In the Way

Gallery: AvianPosted November 18, 2014138 views6 comments

OK, first off I am not an avian photographer... I don't have the patience, the equipment, or the know-how and I like my subject matter stationary, not avoiding me. Every once in a while though some bird gets in the way of my camera and I press the shutter at an opportune time. Here's an encounter with an egret in one of the Central Valley's myriad of wildlife preserves on a foggy day. I like the way the reeds framed his head.

Canon T1i,f/7.1, 1/250 sec., ISO-200, 250mm, handheld from passenger seat.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on November 18, 2014 at 8:35 PM

Dave: the soft light and reflections are excellent. There's a beautiful symmetry to the photo and the reeds provide a leading line and nice contrast. Did you take any more shots after the bird had taken one or two more steps? Looks like it might have cleared the reeds that now intersect the neck and bill. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on November 18, 2014 at 11:22 PM

I'll second the comment about the nice soft lighting in this photo. The still water provides a really good BG. The orange bill really stands out. Nice shimmering reflection. Nicely seen and composed.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Tjie Poo on November 19, 2014 at 1:28 AM

Very nice lighting. The reflection on the water makes an interesting composition.

Registered on December 4, 2012, 51 Posts, 511 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on November 19, 2014 at 6:43 AM

I really like this composition, even without the egret I think would be an interesting photo. Nice light and great pose you captured Dave.

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

Comment posted by D.A. Edwards on November 20, 2014 at 1:27 AM

Thanks for commenting Richard. Attached is a shot per your request after the head of the egret had cleared the reeds.

Registered on October 8, 2014, 226 Posts, 1187 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on November 20, 2014 at 4:37 PM

This has beautiful presence, to my eye. The only (very slight) nit I have is the square crop. If you have the space, I would add a touch to the right and maybe remove slightly from the bottom. The natural feeling inclusion of the reeds is a great bonus, imo. In that regard, I much prefer the original posting to the added repost.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments