Challenge for the AWF posters

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi All,
It's approaching my 1 year anniversary as moderator of the landscape forums here on BPN.........and I want to pose this challenge to all the great bird photographers on this site (trust me....I love what you are all doing!!!).....I want you all to step out of your "comfort zone".....and try posting something in any of the forums below!!! It ain't just birds (although i love them too!). I promise to be gentle!;)

With my first anniversary approaching.....I feel I have learned so much on this site.......and met so many wonderful people....this image is a tribute to the Floridians.....the Al and Fabs, Judy, Lance, Harold, Paul, Michael, Susan, Sid...oh yes Artie!....(although in NJ...and I left room!!) and everyone else I met on the boardwalks and in the glades (BTW...I didn't forget the NE people...but I don't want to be long winded:D)

Thanks for a great year of learning. friendship, and hopefully a lot more!!!

Canon Mark 3 with the Sigma 300-800 (the inanimate love of my life) at 610mm for 1/2500 sec. at f5.6 and ISO 1250 (OK...the Mark 3 is #1 inanimate objects).

Now go post something in the other forums!!!!

[Grady Weed]

The head angle, ruffled breeding feathers, soft light, and especially the beaks, amazing.

[Dave Mills]

Very strong Roman! From the lighting, subject, backround and story telling this image has all the best of those qualities...and of course...a nice crop!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great interaction, light and details. It is a bit tight in the frame for my taste.

The problem is that I usually don't even think about taking a wide lens. :)

[Doug Brown]

Works for me Roman! I'll do some macro photography in Costa Rica this April, and I'll try to post on that forum when I get back.

[Bill McCrystyn]

Works for me too Roman. I almost like it better than Artie's GBH branch shot. I will be getting my 200-400VR w/1.7X next week. I'm coming after ya buddy. :D

[Hazel Grant]

Hi, great shot....and I feel so unqualified to critique, but just wondering....was this taken in the very early a.m? Seems a bit golden toned.

[Fabs Forns]

Such a sweet image to celebrate your first BPN year, it has been a pleasure having you here and even more to meet you share with you. Let's do it again soon!

[Jasper Doest]

Believe it or not, this is still high on my wishlist to photograph. I love herons and egrets and intimate photograph is just wonderful....the warm light and tight framing (well chosen, as it put emphasis on the most important thing, the interaction between the two) make his for me. Contrast-wise it could be a bit heavier, but besided that I really like this one. Congrats on your anniversary!

[susanschermer]

Wow, Roman. As many of these heron pairs as I've seen and photographed, this one is so superb. Your Mark 3 and your Sigma lens and you are a wonderful group. You really rock together. Also keep doing your great landscape stuff with the other loves of your life (whatever WA setup you use).

I am leaving for India Friday for three weeks of culture and wildlife. I promise to post on other forums regularly.

[John Blumenkamp]

Great interaction in some sweet light on this one Roman... your comp is right on too! Congrats.

P.S. In response to your challenge - you've been moosed.

[DanWalters]

Beautiful shot! Love the interaction and the light is very nice.