Namibian Flyby

Probably the biggest difference between photography and video, is that

photography tends to freeze action, whereas in video you can see the

action as it happened.

 

Although I can certainly appreciate frozen action shots, the downside

is that by simply stopping the action you can completely lose the

feeling of speed.

 

That is why every now and then I try to show the speed and the action

by using a panning technique combined with a relatively slow shutter

speed. It takes some practice to get it exactly right - a nicely

blurred and streaky background, motion blur in the subject, while

keeping the head as sharp as possible - but it's great fun and the

results can be awesome.

 

I took this shot in Etosha NP during the Namibia Untamed photo trip in

May of this year. It was late afternoon, it was getting cooler, and a

herd of impala was getting active all of a sudden. A couple of them

started running around like crazy, enabling us to take a couple of

action shots.

 

Your comments are appreciated as always.

 

[if you would like to join me on a photo trip to Namibia next year,

please have a look at my website: squiver.com]

Wonderful Action Shot ... Well done ...

Perfect & Superb Shot :)) - No more words!!

movement is certainly the action that springs to mind when looking at this. this is actually rather lovely from a composition point of view. your panning technique is certainly commendable. what you have captured has poise, dignity, speed and is bursting with life. the sharpness of the eyes reflects the mastery of your technique.

 

i do think this is very good. perhaps one of the best action shots i have seen in my two years on this site.

 

well done van.

Awesome shot. Conveys the pure speed of the animal just as you wanted it to. The face and eye being sharp and in focus really makes the whole thing work for me. Excellent.

Wow!!

Hats off for such a shot as this one! Reminds me of the bison cave paintings of altamira. So full of live action and packed with energy! Kudos.

 

Regards,

K.

Hi Marsel. You really pulled this one off perfectly. On same day someone posted a rear of an old Chevy Impala automobile (funny). Your critter is much more elegant. and the hit or miss panning technique is just about right for this exposure. Very good nature work. gs

Best wildlife shot I've seen today. Perfect amount of blur, thanks for sharing.

perfect catch 7/7

Excellent action shot! 7/7a. Best regards.

Lovely!

Hi Marsel.. Perfect a work.. Very very good a shot.. 7/7 Regards...

Fantastic shot. Really beautiful. Congrats.

Superb. Frame it!

7/7 from me. This is excellent! Bravo! Ginni

Wonderful capture! Best Wishes.

Excellent...Cong...

Your technique and probably a bit of luck certainly paid off here. Excellent capture. May I ask what your shutter speed was here?

Thanks for all your comments and kind words - much appreciated!

 

Will: shutterspeed was 1/30.

Wow. It's amazing that you were able to keep the head semi sharp. Excellent work. Thanks for the info.

Another incredible shot! Doesn't get much better than this. Great work!

Perfect feeling of motion! I love that only the head and the eyes are sharp - everything else says "flight!"

Remarkably beautiful image. Your entire portfolio is truly extraordinary. Thanks so much for sharing it.

 

Billy Dodson

I can feel the motion. What a wonderful image-what an exciting trip that must have been.

You certainly accomplished your goal. The speed is unmistakable. This is a fantastic photo and very unique IMO. Well done.

 

Regards, Katherine