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Thread: Great Egret

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Great Egret

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    As I mentioned in a current Wildlife thread, I normally avoid hides like the plague, unless it's something like this set-up where POV is paramount, great for a one off, but for me, that was it for this location.

    Locked in from around 2.00pm to 5.30pm all hides have all that you need, it's just a matter of luck and in this case Avian subjects to turn up, but with NO guarantees of success. A zoomg lens something like the Canon 200-400 with the drop in ext is ideal, likewise a 70-200, or even in my Wildlife posting, a 16-35f/2.8.

    Thanks to those who both viewed and more importantly, commented.

    Steve

    Subject: Great Egret (Ardea alba)
    Location: SA
    Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
    Lens: 200-400f/4 Gitzo tripod, Flexline ball head, (with a parallel set-up mounted with another 1DX MKII & 70-200f/2.8 MKII if the subjects came closer)
    Exposure: 1/2000s at f/7.1 ISO1250
    Original format: Landscape, very small crop, FF width
    Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2019

    Notes:
    - Shot through approx 1.5 inch glass
    - The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behavior of the subject and, of course, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of wildlife attractants
    (including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.

  2. #2
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Or is it better without the reflection, (albeit quickly done)?

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    Hello Steve,

    IMO the one without the reflection is nicer.
    I think the reflection draws my attention away from the bird.

    Regards
    Rob

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    Except for the slightly off HA, this image is awesome for me. Much better with reflection as you clearly see the beautiful light (both direct and reflected off water on to the subject) and no reflection looks fake to me. The BG is also awesome. TFS

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Beautiful quality, I keep looking and wonder how the detail can be so good when taken through glass so thick, I guess you gave the glass a good wipe with lens cleaner and it is cleaned outside each day by the proprietor. Colours look great and I like the composition. The lighting on the bird is interesting and you have handled it beautifully. The trailing foot adds further interest.
    I think the second image obviously looks "cleaner" but to my eye it is a bit clinical - almost too clean, I would choose the first image as my favourite.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    I guess you gave the glass a good wipe with lens cleaner and it is cleaned outside each day by the proprietor.
    If you are lucky Jon, it all about dodging the crap, fatal for video work.

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    Nice to see some side light over here. The composition is nice and i like the low angle. I prefer the one with the reflection.

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    Great image! I love the POV, composition and BKG. The one without the reflection doesn't look natural since you can see everything else reflected on the water except the bird. TFS.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Many thanks folks, I too prefer the first image, but had to put the question out there.

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    Definitely the first image. No reflection looks fake, you would never get away with it in a club competition evening . Beautiful image in beautiful light. Love it.

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    I love the darker tones more in the 2nd post Steve. It creates a 'cleaner' effect. I'm not fuzzed about the presence (or not) of the reflection.

    Lovely bird in perfect surroundings, including the background! The tuft of feathers on the head is an added bonus!

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    Hey Steve, I have looked at the images several times going back and forth. I prefer the one without the reflection. My eyes are drawn away from the bird to the reflection. Wonderful light and background, beautiful bird, as you have taught me techs spot on. Thank you for sharing.
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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