BCF_Photography
FollowI had taking a drive to Tybee Island with the ultimate goal of taking some long exposure shots of waves hitting a long, stone jetty. The sun was setting and I w...
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I had taking a drive to Tybee Island with the ultimate goal of taking some long exposure shots of waves hitting a long, stone jetty. The sun was setting and I was walking under the main pier, about a hundred feet from the surf when I heard the sound of strong, beating wings. I looked around, startled by the frantic fight between a falcon and a pigeon. I quickly pulled out my camera as the scuffle went from the air to the ground. I snapped pictures as both birds performed their morbid ballet.
Soon, the pigeon lay still beneath the falcon’s talons and I waited, laying perfectly still, twenty feet away. As the bird began to rip into it’s catch, I crawled forward, an inch a minute. The falcon was well aware of my presence, and I held my breath, hoping that the need to finish it’s meal outweighed the potential danger I posed. Thirty minutes later and I was close enough to hear the sound of ripping flesh and see the fresh blood gleaming on it’s beak. I began to snap pictures.
At first, the falcon ignored me, tearing into the pigeon with abandon, but as time passed, it began to take more notice of me. It would stop it’s feast and look me straight in the eyes, holding my gaze until I put the viewfinder back up to my face. Time passed in this way for ten minutes until the falcon had eaten it’s fill. One last time, it looked at me, and then it flew away.
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Soon, the pigeon lay still beneath the falcon’s talons and I waited, laying perfectly still, twenty feet away. As the bird began to rip into it’s catch, I crawled forward, an inch a minute. The falcon was well aware of my presence, and I held my breath, hoping that the need to finish it’s meal outweighed the potential danger I posed. Thirty minutes later and I was close enough to hear the sound of ripping flesh and see the fresh blood gleaming on it’s beak. I began to snap pictures.
At first, the falcon ignored me, tearing into the pigeon with abandon, but as time passed, it began to take more notice of me. It would stop it’s feast and look me straight in the eyes, holding my gaze until I put the viewfinder back up to my face. Time passed in this way for ten minutes until the falcon had eaten it’s fill. One last time, it looked at me, and then it flew away.
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Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Legendary Award
People's Choice in Predator vs. Prey Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Portraits Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in We Love Animals Photo Contest
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Contest Finalist in The Food Chain Photo Contest
Spring Selection Award
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Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken near the long, wooden pier on Tybee Island, Georgia. I am a photography major at The Savannah College of Art and Design and often frequent the quiet beaches to photograph and unwind.Time
The light in this image is some of my favorite. The sun was low in the horizon, filtered by a heavy atmosphere to create a soft, golden haze over every surface. The directional light further aids in showing the incredible texture of the feathers.Lighting
Since this image was completely unplanned, and considering the unpredictable nature of wildlife photography in general, I cannot take credit for the lighting. That all came down to being in the right place at the right time.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS 7D MkI with a Canon EF 28-135mm lens.Inspiration
I was actually at the beach to take a series of long exposures using my LEE Filters. However, on the way, I noticed a falcon knock a pigeon from the sky. As I walked past, I saw the prededor begin to tear into it's prey and I knew I had to photograph it.Editing
I stayed away from any manipulation at all, sticking to simple exposure and color balancing as well as a little bit of chromatic abberation removal.In my camera bag
At the time I took this picture, I carried a Canon EOS 7D MkI, and a Canon EF 28-135mm lens. My tripod was a small manfroto compact tripod, and I also frequently brought along a LEE graduated ND kit as well as the Big Stopper.Feedback
Just be prepared to shoot the unexpected. Adapt to whatever is in front of you, and always be aware of your surroundings.