Great Egret

BirdPhotographers.net

Help Support BirdPhotographers.net:

Steve Kaluski

Wildlife Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Nov 15, 2009
Messages
21,341
Location
Somewhere in the world
_H5I9987-Edit.jpg

As I mentioned in a current Wildlife thread, I normally avoid hides like the plague, unless it's something like this set-up where POV is paramount, great for a one off, but for me, that was it for this location.

Locked in from around 2.00pm to 5.30pm all hides have all that you need, it's just a matter of luck and in this case Avian subjects to turn up, but with NO guarantees of success. A zoomg lens something like the Canon 200-400 with the drop in ext is ideal, likewise a 70-200, or even in my Wildlife posting, a 16-35f/2.8.

Thanks to those who both viewed and more importantly, commented.

Steve

Subject: Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 200-400f/4 Gitzo tripod, Flexline ball head, (with a parallel set-up mounted with another 1DX MKII & 70-200f/2.8 MKII if the subjects came closer)
Exposure: 1/2000s at f/7.1 ISO1250
Original format: Landscape, very small crop, FF width
Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2019

Notes:
- Shot through approx 1.5 inch glass
- The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behavior of the subject and, of course, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of wildlife attractants
(including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.
 
_H5I9987-Edit-2.jpg

Or is it better without the reflection, (albeit quickly done)?
 
Hello Steve,

IMO the one without the reflection is nicer.
I think the reflection draws my attention away from the bird.

Regards
Rob
 
Except for the slightly off HA, this image is awesome for me. Much better with reflection as you clearly see the beautiful light (both direct and reflected off water on to the subject) and no reflection looks fake to me. The BG is also awesome. TFS
 
Beautiful quality, I keep looking and wonder how the detail can be so good when taken through glass so thick, I guess you gave the glass a good wipe with lens cleaner and it is cleaned outside each day by the proprietor. Colours look great and I like the composition. The lighting on the bird is interesting and you have handled it beautifully. The trailing foot adds further interest.
I think the second image obviously looks "cleaner" but to my eye it is a bit clinical - almost too clean, I would choose the first image as my favourite.
 
Nice to see some side light over here. The composition is nice and i like the low angle. I prefer the one with the reflection.
 
Great image! I love the POV, composition and BKG. The one without the reflection doesn't look natural since you can see everything else reflected on the water except the bird. TFS.
 
Definitely the first image. No reflection looks fake, you would never get away with it in a club competition evening:S3: . Beautiful image in beautiful light. Love it.
 
I love the darker tones more in the 2nd post Steve. It creates a 'cleaner' effect. I'm not fuzzed about the presence (or not) of the reflection.

Lovely bird in perfect surroundings, including the background! The tuft of feathers on the head is an added bonus!
 
Hey Steve, I have looked at the images several times going back and forth. I prefer the one without the reflection. My eyes are drawn away from the bird to the reflection. Wonderful light and background, beautiful bird, as you have taught me techs spot on. Thank you for sharing.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top