Trying to capture birds in flight

[harrypalmer044]

Hi all,
I have been trying for a while to capture birds in flight without them being too blury and out of focus. I took this image yesterday and just wondered what the general consensus was? I do like it but am still not sure if its that good.

On Final Approach.




Camera Model Name - Canon EOS 450D
Tv(Shutter Speed) - 1/500Sec.
Av(Aperture Value) - F8.0
Metering Modes - Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation - +1/3
ISO Speed - 200
Lens - EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Focal Length - 135.0 mm
Flash - Off
White Balance - Auto
AF mode - One-Shot AF

[Fred flyfisher]

I think it's a great shot david. Especially when I can see he has his flaps and landing gear down.

[harrypalmer044]

Thanks Fred,
Your kind words are always a great source of encouragement for me. Might be in your league one day
Have a lovely day.
David.

p.s I hope I get a few more comments to let me know if I am on the right path or not?

[harrypalmer044]

Just thought I would add this image as well as I quite like this one.

Waiting for a mid air !!


Still hoping for a bit more fed back

[dvetter]

these shots are difficult, you did fairly well on your 1st shot here.

[beachcomber]

Rich colours and great wingspan with just the right amount of movement blur on those wing tips, nicely captured Dave

[harrypalmer044]

Originally Posted by dvetter

these shots are difficult, you did fairly well on your 1st shot here.

Thanks for that, I am still learning so much and know just how hard it is to be in the right place at the right time for these things. Appreciated your comments.

Originally Posted by beachcomber

Rich colours and great wingspan with just the right amount of movement blur on those wing tips, nicely captured Dave

Your comment is much appreciated and seeing how nice your images are I take great encouragement in your words. Many Thanks mate.
David

[Ariana Murphy]

Wow, great work! I am very much a newbie, and I'm having a hard time getting the shutter speed/aperture balance right. Here's one I took yesterday. Clearly still a long way to go to get as good as yours!

[purple007]

Hi Harry

Good shot .. I was checking your exifs .. you show AF one shot .. that makes it even more difficult to get birds in flight .. next time set your camera to AI Servo AF it will track the bird as long as the center focus point in on the bird .. makes it easier ..
For white birds I tend to set exposure on the minus side not to burn the whites ..
I also try and keep my speed at 1\1000 or more if possible to freeze the wings ... not always easy when the light in dim ...

Shooting birds in flight takes lots of practice .. I tend to practice on gulls as they are easy to find all you need is a few french fries ;-) ...

Rick

[reelko]

Nice work, gulls can be tricky and turn quickly with the air currents. Love the orange on the legs!!