I was at Tybee Beach this morning, photographing shorebirds. I saw a large container ship inbound for Georgia Ports. I see these all the time, and I didn't pay any attention. I was on my knees, having a good time. The birds flew up. I saw the wake surf boiling. I struggled to my feet and headed for higher ground, but the wave caught me. I braced but the water took the footing right out from under me. I hit the water, camera and monopod held high overhead. My backpack full of gear was in the water and dragging me like a wet parachute. I tumbled and everything went under.
Fortunately, the card was still good, even though the camera and lenses were saturated and not working. They are gone off to Nikon for repair. Here is the last picture I took.
This and one more like it were the last two frames. It was a blue sky day, but the water must have forced the shot. I flat only remember trying to keep from drowning.
Glad you're ok and sorry to hear about your gear - hopefully they'll be able to fix everything. I really like the minimalist feel to the shot - nice catch
Hi guys. I'm a newby on here. Just joined as member. I have been lurking in the background and reading a lot of post and articles. This is really a great site. Phil sorry to hear about that. Hope everything in your pack was ok. I am planning a trip to Savannah from July 7-11th. Hope that doesn't happen to me. I have been search on the net for places to go while I'm there. I guess SNWR is one of the best. There are so many up and down the coast from Savannah.
SNWR will be closed from June 1 until January of 2011. The COE will be doing major repairs. Harris Neck NWR down the coast is a good substitute. Also the North shore of Tybee is a good place for shorebirds. Pinkney Island NWR, near Hilton Head is good, but it's a long hike (3 miles in). Bring a bike for either Pinkney or Harris Neck.
Phil, Sorry to hear and see your troubles......ouch. What is bothering me is just what in the heck are "they" (COE) doing at the SNWR that is going to take 7 to 8 months and in so doing are shutting down (making private) the whole area?????? And a side wonder...how much money are they spending, who is paying, and just what are they "fixing"?
If you want to move this to email....then you know my address!
Once again, sorry about your equipment....drowning might have been easier!
Troup
Sorry about the spill you took but hopefully it all works out for your gear as well. I like the composition very much but the processing in PS is a little dissapointing-obviously a very doctored image that takes away the credibility of nature photographers
Richard, to be a bit more precise: The reason for the unimpeded wake was the almost precisely high tide. The sand bar which usually breaks ship wake was 7 feet further under water. I was actually rolled by two waves, one after the other. It was the second wave that caused me to submerge my gear.
I had actually planned to be there at high tide, which was the best time to photograph shore birds.
Discussion
12 repliesFortunately, the card was still good, even though the camera and lenses were saturated and not working. They are gone off to Nikon for repair. Here is the last picture I took.
National Wildlife Refuge one day as well.
Charlie, welcome.
If you want to move this to email....then you know my address!
Once again, sorry about your equipment....drowning might have been easier!
Troup
Glad you're ok and hope your gear is too.
Best of luck when you get that call from Nikon with the prognosis and glad you're ok. Nothing like that has ever happened to me
I had actually planned to be there at high tide, which was the best time to photograph shore birds.