Lee's Photoblog
Almost Missed
Posted by Lee (Fort Frances Ontario, Canada) on 24 May 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
After everything I said yesterday, All the preparedness I go tthrough. You have to hear this story. I had just come back to the truck for a rest after a short little walk. I was going to review the shots I had just taken. I was inside the cab sitting in the driver seat when I caught a movement. This Oriole had landed in the back of my half ton. I thought great, how can I manage a shot of this. The bird flew up on the roof of the truck, hopped across it to the front. I could hear it doing so. Flew around my radio atenna and landed on my passenger mirror. It appeared to be looking in the window right at me. I watched it for a while before the light bulb came on. TAKE A PICTURE. I needed to dig out my 55mm lens from my camera bag. I always have my 400mm lens attached to my camera ready for any wildlife I encounter. This bird was less than 5 feet away from me. My 400mm lens only focuses down to 17 feet. Switch lenses, be quick, no sudden movements. Aha made it, bird is still there.
Aim camera, *%^%b @!**^%.
Turn camera on.
Re-aim camera
Bird flies away. No picture.
Bird lands on post 50 feet away. Aha,
Change Lens, take picture.
As you can see I managed the shot. Not the one I intended, but still a good shot.
Had anyone been able to video these actions and antics I went through so quickly, I truly think it would've made a great Silly Tuesday video. Lee the expert, always ready, ha, I think not.
Another lesson learned. Need a second camera. Don't need to switch lenses that way. Just grab other camera.
Thank you for visiting my site. I consider myself to be lucky living where I do. Everyday I wake up to a wealth of interesting visual scenarios. Most of my pictures are Wildlife and Nature taken from around the area. The area specifically being Fort Frances Ontario on beautiful Rainy Lake. Feel free to comment on what you see. I look forward to hearing from you. If you like what you see, please rate it. Better yet, bookmark the site and drop back often. I will be posting daily.
All images are copyrighted by Lee Oelke Photography. They cannot be reproduced, electronically, or by printing without my written consent. Should you be interested in any of my images, please contact me.
@amirreza: Thank you.
@r00t: Thank you very much. That would be a great accomplishment for me.
Judy from Brooksville, Florida, United States
5 stars for the fantastic image ... AND for the funny story!
24 May 2009 7:37am
@Judy: Thank you Judy. It just happens like that sometimes.
@Hidalgo: Thank you.
Ajay from Pune, India
20 out 10 shot. Super quality shot of a really beautiful bird.
24 May 2009 7:59am
@Ajay: Thanks Ajay. That is a huge compliment.
Linda from Riga/Sigulda, Latvia
that was funny to read:). i've had so many times like this - when i get close enaugh for a decent shot, the bird just notices me and vanishes into thin air.
but this shot you took is really great - so vivid colours, good angle and as always great DoF
24 May 2009 8:14am
@Linda: Thank you Linda. It happens to me quite a bit. I get too close for the lens I'm using. I actually miss a lot of shots that way.
jamesy from christchurch, New Zealand
fantastic shot You know i never thought of getting a second camera. Perhaps I won't tell my hubbie that idea he nearly had a fit when I bought my SLR
24 May 2009 8:45am
@jamesy: Thank you Debbie. Good luck trying to sneak it by Mike.
@Veronique: Thank you Veronique. Trust me, I do know how fortunate I am.
zOOm from Paris, France
What a proud attitude ! He's so smart ! ;-) Lovely little bird.
24 May 2009 9:19am
@zOOm: Thank you Florence, yes he was the smart one for sure.
@eva: Thank you.
Craig@Random Ramblings from Herts, United Kingdom
LOL what a great story but it all worked out in the end with a great shot. I often note press and sports photographers with their myriad of cameras and wonder why so many? You've just explained the need perfectly!
24 May 2009 9:23am
@Craig@Random Ramblings: Thanks Craig. It would make more sense sometimes. Just that it would become a burden carrying them.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
That is so hilarious Lee, lol I can imagine the video would be a cracker, you know what I think when these things happen, Divine intervention, so that you ended taking this absolutely perfect bird on a post photo, It's fantastic, thanks for chuckles, I could so see you...lol
24 May 2009 9:42am
@Lorraine: Thanks Lorraine. It was a you had to be there kinda story. It did work out for me in the end. Divine Intervention indeed. You have a great attitude towards things.
@Elena Kotrotsou: Thank you.
Sarah from Suisse, Switzerland
This is a wonderful shot - can't imagine it being any better!!
24 May 2009 10:07am
@Sarah: Thank you Sarah.
Eline Walda from Veenendaal, Netherlands
Great story :-) It turned out to be worth the effort, wonderful shot!
24 May 2009 10:27am
@Eline Walda: Thank you very much Eline. Please visit again.
@jeri: Thanks Jeri. Please drop in again.
@Peter Frank: Thank you for the compliment. Please visit again.
@Onlymehdi: Thank you.
@roentarre: No offence. This is a Baltimore Oriole. I think I may have missed mentioning that. These birds like fruits. They are starting to become more and more common around here. I am not sure why.
Evelyne Dubos from Le Mans, France
Your story makes me smile... i can imagine... But at least it's a beautiful shot, indeed. The vivid orange color of his plumage is fantastic.
24 May 2009 12:49pm
@Evelyne Dubos: Thank you Evelyne. When it was over, I had a good smile also. It all worked out in the end.
lydia from Paris, France
A wonderful story Lee ; a shame nobody were here to film you at the moment !!! The bird ( your picture ) is fantastic !
24 May 2009 1:00pm
@lydia: Thank you Lydia. Some one could've made money with a video like that. I was in panic mode for a while.
@Loner: Thank you very much.
@Veronelle: Thank you for the compliment.
@dan: Thank you Dan.
mohkum from Muscat, Oman
No doubt , this is a great shot! The eye of the bird is so well catching! Congrats.
24 May 2009 1:58pm
@mohkum: Thank you Mohkum. I like this shot very much also.
@Giovanni: Thank you. It's funny now. At the time it wasn't. However, it was worth it in the end.
don from spokane, United States
A funny account (all to familiar from personal experience). A beautiful resulted anyway. Love the sharp detail and rich colors.
24 May 2009 2:25pm
@don: Thanks Don. It worked out well for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Me from the back room, Canada
I don't know what's more entertaining; the story or the shot. It's even better the 2nd time around! See you in the boat.
24 May 2009 3:45pm
@Me: Thank you Thank you. It was a great day. Thank Len & Bette Anne for me again. If any shots turn out, rest assured they'll be posted. And be thankful I don't post people shots.
@Alun Lambert: Thank you very much.
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Perfect image, and great story.......As I mentioned to my brother the other day, they say down here in Florida that owning a boat is actually having a hole in the water, to pour money into!!! I told my brother that I feel like photography lately is like a boat, hole to pour money into....and today, your little story, with the solution being a second camera!!! I'm not there yet....but rapidly heading in that direction!!!!
24 May 2009 5:16pm
@Susan: LOl Thanks Susan. It seems we're all heading in that direction. Have a good one.
@Marta: Thank you for the compliment. Please visit again.
john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Terrific story. Now you know why I almost always have two cameras; one with a telephoto zoom, and one with a medium zoom. It would have been a shame to lose this shot; it is exquisite. Beautiful bird and beautiful detail.
24 May 2009 5:19pm
@john4jack: Thanks Jack. when I shot analog, I had three camera bodies. I do not know why I still only have one digital body.
Kathe from Marquette, Michigan, United States
Heh heh. Great story...and wonderful shot!
Maybe the bird was waiting for you to get your act together and tell him where to pose. ;^)
24 May 2009 6:17pm
@Kathe: Thanks Kathe. I think he ws just taunting me. It was laughing at me. It was actually quite hilarious when I think about it.
@Didier DE ZAN: Thank you.
@Ca†≈: Thank you for the compliment.
@Magda: Thank you. They are certainly bright. You should hear their song and call. It is equally as beautiful.
@Sandrine: Thank you Sandrine.
Denise from Duncannon, United States
Definitely worth the antics in the truck....
25 May 2009 1:27am
@Denise: Thank you Denise. It was worth it I think.
B. Thomas from Arlington, Texas, United States
Beautiful bird, great shot and wonderful story. Wow.
25 May 2009 1:33am
@B. Thomas: Thank you Barbara. It's still funny when I think about it.
LauraS from Chico, United States
Oh, Lee, great story, I can picture it all. It would make a great video, but instead settle for this wonderful shot. It's a beauty!!!! Just wonderful.
25 May 2009 1:45am
@LauraS: Thank you Laura. As I said to Barbara, I still laugh when I think about myself panicing to get a shot. It was just hilarious.
@Moridi: Thank you Moridi. It was worth it.
Tracy from La Selva Beach, United States
Yea, but you still got it! I laughed out loud reading your story, but only because it rings so true!!! I can sure relate!
25 May 2009 2:30am
@Tracy: Thank you. I'm glad to hear this thing happens to others also. Great Hummer shot today.
Magda from Vancouver, Canada
I came back to this image so I could finally read your little story! (didn't have much time the first time)
LOL it was fun to read it! Boy, does this sound familiar to me! ;) I just don't want to admit to it but it does happen to me more than it should! (grin) But, hey! You still got an excellent shot! Patience and luck that's what it takes sometimes! ;) Bravo!
25 May 2009 3:08am
@Magda: Luck definately has a lot to do with it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the compliment.
john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States
When I bought my D700, I had thought about selling my D300, but changed my mind. The D300 is very nice for using with a telephoto lens because you get that added effective (i.e., phony) focal length. It also sometimes is great with a macro lens, but that varies.
25 May 2009 4:27am
@john4jack: I have considered buying a newer body. I like the concept. I still think because of where and how I go, I will only take one at a time with me. So I'm tossed and torn. However, this is an occassion I wished I had two bodies set up and ready to use quickly.
mats from Texas, United States
It seems that you really had to work on this one huh? 'worth it! 'love the sharpness.
25 May 2009 6:31am
@mats: Thanks Mats. It ws an interesting few moments. I even looked around after it was all done to make sure no else saw me.
Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal
This is wonderful - the little face, the detail and colours in the feathers... Just wonderful.
25 May 2009 10:14am
@Ana Lúcia: Thank you very much. It all paid off in the end for me.
Mariana from waterloo, Canada
FANTASTIC ! What a pretty, and so proud attitude of this bird ! Love it !
25 May 2009 2:27pm
@Mariana: Thank you Mariana. This guy was just flitting around enjoying the day.
JanW from Rotterdam, Netherlands
This must be true. A story like this cannot be made up.
Great shot!!
25 May 2009 10:00pm
@JanW: Trust me Jan, It's True. I still can't believe how I acted. I also am having a hard time believing I posted it for everyone else to read. Thank you for the compliment.
vu@granby - Wolfgang from Granby, Québec, Canada
Luck you! I saw one yesterday in the tree in front of the house. Of course it was gone when I came back with my camera.... Great shot!
25 May 2009 11:08pm
@vu@granby - Wolfgang: Sounds Like your luck was almost like mine. Thank you for the compliment.
dkc from Xanthi, Greece
I love the colours of this little fellow! I like the sharing of you experience too!
26 May 2009 8:57am
@dkc: Thank you Dimitris. It was quite an ordeal.
Marion from Cincinnati, United States
Lee, this is an absolutely amazing shot! The colors and the clarity of it are phenomenal! I loved your little story of how you got the shot too. Having that second camera idea sure put a huge smile on my face :) Superb!!!
26 May 2009 10:24am
@Marion: Thanks Marion. You had to be there. It was panic and fumbling on my part.
Vinman from Essex, United Kingdom
I think he saw the heron shot and wanted the same background effect for himself with the 400mm! Love the highlight in the eye too.
26 May 2009 10:04pm
@Vinman: Thank you. You may be right. Good eye.
Lesley from Lincoln, United States
Such a gorgeous bird! I've only seen a couple in person and the color never ceases to amaze me.
Loved your story. I know it all too well. To be honest, I think I like this one better than what you might have captured on your side mirror, as I love the natural look of the fence post. Five stars, Lee!
28 May 2009 2:08am
@Lesley: Thank you Lesley. Until 2 years ago, it had been too many years since I saw one. You are right, this is a far better shot, than if I took it on my side mirror. I am thrilled with this shot. The antics to get the shot, well that's just embarasing.
Mary from PA, United States
What a capture! What a story too....I think most of us have been in your shoes ha ha.
28 May 2009 12:39pm
@Mary: Thanks Mary. It was rather interesting for me. I am still snickering.
Kerri from Blacksburg, United States
Persistence makes everything successful! Glad you didn't give up and that you took the shot!
What a lovely Oriole!
31 May 2009 11:49am
@Kerri: Thank you Kerri. I am very pleased with the outcome from this encounter. I love this shot.
