Javan Pond Heron (Breeding Plumage)

[Ron E Racine]

A Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa) in breeding plumage. The Pond Herons here in Thailand are starting to take on their fantastic breeding plumage.


Taken on March 7th, 2014 @ 5:00PM in Chachoengsao, Thailand


Canon 7D, Canon 600mm L F4 IS II, Canon 1.4x Teleconverter Series III
Shot from my car using an Apex Low-profile Bean Bag and Wimberly II Gimbal
ISO 400, f7.1, 1/1600
Manual Exposure mode


Thoughts and feedback appreciated.


Ron

[Arthur Morris]

Hey Ron, A stunningly gorgeous bird in stunning breeding plumage. Very sharp. Nice soft light an killer colors. Perfect head turn. For me, this one sorely needed to be a vertical as you have cut off the virtual lower part of the bird....

[Ron E Racine]

Thanks for the comments and feedback Arthur. At the time I thought his legs and feet were mostly obscured by the foliage but I now realize there was more visible that I did not manage to capture. I will definitely keep in mind the vertical treatment the next time I encounter one of these.

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great details and eye contact.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Never seen one of these Ron, so I'm glad you shared this here. I like the detail in the back feathers, and like the lookback that you got. I could also see it as a vertical crop. I may consider reducing the contrast in the background - helping to create a smoother feel.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for the comments and feedback Arthur. At the time I thought his legs and feet were mostly obscured by the foliage but I now realize there was more visible that I did not manage to capture. I will definitely keep in mind the vertical treatment the next time I encounter one of these.

You are most welcome Ron. Even had the legs and feet been totally obscured by the vegetation I would still have recommended going vertical with this one so as to better frame the bird while including its virtual legs--he legs and feet that we know are there but cannot see. On rare occasion I might not follow this guideline but for this one I would have gone vertical in an instant. Thanks a stack for your membership support.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Beautiful bird and setting, and I like the advice you got. One thing I've gotten better at with time is taking a variety of images (horizontal, vertical, small in the frame, closeups) when I encounter a cooperative subject. Not sure if that is the case you had here, but something to think about for future opportunities.

[douglas hayes]

Fine exposure and wonderful detail of feathers and colours. I do miss his feet. Cheers