Blue On Black...

[Joseph Przybyla]

I captured this image of a Great Blue Heron at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County, Florida. The bird looked angry, sinister. I had disheveled feathers, maybe from molting. The background was deep shadow, so easy to make black. With this to work with in developing the image I decided to go with a grungy look. WDYT? Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Nikon D7000
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 400mm (600mm FFE)
1/1250 F/5.6 Matrix Metering -1/3 EV ISO 2000, camera supported by a monopod
Post processed in Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC 2017
Cropped for composition and presentation

[keith mitchell]

Joe I don't really see how you could make this better,it's an excellent piece of work,sharpness and detail spot on.

Keith.

[Mike Hitchen]

A great portrait, Joseph. It really shows a predator's countenance and the state of the feathers gives good texture to its neck.

[Ryan von Linden]

Agree with the previous comments, it's a fantastic portrait and really nothing to find fault with. That's got to be the roughest looking heron I've ever seen too.

[gail bisson]

I am a sucker for black BG's so I really like this!
This poor heron sure looks like he has been ridden hard and put to bed wet!
Lovely IQ and feather details.
Good choice of comp.
Gail

[Mike Poole]

Definitely one of my favourites from you Joe. The stark black BG emphasises your subject and the detail in the bird is excellent. The head angle has allowed sharpness throughout, and I like your framing with the negative space in front.

Mike

[Tony Ardillo]

Perfect!

[Matthew Jones]

I am a sucker for black BG's so I really like this!
This poor heron sure looks like he has been ridden hard and put to bed wet!
Lovely IQ and feather details.
Good choice of comp.
Gail

Lol, what Gail said :bg3: and adding my own thoughts BRILLIANT!

[stuart wanuck]

yes a well done image with great detail

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent portrait. Beautiful colors and superb details.

Regards,
Satish.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Thanks everyone for viewing and commenting, very much appreciated.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the dark BG, composition and rough looking Heron. Very well done Joe.