Great Blue Heron

[Eric Patdu]

Here is my first photo post. I took this when I went hiking at Washington Valley Park in Somerset County, NJ.

It's not the usual clean background so C&C is very much welcome.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) L 46" (117cm)
Shooting Info: September 3, 2010, Canon XSi + EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS, 250mm, f/8, 1/80 sec, ISO 800, 22.2m, hand held

[Julie Kenward]

Eric, there's something about GBH's that LOVE to get right into the mess of their surroundings! The bird is turned slightly away from you (as is the head but it's very slight) so keep that in mind and try to create images where the bird is even with the focal plane or slightly turned towards you instead of away from you. Also, if there was any way to get a bit lower, that would also improve the image. You did get very nice texture and details in the bird and the eye/head are really nice and crisp. Looking at this image, if there was any way to move to your right and shoot you would have been able to avoid the tree stumps intersecting with the bird's head and probably had a cleaner BG. The grass isn't so bad but the tree stumps really create a cluttered distraction.

Keep at it...and remember to wait for the image you want. Move around your subject and get as close to eye level as you can and you'll be capturing great images in no time.

[Eric Patdu]

Thank you very much Julie! You're absolutely right about the tree stump. There was no obstruction on my right but never thought of moving to keep the stump from intersecting with the bird's head. I just fired away with the shutter when I saw the bird. I would have to keep that in mind in the future.

[Arthur Morris]

Sharp for 1/80 sec. hh. Good critique by Julie. Looks a bit dark, and the clutter is killer :)

[Eric Patdu]

Thanks Mr. Morris! You're right. The clutter is a killer and an eyesore as well. :)

I took this photo kneeling on one knee with my elbow resting on the other knee. Is that also considered hand held?

I have yet to invest on a tripod, but considering my current gear I might get myself an "L" first. :)

[Arthur Morris]

That's hand held with support :) Something like a used 300 f/4L IS and a 1.4X II TC would be a great rig for hand holding for you.

And YAW.