Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Nailed it

Discussion

14 replies
Posted by Robert Lawrence on May 30, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Nailed it
Another Heron shot, this time with a bit of action. I had watched this bird sulking behind a tree stump for about half an hour when it decided to walk out to the edge of the reedbed whereupon it started to stalk intently. Next thing ..wham.. it nailed a two foot eel! The eel was wrapped onto the beak when the photo was taken and is not clear at first sight but a later shot shows it extended.
My main problem with this image is the crop. Unfortunately the bird is to the right of the frame so I have had to crop out thr LH side to even it up. However to keep a rectangular format I had to lose the reflection. I have tried a squarer crop which I don't normally like and will post that as well for you to pass an opinion as to which one works best.
C&C welcome as always.
EOS 30D
Sigma 500mm
exp 1/500 @ f8: iso 320
Posted by Robert Lawrence on May 30, 2008 at 5:29 PM
And the square crop.
Posted by Matt Cole on May 30, 2008 at 5:34 PM
a great action shot, well captured. A shame the reeds and grasses were in the way but it obviously couldn't be helped. I don't have a strong preference out of the 2 crops, but both could do with a CCW rotation.

Matt
Posted by John Robinson on May 30, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Great action shot. How do you eat an eel in one piece ??!!

JR
Posted by Ian Mason on May 30, 2008 at 6:53 PM
Nice shot of great piece of action. Second post for me - agree with the rotation.
Posted by Major Gilbert on May 31, 2008 at 2:48 AM
Dont usually like square crops that looks much better. :toast:

Major.
Posted by Tom Smit on May 31, 2008 at 3:48 AM
Both great pictures.. I like the second one best.
Posted by Robert Lawrence on May 31, 2008 at 4:01 AM
Thanks all. John, I dont know how it ate that eel, I was wondering myself how he would manage it but unfortunately he went out of sight behind the reeds to do so.
Posted by Paul Inglis on May 31, 2008 at 7:34 AM
Hi Robert,

Congratulations! Fantastic capture! I prefer the square crop! Smashing image!
:toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Elliott Neep on May 31, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Good reactions to get the strike. The reeds are a real shame and are just a bit too intrusive for me. The images really needs to be straightened too. Prefer the original post :toast:
Posted by Trevor Wilson on May 31, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Well caught Robert, thanks for advice regarding the Sigma 500, looking forward to mastering it, like you appear to have.. :toast:
Posted by Barry Southon on May 31, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Robert

Great capture of what I tend to find a difficult subject I've said previously I like the environment shots its as it is. A true capture. Just mho.

Barry :wink:

Eastbourne / Kansas
Posted by Alan Woolnough on May 31, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Super catch Robert {both you, and the bird} :toast: :toast:

I think i prefer the original, allthough agree it needs a rotation!!

Belter :toast:

Alan
Posted by Dave Courtenay on May 31, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Nits covered its a good image

Dave :toast:
Posted by Mark sellings on June 3, 2008 at 4:44 AM
Good action shot - must have been quick

:toast: :toast: