The Skimmer Squadron

© Michael S. Lazarus

The Skimmer Squadron

Uploaded: March 02, 2008

Description

f/5.0, 1/640, 70-300mm@155mm, DSC_8441, 7:43AM, ISO200, Exp Bias-0.67

Now tell me these guys don't look sharp. I captured these Black Skimmers on Miami's South Beach standing at attention......... very alert. I had positioned myself at such an angle to the sun that their bright orange translucent beaks seemed to be on fire. While I did use my D40's Vivid mode the color is far from exaggerated so no need to adjust your monitor :-) The camera was hand-held and I cropped the image slightly to give it that panoramic look. Enjoy!

Exif: F Number: 5, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/640 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 155.00 mm, Model: NIKON D40

Comments

Eivor Kuchta March 02, 2008

They look really sharp! Great looking birds. I've also started to use the vivid mode on my camera, after reading your descriptions. Here it works fabulous.
We got a touch of summer here on Saturday, with 75 degrees. Today snow and 35. That's Colorado. #868086

Michael S. Lazarus March 03, 2008

Thank you Eivor. Your input is valuable to me. Hold on tight in that weather roller coaster your living in :-) #5585599

Gail R. Schuett March 03, 2008

Terrific clarity and the color is gorgeous.You must be a very patient man.
The crop is a perfect frame for this photo.Gail #5585931

Eva Pastor March 04, 2008

Great shot! I always thought Skimmers were an interesting looking bird. You've captured their beauty! #5590154

Kathy L. Clark March 05, 2008

I love it Michael. Fabulous color and crop on this wonderful bird image. #5598555

Michael S. Lazarus March 06, 2008

Gail, Eva and Kathy thank you so much for taking your precious time to comment on my photo here.

I noticed a new EP for this image just now as well, so your interest (and Eivor's who started the comments here) shows more than just my capabilities as a photographer but your good eyes for recognizing the qualities the judges look for in advance. For that, YOUR to be congratulated! #5602418

Lynn Haack March 09, 2008

Excellent clarity and color! Perfect lighting. This is a beautiful photograph. Very enjoyable. Congrats on EP! Lynn #5615613

Michael S. Lazarus March 10, 2008

Thank you so much Lynn. Great to get your comment for this one. It's one my personal favorites. Capturing these birds has become quite an obsession. #5620814

Donna La Mattino Pagakis March 12, 2008

I have never seen birds like this, they ARE beautiful. Great colors and light. #5633316

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