B.C.N. Heron on the rocks, so to speak

[Jack Breakfast]

Here's a bird I got to know! This picture was taken with the Canon 7D and 200mm f2.8 lens at iso320, 1/1250, f3.5. I'll tell you this: I USED to think that head angle choosiness, i.e., the notion that some head angles are better than others, that there could actually be a "correct" and "incorrect" head angle for any given photograph, was absolute bunk and tantamount to insanity! I've since changed my tune somewhat, and for better and worse, I have you glorious folks to thank! I am still wary of subscribing too much to any ideology, and I keep an open mind about head angles and everything else too. At least in the world of art! That said, I would have given my left shoe for a head turn towards me! I was singing to this heron, giving him my good whispers, and as you can see, I was quite close to him. He didn't seem to be aggravated by my presence, probably because I am a sweetiepie, and I left the scene before he did. I did take many frames with more...interactive...head angles, but those particular shots are lacking in water droplets! Am I mildly upset by the darker water at heron's left, abutting up against the bird? Yes! But what's a nature boy to do? What we have here accounts for approximately 90% of the original capture. What say you, good folks?

[Nancy Bell]

I think the water droplets are great. They add a huge sense of action to the motionless heron. Looking closely at that beautiful red eye I see one small droplet that I would probably clone away, plus one on the lower bill. I like the composition that the droplets are mostly behind the bird.

[Jack Breakfast]

Thanks Nancy, I too noticed the waterdroplet in the eye, and debated cloning it out. I wanted to see what folks might say about it. I didn't notice the one on the lower bill; many thanks for pointing that out!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Beautiful subject, and I like those water drops. I agree with Nancy about the two drops she mentions. Jack, I'm glad you are seeing the value of a great head angle for artistic purposes (have you seen the "Head Angle Fine POints thread?). It's the little things like that which can make a mere good image a great one

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the water drops, sharpness, details and exposure. Nice image Jack and better luck with the HA on your next visit.

[Jack Breakfast]

Beautiful subject, and I like those water drops. I agree with Nancy about the two drops she mentions. Jack, I'm glad you are seeing the value of a great head angle for artistic purposes (have you seen the "Head Angle Fine POints thread?). It's the little things like that which can make a mere good image a great one

Oh yes, Daniel, I read every last maddening word of that thread...

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot. Love the water drops, and great comp.
Well done.

[PhilCook]

Liking the splashed water and big red eye, nice composition too on his rock. You certainly have done very well to get so close....so what kind of singing do Herons like

[Jack Breakfast]

Phil: did you ever see the video of Glenn Gould singing Mahler to the zoo animals? Maybe elephants? Anyhow, I make up my own songs, sometimes with lyrics like these: "O pious warbling nycticorax/let heaven's light feather your countenance/and carry ye home/abundant ghostly heron/warble once towards my ignoble lens" but it's different every time. Pseudo-spiritual stuff, and it must NEVER rhyme. Enough silliness. Thanks for writing in, folks!

[Joe Senzatimore]

Phil: did you ever see the video of Glenn Gould singing Mahler to the zoo animals? Maybe elephants? Anyhow, I make up my own songs, sometimes with lyrics like these: "O pious warbling nycticorax/let heaven's light feather your countenance/and carry ye home/abundant ghostly heron/warble once towards my ignoble lens" but it's different every time. Pseudo-spiritual stuff, and it must NEVER rhyme. Enough silliness. Thanks for writing in, folks!

I'll have what he's having.

[Carmelo Cannova]

Beautiful image and nice to have a very cooperative subject that seems to know you.

Carmelo

[Grace Scalzo]

Well, Mr. Breakfast. You are one crazy man, creative, funny, all good, I might add. Now as for your image....if you like it, that's really all that counts in the end. I like it too but I do see a color cast that I might deal with...too magenta. The water droplets make this image and his stare is intense. Thank you so much for sharing not only the image, but your musings as well. Now I want to go listen to either Bach or Mahler.

[Jack Breakfast]

Grace, check on youtube for Glenn Gould singing to the animals, shouldn't be hard to find. There's also a wonderfully magical little movie called Glenn Gould's Toronto, which holds a special place in my nasty heart. Thanks for the comments. I hadn't noticed the cast, but I'll have a look. Indeed I do like this image but I'd like it more if the b.c.n.h. was singing something from St Matthew's Passion to me, you know, sweetly, sort of cooing...Bye!

[laurie golden]

Very nice and (as expected from you) interesting and different. I would love to get that close to a BHNH. I do like the water background - even the darker greenish-blue parts. Great composition and sharp. What caused the water drops?

[Jack Breakfast]

Ah Laurie, it was the spray of the surf. Things got really windy after a while. I was standing in front of this fellow for quite some time. The weather changed and sometimes those good droplets would come flying...

[PhilCook]

Love your sense of fun and humor Jack hahahaha

[Jack Breakfast]

Mostly I'm just silly. And idiotic! Thanks for the kind words, folks

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Jack, I like your comp, and you have captured a good pose with an alert stare. Something different with the splashing surf, and it looks like you are track to become an even better photographer. You are quick learner.

[Jack Breakfast]

Hi Jack, I like your comp, and you have captured a good pose with an alert stare. Something different with the splashing surf, and it looks like you are track to become an even better photographer. You are quick learner.

Stuart, many thanks. What I appreciate most about our forum is this: even when I disagree with folks' aesthetics and ideas, I always learn useful and heart-pleasing lessons. There are a lot of great teachers on this forum, yourself certainly included. Lots of people with smart eyes and a healthy love of birds and nature. The second best lesson to have learned: never take anything personally, and don't be overly competitive. A little bit of healthy competition is fine, I think, but the rest of it gets ugly. Lots of birds to share...