rolandoyera
FollowHeron enjoying his tasty lunch.
Heron enjoying his tasty lunch.
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Awards
Zenith Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Spring 21 Award
Legendary Award
People's Choice in Wildlife animal Photo Challenge
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a 90 acre marsh and reserve in Northeast Ohio, Sandy Ridge Reservation. Several dozen Heron's can be found here except during winter migration.Time
Under a burlap blanket, I hid at the end of the marsh where a big patch of lily pads were growing. I chose this section knowing the Herons sometimes look for breakfast here. I got into position about 6:45am and after a couple of hours of waiting, was getting ready to call it quits. At roughly 9:00am the Heron flew into position and luckily the sun was not extremely harsh at this hour. This fish was one of 3 he caught that morning within a 20 minute time span. A hardy breakfast indeed.Lighting
Sunrise and sunset are always the best time for outdoor photos, but with wildlife, sometimes, those hours have to be extended. As with this photo, I was ready at sunrise, the Heron was not. That being said, early morning and late afternoon sunlight works also, as the sun is not directly overhead. The atmosphere absorbs light and heat so when the sun is directly above, there's less atmosphere to absorb the sunlight. Photo's are almost never flattering during this time, casting extremely harsh shadows on the subject and putting your camera's dynamic range into overdrive. Usually blowing out specular highlights on white birds.Equipment
The image was captured on a Canon EOS R with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens. This was handheld while I was lying on the ground so no tripod was used.Inspiration
My inspiration comes from connecting with nature. There's something that's indescribable about photographing wildlife. The connection with nature becomes more powerful as you get to learn the animals habits and quirks. Not to mention, wildlife photography can be extremely challenging. All of the conditions and subjects are out of control except where and what you photograph. When everything lines up it's extremely exciting.Editing
I usually take way too much time post-processing my images. Pushing and pulling shadows and highlights, getting the saturation just right, careful, not too much. Changing some of the color hues a little, you know where I'm coming from. This set of images were near perfect, arguably. Some corrections to contrast due to the RAW file and and little bit of vibrance. That's all it took.In my camera bag
As my favorite photographer, Mark Smith, always says, "Walk softly and carry a big lens". I carry 3 long lenses in my bag at all times, the Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8, Canon EF 400mm f5.6 and as of late, the new RF 800mm f11. Yes, that's right, f11!Feedback
If you don't know your subject, the likelihood of capturing the essence of that subject in a photo is unlikely. If you love a type of photography, the subject should be studied and loved. If you don't love birds, the amount of time that's needed to study and capture them correctly will not be spent. Your images will suffer for it.