Eared Grebe juvi

[Kerry Perkins]

I love these little diving birds and could watch them for hours. Come to think of it, I do! This was captured with soft light of late afternoon in mid-winter. One of the hardest lessons to learn about bird photography is that the quality of the light is crucial to getting the best images possible. The surest way to avoid harsh highlights and clipped shadows is to shoot when the light is soft and low.

7D, EF400mm f/5.6L
Manual mode, f/5.6@1/3200 ISO 400 WB 4800K
AI Servo autofocus, hand-held no flash

[Andrew Merwin]

Kerry, a lovely image. I love that eye. The BG is very smooth & the detail on the grebe is excellent. Great exposure also.

[Jeannean Ryman]

That's a beauty Kerry! These little guys are quick too. You're so right about the light. I just wish we could order it up whenever we could.

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Hi Kerry, in total agreement about the light! I'm leaning toward cropping out much of the reflection; it is a bit too distorted. Other than that that exposure and everything else is excellent. regads~Bill