Lava Heron

[john jackson]

One from Galapagos last year. Taken from a boat.

I like the look of concentration, waiting for a fish. Some may not like the highlight dots, but for me they add a bit of sparkle.

40D & 100-400 @ 180mm, 1,400th @ f8, 400ASA.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi John,
I like the intense stare and pose. I can appreciate the difficulty photogrpahing from a boat ....not as easy to compose. Judging by the shadow it does appear the light was getting a bit harsh and that probably accentuated the highlights. While I'm not thrilled with them they do add a sense of place. I would have preferred if the heron was out a bit further from behind the rocks and I find myself being drawn to the OOF FG one on the LRC. difficult enough on dry land & made exponentially harder on a moving boat! Considering the obstacles, pretty well handled.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Interesting to see the differences compared with 'green herons'. I like the attentive pose and sharpness and wish the specular highlights were not there.

[Doug Brown]

I like the subtle iridescence of the bird. But the specular highlights definitely draw my eye away from the subject.

[john jackson]

Thanks guys. I suspect I am in a small minority on the highlights.

[Kiran Poonacha]

yeah the spots in the BG distracts a bit, but loved the pose, nice details and colours.. congrats..