GBH in habitat

[Fabs Forns]

Anhinga Trail Wednesday afternoon. There were 4 BPNers (Al, Judd, George and myself) and 2 other photogs making basically the same image, but since I was the one who saw it, I get to post it :D
Since the birds was not going anywhere soon, I took my time to compose. First, I had to walk away from the group like 2o yards to avoid his head merging with the weeds. The place his head so his bill wouldn't touch the green weeds and his head was clear and echo the shape of the shores. My mistake was not to have the virtual horizon on, so I had to rotate it a bit and not have a full frame, minus points for that. Enough habitat is included to claim an environmental without making it distracting. Any critique on how you would have improved this will be appreciated.
Temperature warmed a bit at conversion.

D3, 200-400/4 plus 1.7X
Av wide open @ f/6.7
-3 Ev, ISO 1000

Comments appreciated

[Axel Hildebrandt]

This is great. I like the light, mood, details and water colors.

[Rich Ikerd]

I like this one Fabiola. The warm colors reflecting in the water around the heron provide a nice "spotlight" on him that really focuses your attention there. Great explanation of the "trouble" you went to for getting this composed properly. Its always best to move around some to see how an image might be affected (especially if the subject is still).

[Sid Garige]

Excellent presentation Fabs.

[Jim Poor]

Super! If pressed to change something, I'd nip the stick just a little bit to keep it from merging with the leg.

[Fabs Forns]

Super! If pressed to change something, I'd nip the stick just a little bit to keep it from merging with the leg.

Good observation, but that would have put his bill into the weeds :(

[Grady Weed]

A move to the right might have been a thought. Where on the trail were you may I ask?

[Fabs Forns]

A move to the right might have been a thought. Where on the trail were you may I ask?

Way back, by the Cormorant tree, with the big gazebo to my right, looking at the channel to my right.

Thank you all!!!!

[Jim Poor]

I meant at the computer :D

Good observation, but that would have put his bill into the weeds :(

[Fabs Forns]

I meant at the computer :D

LOL, I try not to do that too much nowadays...:p:cool:

[Maxis Gamez]

Lovely composition, light and details. Excellent work!

[Richard Kowalski]

Beautiful! I have to say all of you Floridians are making me start to think I have to come back sometime.
I agree with Jim that a nip of the branch might be helpful or as Grady suggested 21 yards instead of 20!
(Artie, now that's a nit pick!) :)

I think the warmer tone caused by the conversion looks good!

[Mike Wilson]

Love the light here Fabs. Shoot the light.....:cool:

[Steve Wheeler]

To read "move around and consider your back ground" is one thing. To read it and see the outcome of doing it is something else entirely. Thank you for posting not only this beautiful image Fabs, but some of the thought process behind it.

I want to take pictures like this when I grow up....

Steve

[Gayle Clement]

Beautiful water color, Fabs, and I really like the sense of depth created by the strong separation of the bird from the background.

[Fabs Forns]

A move to the right might have been a thought. Where on the trail were you may I ask?

I kept thinking why I didn't move to the right when I studied all vantage points. Moving to the right would further merge the perch to the foot. A move left to liberate the perch would put his bill in the weeds.

[Richard Kowalski]

I kept thinking why I didn't move to the right when I studied all vantage points. Moving to the right would further merge the perch to the foot. A move left to liberate the perch would put his bill in the weeds.

I'm not sure that is correct. I think that the branch behind would also appear to move right and the leg left, making them separate.

No matter though. It is a beautiful image and I would be overjoyed if I had made it just as it is.

[Fabs Forns]

I'm not sure that is correct. I think that the branch behind would also appear to move right and the leg left, making them separate.

No matter though. It is a beautiful image and I would be overjoyed if I had made it just as it is.

Interesting discussion...
Alfred was two yards to my right and his is merging more than mine.

[Richard Kowalski]

OK,maybe it is the actual shape of the perch looks a little different in 2D and is deceiving me. Since you were there, and know better than I, I'm done playing Monday morning photographer!

[Judd Patterson]

Really beautiful light Fabs...thanks for calling us over! Your lens was perfect for this task as I was just a bit too close and didn't have a great way of "backing up." ;)

[Grady Weed]

Fabs, I found the spot where you took this to be one of the best vantage points fo rthe cypress swamp and Anhinga pics with the morning light. I did not get any since I was focused on other subjects, like the baby Anhingas. I think all in all you did ok. Could you please take a picture from that spot, for me pleaseeeee, of the Anhingas in the trees with early morning light? The glades are one special place arent they. I will trade you a Puffin for it.

[Fabs Forns]

Fabs, I found the spot where you took this to be one of the best vantage points fo rthe cypress swamp and Anhinga pics with the morning light. I did not get any since I was focused on other subjects, like the baby Anhingas. I think all in all you did ok. Could you please take a picture from that spot, for me pleaseeeee, of the Anhingas in the trees with early morning light? The glades are one special place arent they. I will trade you a Puffin for it.

Will do that next time, with a wide angle!

[Thomas Block]

Lovely light, warm and harmonic colors, good comp, I like it.
I am glad going there next week :D

All the best
Thomas