Purple Heron with food

[Ofer Levy]

Canon EOS 20D, Canon 400 f5.6, 1/1000/ f10, iso 400, handheld from a floating hide

This was taken about three years ago in Israel when I went there to visit my family.
It was probably one of the most exciting experiences in my career as a bird photographer. I saw a few Purple Herons fishing in a pond when I went to explore in the north of the country. The problem was they were fishing on a little island too far to get a decent shot. Went there the following day with an improvised floating hide - inner tube of a track covered with a camouflage net. Using rubber flippers I slowly managed to get very close to the busy herons. This was taken from a few meters.

About 70% of full frame

[Jim Fenton]

This is simply exquisite Ofer...exposure, saturation, sharpness...all is right with the world on this one :)

Crop looks perfect for this image as well.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Cool capture, I like the exposure control, sharpness and the fish adds to it. I might give it a bit more room at the top and run NR on the BG.

[Harshad Barve]

Spectacular is the word my friend
TFS

[John Blumenkamp]

Fantastic light, detail and moment captured here Ofer! I can see why you say it was an exciting experience. A little more room may be nice, but that is minor - I think the fame filling subject(s) add to the impact of what you've captured here.

[Ofer Levy]

Fantastic light, detail and moment captured here Ofer! I can see why you say it was an exciting experience. A little more room may be nice, but that is minor - I think the fame filling subject(s) add to the impact of what you've captured here.

Thanks for your comments and suggestions guys!
John, I do have enough room all around as this is only 70% of full frame. However, I feel this crop works well to emphasize the action.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow, very cool...and nice improv to get close. As posted I feel about 1/2" more space above would work well to balance the image without impacting the action. I love the expression on the fish - looks like it knows of its impending doom :-) Great colours, and the falling drops add lots to the image.

[James Salywoda]

WOW! You could not ask for anything more with this shot Ofer its "Perfect" the colors the bg and details are all very sweet I like it just the way it is in regards to space on top.

[Glenn Bartley]

What an awesome portrait!!!

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Ofer. I like the the crop and the water drops at the bottom add to an already incredible image!

[Gerrie van Vuuren]

Stunning image! Lovely colours & detail.

[Bryan Hix]

Great job with the modified floating hide. I love the colors, sharpness, and the water droplet falling from the fish. I also agree with adding a little more room at the top. Congrats.

[Rob Drummond]

One of your best Ofer - don't think I've seen this one before. Love the intense colour and lighting.

cheers
Rob

[arash_hazeghi]

Beautiful Ofer, love the HA, fish and all the details. Mazel tov.

[Rod Warnock]

Superb, Ofer !! Like the strong sinuous composition culminating in the prey.. even the **** fish looks good !!
Yes !! with plenty of canvas to spare there are strong possibilities but to me they are different possibilities...as presented this one stands strong !!
Best regards
Rod

[Nevil Lazarus]

This is truly a WOW picture. You see it and it blows you away....! Even the fish looks like it is posing for the camera...!

[paul leverington]

I think I have seen this one before and I can tell you it has stuck in my mind since then. With those beautiful stripes in his neck, and head angles of both the fish and bird, truly a fantastic shot. The only thing you might try that I can see is a little more selective sharpening on the fish. Maybe photokits depth of field brush would help. Super shot Ofer!

Paul