc and you wouldn't have to crop even that tight. It's a great shot no the less either way.

05-26-2009, 06:17 PM	#25
JMR Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 3,332	These are great shots Marc. It's like Peter said, you can't control everything. JMR

05-27-2009, 02:48 PM	#26
gawan Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Helsinki Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,400	Wow, Marc, I love the good isolation of the bird from the (beautifully bokeh'ed) background! The first shot is stunning!

05-28-2009, 06:38 PM	#27
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by heliphoto These are sweet Marc... Love those dragonflies in the first shot - Awesome! I really appreciate that Josh - thank you! Originally posted by heliphoto Yeah, funny - I've cut fireline in 110°F heat before, so when aclimated, I can handle the heat, but only with low RH. Those high humidities kill me... I used to fly tours in the grand canyon, and in the summer, we'd sometimes see as high as 47°C (117° F) on the canyon floor - this was the worst temperature for us, because if it got hotter, it exceeded a limitation on our helicopter and we'd get to cancel the flights . See, you know the drill... Originally posted by Wombat These are shots that every birdwatching photographer aspires to. You've achieved it and in doing so you inspire us all to redouble our efforts. Thank you. Wombat, a very sincere thank you for the kind words! I am not sure if that is truly the case for my images, but I shall endeavor to do even better in the future. Thank you... Regards, Marc

06-02-2009, 08:19 PM	#28
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by drmartin Wonderful photos! The first of them will adequately take a place on the main page of the book about birds drmartin, thank you for looking and commenting. I am honored! Originally posted by kent vinyard Excellent shots Marc! Way to get down in the dirt with them! Spoonbills are really strange bird and are ugly and beautiful at the same time. You captured them very well. Hi Kent! Yes, the ants seemed to like it too... Hope all is well and thanks for stopping by! Regards, Marc

06-14-2009, 02:08 PM	#29
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by Peter Zack That cropped shot held up very well Marc and you wouldn't have to crop even that tight. It's a great shot no the less either way. Thanks Peter - I am glad you enjoyed the shots. Originally posted by JMR These are great shots Marc. It's like Peter said, you can't control everything. JMR Agreed and thank you JMR! That's the challenge I always face with wildlife photography - lack of subject compliance... Originally posted by gawan Wow, Marc, I love the good isolation of the bird from the (beautifully bokeh'ed) background! The first shot is stunning! Thank you Georg! Those were some of my first shots with that Sigma 500/4.5. Regards, Marc

Dancing with Dragons, and more...

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!