While crouched in the bushes photographing a Neotropic Cormorant at the Gilbert Water Ranch, this Great Blue Heron landed in the tree right next to my shooting location. Managed to get turned around for a nice portrait.
Nikon D2x, 300mm f/4 AF-S, TC-14E, F/8 @ 1/800, ISO 250, manual exposure. Full frame image, no cropping.
This one really demonstrates their amazing neck. The shooting angle works to strengthen that effect.
Sharp, well exposed,good DOF. Light a bit harsh, and if it had been possible, a touch of fill flash to even out the shadows might have worked. The shadows do however serve to emphasize the 3D effect.
Nathan - you certainly took advantage of a tremendous opportunity when it presented itself. Well done! Yes, the lighting is a bit harsh and a fill light might have been a nice addition. But I am sure in your position you were lucky to be able to make this very nice image that emphasizes the anatomical features of the Great Blue's neck.
I agree with the harsh light and fill-flash option (especially for under the chin), but otherwise a striking image. I like the curl of the head plume imitating the curl of the neck. I'd probably selectively saturate the yellows of the bill a bit.
Love that shooting angle and the sharp details in the subject. Nice work!
If you shot raw, you could open the shadows up with the Fill slider in ACR. I used S/H
instead. Just a personal preference, but I think a lighter background sets the subject
off a little better.
Great Blue Heron portrait
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