It was freezing cold. It was snowing. The wind was blowing like crazy. And where was I? Outside doing a photoshoot at Tralee where my sister-in-law trains horses. They actually do a lot of weddings at Tralee because of the stunning landscape surrounding it. We pulled into the driveway yesterday for a visit and I spotted a lone swan sitting on the partially frozen pond. Luckily I had brought my camera with me, so I jumped out of the car and took off down to the pond. I started out with my regular lens but soon switched to my telephoto.
Now, as we all know, when you are using a telephoto lens you need to watch out for camera shake. Of course, I should have been using a tripod, but there just wasn’t time for that. I didn’t know how long the swan would stay around and cooperate. Also, remember how much I hate winter and being cold. I start to shiver as soon as the temperature drops below 70 degrees F. So, there I am trying to brace myself against a tree, but I’m shivering from head to foot and my camera is being buffeted by the wind. It wasn’t long before my fingers started to feel a little numb. At one point I even climbed down snow-covered metal stairs to a floating dock and knelt in the snow to get really close to my new buddy.
I took a ton of pictures but never expected any of them to turn out very well. I figured they would all be blurry considering the nasty conditions I was in. Imagine my surprise when I uploaded them to the computer and found quite a few keepers. They needed some editing because of how dull the day was (and could probably still benefit from some additional touch ups), but I was so pleased with the results that I couldn’t pick just one picture to post today. So, today you get five photos because of my indecisiveness. Hope you like them!
photos from the loonybin 
Oh, they are all absolutely beautiful and the swan doesn’t look cold at all. Thanks so much for sharing!
You are so welcome. I’m glad you liked them!! You should have seen how excited I was afterwards. I just love taking wildlife photos, and that was just the perfect opportunity! By the way, I am not ignoring the award you gave me – I just haven’t had time to deal with it yet. I do appreciate it though 🙂
I feel calm after viewing these photos — thanks! 🙂 Beautiful pictures.
Any time! I know what it’s like – you are a Mom and sometimes calm moments are few and far between right? LOL! I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
Wonderful!Pure and beautiful 🙂
Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed them :).
Hand held! amazing quality. The exposure is spot on, not easy with white on white. The texture in the neck is feelable. Superb.
Wow, so many compliments. I really, really appreciate it!! I guess I really am learning as I go along! 🙂
Despite being cold and shivering, you did a good job of capturing the swan. As David Hall just mentioned, the exposure is a testimony to you technical skills. My favourite is the vertical, very tight shot of the swam. I like the almost organic feeling to it.
A professional photographer complimenting me on my technical skills – I am honoured!! I am still very much a beginner, but I am experimenting whenever I can (even if I freeze in the process) and absorbing whatever advice is thrown my way. Thank you again!