This article shares some early spring HHHR (Handheld High Resolution) images of flowers captured earlier today in my yard. With the various restrictions and lock down measures that are in place, it is always good to get out in some fresh air to photograph whatever subjects we can find.
Chasing Unicorns
As photographers who care about the quality of our work, it is easy to start chasing unicorns when it comes to our choice of camera gear. We can create some Utopian vision in our minds about how the perfect camera is supposed to perform, then compare the realities of today against that idealistic phantom.
The result is that we can sometimes find ourselves in a never ending cycle of dissatisfaction… and waste a considerable amount of money chasing unicorns as we buy in to, and sell out of, various camera systems.
Swallow BIF Technique
This article discusses some of the general considerations associated with developing a swallow BIF technique, and shares a selection of photographs.
Since earlier articles have already detailed my various bird photography setting options, my primary BIF settings, and how I use Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking, that information is not repeated in this article.
Many of the images in this article were created during my recent swallow Bird AI test at Windermere Basin Park in Hamilton, Ontario. Others were captured during previous visits to this location. This is a lengthy article, so grab a cup of coffee or other beverage.
Pairs of Swallows
This article features a collection of handheld photographs captured with an E-M1X, all of which feature pairs of swallows in flight. Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking was used for all of the images in this article.
Killdeer In Flight
This article shares a collection of six consecutive photographs of a killdeer in flight at Hendrie Valley, captured with an E-M1X. All images were captured handheld using the E-M1X’s Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking.
Swallow Bird AI Test
This article features photographs captured as part of my swallow Bird AI test, and discusses my field testing. All images were captured handheld with and OM-D E-M1X fitted with an M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS zoom lens, and using Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking.
Kingfisher In Flight
The extreme crops of a kingfisher in flight featured in this article were captured handheld using Pro Capture L and my E-M1X’s Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking function. The subject bird was approximately 75 metres away. I would not normally even bother trying to photograph a small bird-in-flight at this distance. These images were captured as a quick test.
Goose Escaping Belly Bite
This article features 18 consecutive handheld photographs of a Canada goose escaping a belly bite during a fight with another goose.
BIF Using Little Brother
This article features a selection of handheld photographs of birds-in-flight using the EM-1X’s little brother, i.e. the EM-1 Mark III. All images were captured using the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II utilizing Cluster Area C-AF. I used this lens and auto-focus setting as I thought it was a combination that some folks would use with this choice of camera body.
Using M.Zuiko Teleconverters
This article shares my experiences using M.Zuiko teleconverters when shooting handheld, and discusses their relative merits.