Snowy Egret Shake Off

[Blake Shadle]

Perspective. If you've ever talked to me about photography, our conversation probably drifted to the topic of the importance of your perspective. Your shooting angle can make or break an image. A lower shooting angle can potentially open a new world to your audience and make them feel a part of your image. For me, feeling and emotion are absolutely neccessary to create impact. I feel something when I look at this image. I had a similar feeling when I saw this through my viewfinder.

This image was made at Ft. Desoto, FL. A strong wind came in when this snowy decided to shake, which accounts for the direction of his crown plumage.

Shooting Solution
Camera: Nikon D200
Lens: Sigma 500 f/4.5, manually focused
Manual Exposure, 1/4000 @ f/5.6 (I was naughty and opted for less DOF)
ISO 400, 4th Gen M2.3 head on Gitzo legs

Thanks for looking!

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Great shot!!!
I Iove the low angle,colors,details and BG!!!

[Grace Scalzo]

Well, I would FEEL quite happy were this in my viewfinder. Love the rumpled look. More a question rather than a nit, but why so much room on the bottom? Nothing like that low angle.

[Steve Wheeler]

Amazing image Blake!

Steve

[Blake Shadle]

Well, I would FEEL quite happy were this in my viewfinder. Love the rumpled look. More a question rather than a nit, but why so much room on the bottom? Nothing like that low angle.

Hi Grace! Thanks for the comment, and the question. To me, the room at the bottom helps to establish how the image was made, 5 inches off the water. With the bit of white reflection, and his head turned slightly downward, I liked the look and feel of this crop.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

This became immediately one of my favorite picture then I read the comment behind :)
You are absolutely right in feelings are emotions... The distant bg makes this subject beautifully emerging. I love it.
The only thing which I don't like is the fact how easily you can take images of our feathered friends in Florida. It is a shame why we don't have this chance in Europe. I want to go to North America right now. :):D
Szimi

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks for the sharing your thoughts behind the crop, Blake. I see your point. I have some images from Jam Bay that I may re-think after seeing this. Appreciate it.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like this a lot, great angle, composition, colors and the ruffled plumage adds a lot to it. I might try to remove the sheen on the bird's left leg.

[Arthur Morris]

Pretty shakey Blakey boy Glad to see that Axel does not like leg- (or bill- if I may so presume) shine. I hate it. I would take a bit off of the bottom--about half of the stuff between the frame-edge and the long white reflection. later and love, artie

ps: Great job of getting this joint up and humming!

[Maxis Gamez]

Hey Blake,

I don't agree with the coments of Grace and Axel.

This is a work of art. This image define nature and habitat. Excellent work!

[Grace Scalzo]

Maxis, Please re-read my comment, it was a question to Blake, nothing negative implied or stated, in fact, quite the opposite.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Maxis, I feel slightly misinterpreted, too. :)

[James Shadle]

Beaker,
Very nice as posted. As a matter of fact it is beautiful.

Another fact is that the hot spot on the leg would not be an issue on film, it unavoidable in many cases with digital capture.
I have no problem repairing those issues with a clone tool because we need to photograph a scene differently with digital capture than we did with film.

Cleaning the hot spot as well as a little off the bottom would make this an even stronger image.

Dad

[Tony Whitehead]

Great image Blake. Reminds me of what I see in the mirror first thing some mornings:D

[Raymond Barlow]

wonderful image Blake, extraordinary.

[Tim Vidrine]

Fantastic image. I really like the captured flow of the feathers.

[Del Cockroft]

A very stunning image, indeed. All nits from the experts accepted, but I love it just the way it is.

[Rosl Roessner]

Fantastic image.
I love the look of the feathers....

[Grady Weed]

Blake this outstanding. I went to Fort DeSoto several weeks ago for 3 hours befroe my flight back to Maine, was looking for the Reddish Egret, no go. You really made out here in every respect! Love the fluffy feathers.