Using All Focusing Points for Erratic Flight and Action

When attempting to photograph erratic flight or action, I will often choose AAFPS, All AutoFocus Points Selected as in most cases this make it easier to track the bird or to maintain focus on two birds that are interacting.  On my last trip with James Shadle on the Hooptie Deux, we were headed back to the dock at Gibsonton at about 10:15 am when we passed some feeding pelicans.  I arose from my stupor and screamed, “Stop the boat!”  James did and we spent almost an hour with the diving birds.   The neatest thing was that they stayed in a relatively small area, the area that held the school of bait! 

James did a great job of keeping the boat in perfect position relative to the wind and the light.   After trying central sensor only for a while, I switched to AAFPS; with the 50D, this entails activating all 9 AF sensors.   Nikon users should try Dynamic in these situations. 

If you would like to get out on Tampa Bay with James, try e-mailing him at  james@wildflorida.net or  james@birdphotographers.net.   James is the BAA Nikon Answer-Man and will be glad to answer your Nikon-related questions via e-mail.  He takes dozens of folks out each spring aboard his photo-customized pontoon boat.  To learn more about James and his spoonbill trips, click here: http://www.wildflorida.net/.

David Kennedy made that possible with a telephone lesson!  Thanks David.  David is a graduate student at the University of Missouri pursuing a masters degree in photojournalism.  You can learn more about David here: http://www.david-kennedy.com/blog/?page_id=2 or check out his informative blog here: http://www.david-kennedy.com/blog/.  Both David and Dad Keith (killer macro insects) are multiple IPT veterans and skilled photographers.