Imature Black Crowned Night Heron

Shot image at Ding Darling NWR. Bird was along the side of the drive near the entrance gate. Shot from car with neoprene pipe wrap window mount. Canon EOS 5D w/ 35–350L Lens @ 350mm, 1/2500Sec. @ f/8.0, ISO 400 Exposure Compensation 0. He was in and out of the weeds, this was the only good image I got with him sans front distraction.


Would have liked more "sideyard area" but this is what I got and no cropping due to the full image. Front grass while noticable, I don't think is distracting. I would have had to cut off his leg to eliminate it. Could PS, but decided to give it near as shoot.

I did not cut the reeds in the foreground. I prefer to show them if they are there. It's not nice to fool with mother nature.


I was after a full frame image and he filled it. :)


Mark

I think a lower angle would have not been possible, though I would have preferred that. Nice catch, light seems a little strong. Also appreciate that you didn't do any digital gardening. :)

I like the head angle and details and fine the bird a bit tight in the frame. The light looks quite harsh. Keep them coming!

It almost looks like if it was flashed. I like the habitat. I would light up the eye.

No flash use. It was the lighting of the background and the bird being in the only open area receiving daylight. I don't own a flash! ; > ) I do adjust in PE, but that is for clarity. Still working on those skills.

Agree with the tightness, but that was the frame. I could widen the canvas, but with all the natural "clutter" it would look false.

Thanks for the comments,

Mark