Luck often plays a role in my wildlife photography. This past Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, this male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was perched when I initially pressed the shutter release on my camera. A split second later, the cardinal took off and I captured this fun image as he flew right towards me.
I often shoot in short bursts, which helps explain how I managed to get this shot. The shutter speed was only 1/250 of a second and that is why the wings are blurred. Amazingly the head, which is the most important element in most wildlife shots, is in relatively sharp focus, especially considering the fact that I took the shot from a long distance away—my EXIF data indicate that I took the shot at 483mm, near the long end of my 150-600mm telephoto zoom lens.
Luck by itself, of course, does not guarantee good photos, nor does having expensive gear—I am fond of saying that patience and persistence are the most critical requirements for getting good shots. I have to be out as often as I can and remain constantly prepared to react appropriately to whatever fortunate circumstances in which I find myself. In that sense, I have to make my own luck.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I love when that happens
That’s the second cardinal I’ve seen in my WordPress feed today. They’re my favourites!
I love cardinals and the fact that they stay with us all winter. I especially enjoy seeing the bright color of the males in midwinter, when so many of the days are gray and gloomy.
Fantastic action shot!
Thanks, Laura.
Very cool shot, Mike!
Thanks, Ellen. It’s not exactly what I planned, but I love those wonderful moments when I find an unexpected shot when I am reviewing my images on my computer. 🙂
Me, too, and when a bird is coming straight at you the expectations are pretty low!
I like your thinking, Ellen. My success rate for birds in flight is not that great, but I am ok with that. I marvel a bit at the pro photographers with the newest high-end cameras with eye detect and amazing burst rates–they make it look so easy. I am pretty content with my older gear, though I do see a possibility that I will eventually move to a mirrorless camera some day.
Ted has made the switch and has the bird detect and more options than he will ever use. He needed something lighter after his neck surgery. I’m happy with what I have for now, too–there is something to be said for familiarity!
Nice post ✉️