Chronophotography
Mirrorless cameras, with electronic shutters shooting at 20 frames/second make it possible to get rapid sequences of birds in flight. Throw them together in Photoshop to get a composite image. Certainly fun, and a great way of showing the elegance of the birds in the air. But is it just a gimmick? What do you think?
Lilac breasted roller, South Luangwa, Zambia
Lilac breasted roller, Ndutu, Tanzania
Giant kingfisher diving for fish, South Luangwa, Zambia
Successfully
Bee eater coming to rest, South Luangwa, Zambia
and taking off
Puffins on Skomer Island
Walking on air
Crashing into land
Tourists
Gannets at Grassholm
Superb Starling, Ndutu, Tanzania
Grey crowned crane, Tarangire NP, Tanzania
Stonechat. Coombe Heath walk RSPB Arne
Select any thumbnail below for a full screen slideshow
3 replies on “Birds in flight – fun with photoshop”
Lovely photos David. Great way to show time and movement in still photos.
Yes – it’s definitely a gimmick, but using the technology (and the photographer’s skill!) to make a composite picture of birds in flight makes for very interesting and beautiful shots, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Ah: It’s called Chronophotography.
Wikipedia explains all
and the Guardian shows off photos by Kathryn Cooper capturing the fluid movement of migrating starling murmurations at roost sites across Yorkshire and Derbyshire. (#13 and #14 are my favourites)