Grey Heron Take-off

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Nikon D3 and 600VR 1/4000s at F5.6 ISO800. This image was taken from a boat on the Chobe River. I was trying to get a low angle shot when the heron took off. I managed to get a few sharp take-off but they need some PS work as I cut off wing tip and some are very tight in the frame. This one was the better one but wing position could be better.

[Randy Stout]

Vivaldo:

Neat take off pose, like the angle in frame, trailing drops, framing and exposure.

Light was pretty strong, so contrast is high. The two tone background works for me.

Cheers

Randy

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Thanks Randy. This was taken at 8.12 am in the morning, still good for photography. Unfortunately the African sun is strong so normally will shot till latest 9.30am.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the composition, trailing water drops and BG. I agree wtith Randy about the lighting. Well done Vivaldo.

[Chris Kotze]

Excellent pose detail and background colours. Works well for me Vivaldo and I like the water spray.

[Luis Villablanca]

I also like the pose, the composition and the water drops.
I notice some clipped highlights on the white feathers on the head. This is the same problem I normally have with our local herons.
That's why I usually expose them for the whites and the level the dark areas in PP.
I am not sure the light was as strong as mentioned before. The shadow of the neck on the rear wing does not seem too steep to me.
Maybe all is needed is some levels adjustments to brighten the midtones.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Viv, you certainly achieved good sharpness here, and well timed for the take off. Exposure looks spot on, and the trailing droplets add interest. ( having said that, I would liked to have seen more droplets. )

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

I dont mind the wing position much. those droplets add a lot....excellent angle of the bird. BG is terrific. Well done as always.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Love the 3D feel here Vivaldo, and those droplets. I never for a moment thought this was harsh light but we live on the same continent with the same unforgiving sun

[Dumay de Boulle]

Great image mate...Love the BG and light even though harsh, looks good. Great pose too!

[yogesh_puranik]

wow fantastic freeze nice angle bg water drops..

[Herb Houghton]

Although the wings aren't in a preferable position, they are sharp and the the BGd works nicely here. Tough light and contrast, but you managed it very well. Love the water drops too.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The light may not have been harsh in person, but the image as presented does have "harsh light" qualities to it. It's the paler brights that likely give that impression...try some S/H on the highlights...it may give pleasing results.

Lovely pose, great BG, and the trailing water droplets are neat!

[Brendan Dozier]

Though light was harsh, great capture and take-off pose. Nicely composed, Vivaldo!

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent pose and details! well done

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Thanks for comments and suggestion it's appreciated

[gail bisson]

Very nice. It has all been said!
Gail

[Chad Caswell]

I hear ya about that African sun.. I was just there in May and WOW it gets bright quick and hot very quick.. Lovely capture V, Bkg works very nice in this very detailed in flight.

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Thanks again for all comments and suggestions it's always appreciated.