Happy Accidents

Mark Franks

Member
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I recently saw some panning shots of birds in flight, or just taking off, where the wingtips are slightly blurred conveying motion. I thought I'd try it one day on the beach - like most new techniques there is a definite learning curve. The only birds around happened to be very, very fast and flying low to the water so I couldn't see them coming until they were upon me. These images - I call happy accidents as I didn't see the line of waves and troughs or muted reflections when taking the pictures - were the best of my first attempt at this type shot. CC welcome
 

AlanLichty

Moderator
The first two are unusual as abstracts but the third one is the most interesting for my eyes with the more recognizable shapes and objects in the frame. Very high shutter speeds and accurate panning are not forgiving techniques to master but the results are worth the effort. The nice part about digital is that we can just keep shooting until we get it right and you can have feedback right on the spot to adjust what to try next.
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
Hey Mark,

I sure like these! I would take accidents like this any day of the year! :)

In fact, there is something so cool about these, that they almost feel better then if the birds had been sharp.

My favorites are in this order I think.... #3, #1 and then #2.
 
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