tjwaller
FollowTalk about being in the right place at the right time. I had watched this eagle as it was perched on a scrub limb for almost 45 minutes. I got tired of waiting ...
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Talk about being in the right place at the right time. I had watched this eagle as it was perched on a scrub limb for almost 45 minutes. I got tired of waiting for it to fly off, so I left. Not 10 minutes and about a quarter of a mile later, we turned to see if was still perched and off it came from its perch and flew directly toward us. As this photo shows, it flew nearly right over us.
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at one of my favorite wetland spots in Christmas, Florida. As a professional wildlife photographer and guide, I not only come here a lot by myself, I bring my clients here as well due to there is always something to photograph here.Time
This shot was taken about 9:00 AM back in September of 2017. It was originally just sitting on a branch - which made for some nice shots as well - but I was waiting for a take-off shot or flight shot. After having waited close to an hour I gave up and moved on. However, I kept looking back watching the eagle. I noticed a lot of small birds panicking so I looked back again and it was coming my way! As I started shooting, I could see it was actually coming straight for me. As it flew directly over me at about 20 feet, this was my best shot of the group.Lighting
Beautiful natural morning sunlight and perfectly front lit from where I was standing as it flew over me. In fact, my Nikon nailed the lighting on the eagle, but the sky was too bright. So a little post editing brought the clouds back and one of my favorite shots was born!Equipment
I shot this photo handheld with my Nikon D500 and a Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens. 1/5000; f6.3; ISO 500; 600mm.Inspiration
I went out to these wetlands looking for eagles. I knew they were there and this is one of the few spots I can get relatively close to them. Actually, they have no problem getting relatively close to people! Eagles are always a joy to photograph, so I try to never miss an opportunity to grab a few shots of them when I can.Editing
I use Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop. Most digital photos need some kind of touching up. Wildlife photos nearly always do, due to the nature of wildlife photography (no pun intended!). Many times you just have the time to get all your camera settings just right for that perfect shot. So, when I know I'll be in situations where things could happen quickly, I set my Nikon on Aperture Priority, Auto ISO and my D500 does a great job of getting the rest right. What it doesn't get right, I correct it in post.In my camera bag
I actually don't carry a bag on a lot of trips. I have a Cotton harness and keep one D500 body with my Tamron 150-600 on the front slide; and another D500 body with a Tamron 18-400mm lens on the side slide.Feedback
Like I tell all my clients and folks who inquire about my photos, nature is not on our schedule! Lol! They have their own agenda and plans. To get great shots you HAVE to have patience. More importantly, to get the shots that no one else gets, you have to be prepared to go into places that no one else wants to go!