Great Blue Heron

Gallery: AvianPosted April 15, 2012149 views13 comments

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Place: Riparian Institute, Gilbert, AZ
Date: January 25, 2012, 7:48 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor 300/2.8 AF-S, TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: aperture priority matrix meter, ISO 400, 1/640th @ f/8. -2/3rd ev compensation
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, full frame

A common and easy subject. I was attracted by the quality of the early morning light.

Just something a little different from the light/color for the large collection of this species in my files.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. If possible, please view the large version before commenting.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on April 15, 2012 at 7:06 PM

The early morning light renders this a very pleasing monochromatic scene. I like the comp and your usual fine detail.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 15, 2012 at 8:14 PM

The light is great in this shot Rich. Nice FF comp.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on April 15, 2012 at 8:24 PM

Nice pose on the heron and in beautiful light. What's not to like?

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on April 15, 2012 at 8:37 PM

Wonderful light, and nice glow of the Herons eye.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on April 15, 2012 at 8:59 PM

Beautiful golden light, beautiful portrayal of the solitary bird in the early morning. The feathers on the back are gorgeous.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on April 15, 2012 at 9:02 PM

The early light truly makes the image, Richard. The fact that you were able to a full frame image of this species is also impressive.

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by Verdon on April 15, 2012 at 9:14 PM

great pose and stunning soft light, awesome!

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by DENNIS HEAL on April 15, 2012 at 9:54 PM

I'm fortunate to see these birds almost daily in the back yard but your lighting is fantastic. would love to shoot one with that kind of light.

Registered on February 9, 2012, 30 Posts, 11 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 15, 2012 at 11:13 PM

Gorgeous portrait, Richard. Wonderful light and classic Heron Pose.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 16, 2012 at 2:16 AM

Awesome light on this nicely-posed heron.

Sandy

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

Comment posted by David Haynes on April 16, 2012 at 7:42 PM

Richard,
Just saw this one. sorry for the late response but that is some terrific light. A common bird yes, but the superb golden light makes this a special image. I love the crop and composition and especially the angle of the head turn. It's not a big deal but you might clone out the blue line in the water coming out of his shadow. Does not hurt the image but it doesn't help it either and it's the second thing my eye was drawn to. I wish I had one this nice Richard.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on April 16, 2012 at 10:21 PM

Lovely image, the lighting makes this.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on April 17, 2012 at 5:35 PM

A wonderful full frame shot with nice detail in the larger image, that soft morning light really makes the shot for me, well seen Rich.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments