Into the Light- Tiger Heron

[gail bisson]

I took this in Costa Rica last January 2017. ( I am still working through those images )
The heron was feeding in a mangrove swamp ( those are the roots sticking out from the bank) and stepped out from the shade into this one sunny area. I was way overexposed but somehow was able to save the image in LR and CS 6.
Canon 1 DX
600 mm and 1.4 x
ISO 2500 SS 1/250 f 5.6
Lots of PP on this one- mostly reducing exposure by a full stop , levels and NR to BG and DE to heron.Small crop to 75% FF.Cloned out one root that was very bright and intersecting with neck.
Comments and critiques always learned from and appreciated with thanks,
Gail

[Mike Poole]

This one really stands out for me Gail, I love this type of almost abstract lighting. The bird could almost have been 'designed' for this shot with all those stripes and the contrasting yellows, and facing towards the light has made the most of the light. Even the slightly facing away head angle doesn't detract here - its one of those scenes where lots of little individual parts would't work on their own - but they all come together to make a very pleasing shot.

Not sure if it needs a hint of rotation, might just be an optical illusion from the far bank,

Mike

[Jay Ing]

Really like this one Gail. I think the final image was worth you time/effort. The light is great and the HA/profile is just super. Saw one of these in CR this year myself but - alas - nothing like this. Good "save" (on the OE). :)

Joel

[Bill Dix]

Most definitely worth the salvage effort, Gail. That shaft of sunlight created a bit of magic. Nicely done.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Yup, I agree with Bill. Lovely image, definitely worth the work. Thank you for sharing.

[Jonathan Ashton]

A striking image Gail, I think you have done a good job, certainly worth the effort.