Down in the Dungeons

[Marina Scarr]

This young Black-crowned Night Heron either got booted out of his nest or fell out and ended up at the bottom of the mangrove. I heard a loud squawking which is how I discovered him. It was extremely dark under there, hence the high ISO.

For some reason, I guess b/c of the story is portrays, I am attached to this image. It's already a large crop. It was very tough to work on b/c of the noise and the highlights showing through the mangroves. I am curious about your opinions on this one, and if you can see anywhere I could possibly improve upon it. Thank you in advance for any comments, critiques or advice.

Canon 1D3, Canon 400 DO
F5.6, 1/800sec, ISO 3200, manual mode
Handheld while kneeling in shallow water

Marina Scarr
Florida Master Naturalist
www.marinascarrphotography.com

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Great title and I really like the way the environment shows the size of this little guy. He really stands out well and great expression and story.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Marina, very nice! I'm not sure that I would change a thing. The crop that you selected works very well, and I can see how you (or I) could get attached to an image like this with the story that you gave. It's a great moment captured in time, that's for sure!

[Melissa Groo]

This image tells a great story, almost metaphorical for its suggestion of the big bad world awaiting an unwilling fledgling. Great job processing this as I don't see any noise. I like your composition. Kind of a creepy overall feel that goes well with Halloween time!
Man that shallow water you were in must have been mucky, from the looks of this setting...

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I like it as presented Marina. I think you did a great job with this image due to the high ISO used and can barely notice any noise.

[John Cooper]

A dramatic capture Marina - as the saying goes "A picure is worth a thousands words". Well seen and taken.

[Charlie Schwencke]

Great Capture - I really like this one :)

[Shawn Zierman]

It's dramatic, a little "dark", and makes one wonder a number of things even without your explanation, though I appreciate
the background that you provided. It's a sweet image and I would not change a thing. Great subject motion and animation!

[Dennis Zaebst]

A great and unique image, Marina. I like everything about it. Exposure and lighting are fine. The lack of noise and the sharpness give testament to the crop-ability (is that a word??) of today's DSLR images. Just a question: what was the outcome? Did the mama rescue him?

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Marina, great work on your pp, as there is no noise eveident from this side. Love the 'crawling out' pose from the juvi, together with the open bill. A busy BG, but since the juvi is out in the open, it doesnt distract at all - infact, I like the surrounds as captured.

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Marina! I like the dark setting, IQ and composition. Very effective image.