Water bird needs improvment (of course lol)

[Cheryl Flory]

How would I improve this image? I was in a kayak and didn't feel comfortable leaning any farther over the side to get lower, but would that have helped? I keep thinking that I want to see more of the bird's body. But I don't think that this type of bird floats that high. I like the eye color, but its head is turned away a bit too. I used a flash on this since the bird was so dark. ISO 200, 1/200, f5.0, 70mm.

What do you suggest for next time?
Thanks! (And what type of bird is this??)
Cheryl

[Dean Fleischman]

Dear Cheryl,

I'm in no position to offer technical advice, but that's a Double-crested Cormorant.

Good luck out there!

Dean

[Cheryl Flory]

Thanks, Dean. I was wondering if that was it, but I don't see any crest, let alone a double!:D

[Alfred Forns]

Double Cormorant it is !!! Cheryl I like what you are trying to do showing a bit of the environment Good timing with the behavior and got the bird clear of the grass

Would suggest placing the bird further back in the frame Give him room to swim into Also would keep him out of the center of frame Regarding the darkness need to photograph in softer light and make sure the light is behind you The flash was the right idea for fill in but not strong enough Go with the sun angle Big Difference !!!!

btw when the breading season starts the male develop two tufts of feathers (crests)

[Cheryl Flory]

I see what you mean about it being smack-dab in the center. I guess I was looking at the ripples behind it instead of viewing the whole pictures.

Aha, so breeding season is where the name comes from!
Thanks, Alfred

[George DeCamp]

Hey Cheryl!

You are on the right track here. The back light is hurting you here, would have been better to be on the other side of this guy with the sun at your back. Try and see the background when you are ready to make the image also, look for a claen one if you can find the right angle.

Keep them coming!!!!

[Nonda Surratt]

Cheryl,

Don't ya just love those blue eyes! Great advice from everyone, keep going your doing fine!

[Cheryl Flory]

Yes, while photographing, I saw we were on the river at the wrong time of the day. But since I was not the coordinator of the trip, what could I do but sit back, have a great time seeing the sights of Florida and try out my new camera the best I could!

I really appreciate the great information! thank you, everyone!

[Fabs Forns]

Besides being centered, I would have waited for the bird to turn your way. I'm sure it will be better the next time around :)

[Robert Amoruso]

Cheryl,

As per your mention of angle, you used 70mm to photograph him. I understand you not wanting to lean over so try using a longer focal length like 400mm. This way you will be further away and the angle between you and the bird decreases. When you photograph birds or anything on the ground for that matter, the shorter the focal length, the closer you need to be and the greater the angle of incidence (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_incidence) will be. I hope this helps.

Keep up the good work.

[Cheryl Flory]

Ahh, yes. that makes a lots of sense. I never realized the effect the distance would have on the angle of incidence. Thanks!