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Hi Dave,
Great shots. I especially like #3, he has a very unique expression.

I have an opportunity to shoot a release of a red tailed hawk this Weekend if the weather holds. It will be at the Stadium at my local University, Appalachian State University.

The release will be in front of the Grandstand etc.

Could you give me some advice about which lens to use etc.
I know that it will happen very quickly once the Hawk is released and my thoughts are to be up as close as possible to the handler and just fire a burst of shots as the Hawk leaves her hands.

I am working closely with the handler and will be able to be as close as I need to be.

Thanks again for any advice.

Dale



Hopefully this gets to you before the event. I was out of town Fri, Sat.
The best advice I can give is to try to stand somewhere so the bird flies across in front of you. If it flies straight at you, the camera can have a hard time getting the focus lock.
With a little luck, it will be a bright day, use F8 if you can to get a little more depth of field, but still keep shutter speeds high.
Between shots, let the camera refocus. That bird is moving in and out of that first focus range, so by letting it refocus, you have a better chance to come away with more keepers.


To everyone else, thanks for looking and commenting.

dave