Bug Eyes

Gallery: AvianPosted March 29, 2011101 views13 comments

First, I think this is a green heron, as opposed to a least bittern. Right? I took this on our seawall in Cocoa Beach. I was actually out there with my 8-year-old niece, who is learning to use her mom's old DSLR, and she was so excited to have this great subject. He stayed out there for an hour, seemingly posing for the camera.

I'm traveling and had to use my little laptop to process. Let me know if the colors are off on a "real" monitor. All C&C is welcome. Thanks!

Canon 7D with 500/4
1/1600 @7.1
ISO 800
tripod mount
processed in LR 3
background lightened with Viveza

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on March 29, 2011 at 8:51 AM

what a unique perspective, Michele--really makes it clear how they hunt. I like both the pose and the comp. only thing for me is that I wish the bill were a little sharper.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on March 29, 2011 at 9:06 AM

With a portrait this this one can't help but smile :^) The eye contact is perfect and the unique composition is simply marvelous, very well done Michele :^) While I'm certainly no expert, if I was forced to make a bet my money would be on this being a species of Bittern rather than a Green Heron.

Brian: Have to say a quick thanks for your insight; reading what you wrote about seeing them from this perspective helps one understand how they hunt was one of those lightbulbs above the head moments for me ;^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on March 29, 2011 at 10:50 AM

Green Heron is correct. Neat perspective makes for a very interesting image.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on March 29, 2011 at 5:50 PM

"The eyes have it" - wonderful pose of this beautiful green hero.
Techs are good and processing looks just fine.
Keep this one in mind for future Weekly Challenges - there is sure to be another "odd perspective" or "cool eyes" theme in the future.

Well done!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on March 29, 2011 at 6:08 PM

Very cool POV, Michele! A great look at the eyes. This is probably what the preys see last.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on March 29, 2011 at 7:23 PM

Very unique angle! Love the eyes!

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 29, 2011 at 8:55 PM

Definitely makes you feel like something to be eaten. The unusual perspective is very effective.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on March 29, 2011 at 9:27 PM

This is what the fish sees right before it is snatched by the heron. Very cool perspective, Michele.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 29, 2011 at 9:34 PM

A very cool perspective and close up for sure Michele. I would like to see the beak sharper and it seems you had adequate shutter speed to be able to stop down more here. Neat shot!

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 29, 2011 at 11:36 PM

My What Beautiful Eyes You Have!!! Sweet Photo Michele

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Michele Williams on March 30, 2011 at 12:37 AM

Thanks everyone, for the C&C. I was disappointed that the beak wasn't sharper. I've only used my 500/4 lens for a few weeks and everything I have read says to use high shutter speeds for big lenses. Also, I do not yet have a feel for the depth of field of this lens. I'd love to know what shutter speeds others use on 500mm lenses, on a tripod and handheld. Thanks for any advice!
~Michele

Registered on April 3, 2010, 28 Posts, 146 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Harbour on March 30, 2011 at 12:35 PM

I also like the great perspective giving insight into their visual field for hunting.

Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 1, 2011 at 7:34 PM

This is one of those images that makes you smile, you've established that all important connection with the viewer immediately..
Excellent focus on those dorky lookin' eyes, I love this Michele

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments