Cattle Egret

[Chris van Rooyen]

I like to create images of white birds in backlit conditions against a dark background, as I did here with this Cattle Egret at a bird sanctuary near my home in Johannesburg. I used ISO 1250 for high shutter speeds to freeze the action, and -1/3 exposure compensation to retain detail in the whites.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 5
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: -1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 1250
Focal length: 500mm

[Axel Hildebrandt]

This works extremely well and that comes from someone who is not a big fan of very dark BGs. :) I like the sun shining through the wings, details and pose. The dark green BG complements it in a great way.

[Bill Foxworthy]

I really like this Chris and hope to try this technic in the near future.

[David Steele]

Another killer shot Chris. I wouldn't change a thing. Exquisite lighting and a beautiful background.

[Rene Quenneville]

Superb pose, extremely nice picture. I wonder what a -0.7 flash exposure with a B.B. could do. I do not even know if it is possible to synch at 1/2500 s.

[John Cooper]

Wow Chris what a stunning image - you have certaily achieved your aims here. The action has been caught just at the right time, the backlighting is suberb and the dark green background sets the composition off beautifully. Well done!!!

[Caroline Darmo]

I'm really starting to be a huge fan of your images, this one is no exception. A beautiful work of art, simply stunning.

[Lana Hays]

Chris
This is gorgeous. That green BG works so well in the backlit situation with the white bird. The composition couldn't be better. This is certainly an inspiration for me to try the technique......I love the images but never seem to find the right setting. Well done.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks guys:) It takes a bit of practice in the beginning, but its well worth the trouble to persist!

[Chris van Rooyen]

Hi Rene, I have done it with the BB with the flash sync speed set at High Speed. Works really well

[Arthur Morris]

Perfect in every way (but for the dirt on the cheek and the breast). Next time have the bird bathe before flying towards you.
later and love, artie

[Del Cockroft]

An extremely creative image. Your timing is spot on. The dark BG is very necessary to really make this work and you've done it perfectly.

[Andrew George]

Superb action shot with the right type of backlight and BG color!

[Arlene Spagna]

This is beautiful! Love the lighting and the open beak adds to this image.