Low Flyer by Stephen Oachs

Saturday, 13th February 2010

Low Flyer

by Stephen Oachs

This sandhill crane at Bosque Del Apache was flying low at the end of a very cold New Mexico day. His position provided a richly colored backdrop, while a slower shutter speed allowed a slight blurring of his wings, lending further drama and motion to the capture.

Equipment: Canon 1D Mark III

Stephen Oachs

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen’s unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today’s finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

www.ApertureAcademy.com

18 Comments

Davey Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 5:16 am
Splendid.
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Very nice, Stephen! This shot emphasizes the strength required to migrate long distances. His head, body and neck are in perfect focus, while the slight blur to the wings shows the effort and speed of the downstroke. Flocks of Sandhills announce themselves with a call that penetrate the walls and the din of daily life, giving my sister and me time to rush outside to enjoy the sight of their wings against the sky. Thanks for showing us one ‘up close and personal’!
Pauline Jones Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 10:07 am
We get herons locally that look almost he same except different coloring; lovely birds, and a great capture.
Wanda Krack Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
This shot reminds me immediately of the word ‘concentration.’ Great capture, nice coloring both background and the bird. Looks like perfect dof.
Rajib Singha Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Great Capture Stephen.
Anurag Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Everything Perfect, An image which you just sit back an savour.
planet lover Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
BEAUTIFUL! I especially love the perfect alignment of the body from the tip of the beak to those outstretched legs. Wow!
Marie Dunphy harding Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Brilliant shot, it looks as though you pasted this beautiful bird; the background is perfect.
mike Says:
February 13th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
He’s really looking at something ahead.
Ursula Says:
February 14th, 2010 at 12:35 am
A striking shot! I perceive the bird’s focus to be inward, in full concentration of his body. Each observer perceives a story as unique as themselves.
Shirley Fendley Says:
February 14th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Your pictures are so beautifull, I save almost
all of them. Thanks.
Nicki Says:
February 14th, 2010 at 5:18 am
Fantastic shot, Stephen!
renee Says:
February 15th, 2010 at 12:15 am
amazing shot!!
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
February 15th, 2010 at 3:54 am
Pauline–you can tell herons from cranes even at great distances by the way the fly. A birder’s tip: Cranes fly with necks extended, herons fly with their necks bended. Bad poetry but a great id tip.
Grete Says:
February 16th, 2010 at 1:17 am
What a impressive capture, the decisive moment! Congrats and greetings
João Ganhão Says:
February 21st, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Very well described! Perfect shot!
su Says:
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:10 am
Simply the best
paul whitton Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:07 am
an easy capture by no means! fantastic shot, well done.