Blue Heron - Sanibel Island

[Tim Rogers]

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island FL
D800, 70-200mm VRII, tripod
DX, f5.6, 1/60th

I'm just starting with birding. I've shot landscape for years and recently retired ... we spent the winter in SW Florida and fell in love with the birds. I quickly discovered the need for a super-telephoto. This was shot in DX mode to gain length with my 70-200mm. Post processed in Lightroom. Comments welcome!

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Tim, Welcome. It is good to see you here. And it is good to know that there is at least one bird at Ding Darling. Working in mixed lighting (sun and shade in the same frame) as you did here is a recipe for image disaster.

You either need to get up early or photograph birds in the shade.

Thanks a stack for your membership support.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Congratulations on retiring, and congratulations on discovering bird photography Highly addictive but so much fun. Artie has mentioned the main issue with the image: light (and its quality). You'll get to learn the best and worst times for going out, and also what are the best opportunities as far as environment, and which ones to avoid. A learning process for sure, but we're here to help!

[keith mitchell]

Hi Tim ,welcome to this forum I have found it very good, you have started with some good advice from Arthur and Daniel.The light and shade in your image have given it lots of interest and I have found that the best way to learn is by trial and error, enjoy your wildlife photography look forward to seeing more.

Regards Keith.