LAUNCH! (High Speed Target Drone launched at sea)

SittingElfSittingElf Registered Users Posts: 46 Big grins
edited February 25, 2011 in Other Cool Shots
1174376069_ajboX-XL.jpg
Canon 7D
Canon EF100-400L @ 100mm, F11, 1/1000
ISO 500, Auto White, Focus - Pattern, Shutter Priority, sRGB
Shot as JPG only due to needing to shoot at full 8FPS


This shot is one of the most challenging shots I've ever taken. These drones use a rocket assisted takeoff that gets them from standstill to 250MPH in 1.5 seconds.

I originally tried bursting with my 7D in both RAW and Jpeg, but by the time the drone launched., the camera was stalling trying to fill the CF card. I resorted to straight JPEG and fired away.. this was the 13th frame in the burst.

I'm proud this won a challenge on another (big) forum recently (subject: "Flames"), and I thought I might share it here.

To see video of the launch on YouTube (I did those with my 5DmkII while shooting stills with my 7D)... Click HERE

Photo and Video Copyright 2010 by Sitting Elf Media - Frank Trinkle. Downloading, Copying or Duplication by any means is prohibited without written authorization of the copyright holder.
My Equipment:
Bodies: Canon- 5D Mark II, 7D, 50D, SD780IS, Sony DSC F828, DSC F717,
Lenses: Canon EF16-35/f2.8L, EF24-105/f4L, EF100-400L, EF 50mm/1.8 II, EF100/2,8L, EF85/1.8 USM, MP-E65/2.8 1-5X, 15mm Fisheye, 70-200/f2.8L II
Lighting: Canon 580EXII, 430EXII, MT-24EX, MR-14EX, Sony Hi Power, YinYan BY-180B Studio Strobes (3), Coco Ring Flash Adapter.
Stability:Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, 322RC2, 498RC2, 454 Macro Slider, 175F-1 Clamps
Video: Canon XHA1, HV-20 (2), HV-30

Comments

  • DogdotsDogdots Registered Users Posts: 8,795 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    All I can say is "WOW" over and over again. This is fantastic thumb.gif

    Lucky you to be able to be there to take this photo. Great shot thumb.gif
    Mary
    www.Dogdotsphotography.com
  • JayMurrayArtistJayMurrayArtist Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited February 20, 2011
    Awesome picture, I want one!
  • WachelWachel Registered Users Posts: 448 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    Amazing!!! I love these types of shots.
    Michael

    <Insert some profound quote here to try and seem like a deep thinker>

    Michael Wachel Photography

    Facebook
  • mdupontmdupont Registered Users Posts: 31 Big grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    very cool shot and video.thumb.gif
  • RichardRichard Administrators, Vanilla Admin Posts: 19,982 moderator
    edited February 21, 2011
    Dogdots wrote: »
    All I can say is "WOW" over and over again. This is fantastic thumb.gif

    15524779-Ti.gif Spectacular shot.
    My Pics
  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    It's like little boys playing with firecrackers. :D

    Good job!!! Both on the photos and your service!!

    Sam
    www.samlinvillephotography.com
  • squirl033squirl033 Registered Users Posts: 1,230 Major grins
    edited February 21, 2011
    seriously cool shot... well done!
    ~ Rocky
    "Out where the rivers like to run, I stand alone, and take back something worth remembering..."
    Three Dog Night

    www.northwestnaturalimagery.com
  • billseyebillseye Registered Users Posts: 847 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    clap.gif

    Musta been incredible to watch. Thanks for sharing - and congrats on the "Flame" win!
    Bill Banning

    Check out billseye photos on SmugMug
  • ruexp2ruexp2 Registered Users Posts: 33 Big grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    Your tax dollars at work.
    Canon 7D
    Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC
    Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 VC
    Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
    Nexto eXtreme Image backup device 160GB
  • DaddyODaddyO Registered Users Posts: 4,466 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    Excellent picture. Well done. Nice to see it thumb.gif
    Michael
  • FlyNavyFlyNavy Registered Users Posts: 1,350 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    Excellent!!!

    J
    http://jmledy.com/


    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003085685580
  • yendikenoyendikeno Registered Users Posts: 214 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2011
    DaddyO wrote: »
    Excellent picture. Well done. Nice to see it thumb.gif

    My sentiments exactly!
    Regards,
    AZFred
  • SittingElfSittingElf Registered Users Posts: 46 Big grins
    edited February 25, 2011
    Thanks for all the comments! I work as a Defense Contractor, flying heavy lift helicopters off of a US Naval Supply Ship, mostly in the Western Pacific, but also occasionally deployed to the Gulf Region. We resupply US Navy Battle Groups, and Allied Force Navies at sea with parts, food, mail, fuel, and ammo. This particular picture was taken while our ship was supporting a major international exercise with the Singaporean Navy. The drone launch team took over our helideck to shoot the drones, which were to be shot down by the participating navies to simulate stopping missile attacks on their ships. It was an exciting few days, and capturing this shot was the pinnacle of the exercise for me!
    Again, I really appreciate the positive comments. Cheers.
    My Equipment:
    Bodies: Canon- 5D Mark II, 7D, 50D, SD780IS, Sony DSC F828, DSC F717,
    Lenses: Canon EF16-35/f2.8L, EF24-105/f4L, EF100-400L, EF 50mm/1.8 II, EF100/2,8L, EF85/1.8 USM, MP-E65/2.8 1-5X, 15mm Fisheye, 70-200/f2.8L II
    Lighting: Canon 580EXII, 430EXII, MT-24EX, MR-14EX, Sony Hi Power, YinYan BY-180B Studio Strobes (3), Coco Ring Flash Adapter.
    Stability    :Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, 322RC2, 498RC2, 454 Macro Slider, 175F-1 Clamps
    Video: Canon XHA1, HV-20 (2), HV-30
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