how would you try and photograph....

[seanmckinney]

birds in fast flight on a semi predictable course?


The other day I was out with a mate and we stopped somewhere on the Ards peninsula. Birds of the swallow and swift family were skimming the sea wall taking insects and they were following a fairly constant path. I put the film camera on a tripod and focused on one spot and then waited for them to fly through that spot, I used a cable release and watched the birds with 'naked eyes'
I have the slide film back but as yet havent got a good look at the shots as the film is uncut and I am waiting for a cutter to arrive so I can mount the shots. Trying to get a good look before the film is cut will probably result in me scratching the film but a quick look suggests only one shot captured a bird and that looked blurred.

[sweetleaf]

I wouldnt try Sean as Im not that good with a camera, but all Ive read suggests a very fast shutter speed or video , hope it works out for you.

[seanmckinney]

Talk about missing the obvious, I would normally shoot slide film with a small apeture, for maximum depth of field, and consequentially a slower shutter speed. I was so engrossed in trying to get the shot I probably set the camera up as per normal which would explain the blurring, duh duh