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Great Blue Heron at the Arizona Riparian in Gibert Az. April 2014 ,winter time.
Great Blue Heron at the Arizona Riparian in Gibert Az. April 2014 ,winter time.
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Apr, 2014Views
296
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Awards
Winner in blue heron in flight Photo Challenge
Great Shot
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Jaw Dropping
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
There is a place in Gilbert, Arizona kind of in the middle of town that's called Gilbert Riparian Water Ranch. It has seven ponds all of which are filled at different times throughout the month. This is my favorite place to go to. Many types of water foul, the Great Blue Heron, many variety of ducks and different types of Egrets from large to small and other types of wildlife as well. Even a fishing pond. As you can see this is what I consider a paradise for me. I have spent many a good day and hours in this place!Time
The near perfect time of day was early morning for good lighting. On this particular day around 7 or 8 in the morning and in Southern Arizona winter time would be considered everybody else's summertime. The temperature hovers anywhere between 65 and 85 on any particular day so anytime is a good time as long as you have the sun at your back.Lighting
As I had mentioned in the paragraph before, early morning with the sun at your back. Of course you have to have your camera set for what type of picture you prefer to take to go with that lighting.Equipment
I never use a tripod, its always hand held. No need for a flash. On this day I had brought my Nikon 70-300 mm. The camera I used was a Nikon D5100 at that time.Inspiration
I am relatively new to photography of any kind. I actually started because I have a heart condition so I was given a camera which started my adventure in wildlife photography. I also belong to a very worthy and wonderful birding group. Many of these other photographers have inspired me. The thing that caught my eye from other photographers in the group was flight shots. So I got a few pointers from some of my photography friends who are very good at what they do and I set out to accomplish the impossible or at least to me it was the impossible. I come to find out nothing is impossible and I have had an awfully fun time with the many challenges that come with photography and somebody that is basically self taught. With of course help along the way at times.Editing
Yes there is always a little bit of post-processing. With a 70-300 mm and wanting the pictures to look it best, I would zoom in on my subject and always had to add a little focus to make my image sharper. If needed, adjust the color a tad.In my camera bag
I don't have a lot of equipment to speak of and the bag seems to cumbersome. So the night before I set out to get pictures, I think of the pictures that I may want to take having my mind set on a particular subject(s). So I guess you could say its a mental bag. I plan for what I need to take in my mind and do my best to accomplish my goals with what I take.Feedback
Have fun! Be open minded to learn from others there is so much other photographers can and will teach you. Don't be afraid to ask questions even if the answers don't make sense at the time. Keep it running in your head and stay open. Enjoy the outdoors even the shots that you miss or screw up it was a lot of fun getting there and a lot of fun getting your many captures. It is said "To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles." Mary Davis. Every picture I take and wherever I go, I take pictures of miracles everyday. Keep on clicking and have fun.
