I captured this image of a Little Blue Heron on one of my walks at Circle B Bar Reserve. The bird was perched on about a six inch square wooden post that screamed man-made. There wasn't any weathering which might of made it somewhat acceptable. I opted for a portrait from about twenty feet to the bird. The sun was behind the bird so I was on the dark side but there were clouds passing by the sun which evened out the light when they blocked the sun. I set the exposure when the sun was behind a cloud and captured images every time the sun was blocked. All but two frames were bad head positions or just awkward looking. This image is one of two which I liked. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.
Nikon D7000
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 400mm (600mm FFE)
1/1600 F/5.6 Matrix Metering +1 EV ISO 2200 AWB
Post processed in Lightroom 6 and Photoshop Elements 10
Cropped for composition
Joe Przybyla
"Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams
Hi Joseph, you have captured excellent detail here, tack sharp, and well timed to show that large open bill. I really like the transition of colour from the head to the body, and overall good DOF. Good choice of going portrait since you state the perch wasnt ideal. Did I mention that the angled pose looks great too.
Hi Joseph well executed portrait with great details and lovely sharpness. The open beak is a nice bonus .
I see a version with a bit more punch ....... well it is personal preference as always , but maybe you like it too.
Hi Joe,
Very nice!
God DOF with nice even lighting.
I like your thought processes with this image.
Very sharp, great details in the feathers and nice to see the transition from purple to blue.
I prefer your OP.
Gail