MikeCeglady
FollowThese birds are pretty common in Tampa, and they're apparently easily approached if you're careful. I see this same bird almost every day sunning himself after...
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These birds are pretty common in Tampa, and they're apparently easily approached if you're careful. I see this same bird almost every day sunning himself after his daily hunt in a local lake. He's pretty patient and tolerant of me. I have quite a few photos of him, but I felt like this angle was the most unique and interesting.
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Call Of The Wild Photo Contest
Sony High Definition POV Camera
Contest Finalist in Feathers Photo Contest
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MikeCeglady
April 24, 2015
I NEVER shoot on auto, but this one was shot in my truck, window down, camera on auto, really on the fly and unplanned.
MikeCeglady
April 24, 2015
Thank you Chuck, I thought he was going to bolt as soon as I started shooting but he never even got spooked.
KayBrewer
July 03, 2015
HOO RAY, Mike! You're a winner (tho you always have been), but this time you got a fine prize. So happy for you! A bride.
cmorisset
July 05, 2015
How interesting and curious is that! Looks like 2 birds in one. Wow what a great capture. Congrats!!
MaryAnne306
March 09, 2017
Stunning shot of an anhinga! Really shows their ability to twist their necks. Congratulations on being a finalist.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in St. Petersburg, Florida. There are many random lakes around the area, in this particular bird was sunning himself beside one.Time
This was taken at approximately 3:15 PM, on my way home from work. I keep my camera handy at all times in case of situations like this.Lighting
Being 3:15 in the afternoon, the sun was relatively high and it was a bright and sunny day.Equipment
This shot was actually taken handheld on auto. I don't normally take photos on auto, but this particular situation was different in that I was in my vehicle at the time, and I was trying to get as quick a shot as I could. I shoot a Nikon D3200, with a sigma 18–250 zoom lens. I keep a variety of other things in my bag like macro rings, filters, flash, a prime lens and a good tripod, but I'm really not a gear hog. I only use accessories when I have to.Inspiration
As I was driving home from work, I saw this bird beside the lake and actually pulled over. I got out my camera, quickly set it to auto, rolled down the passenger side window, and reversed so I was alongside him. I fully expected him to fly away, but he just looked around and didn't seem too afraid. I got a series of shots including this one with him looking directly at me.Editing
I did some standard curves post processing and a little cropping, but other than that this shot is essentially untouched.In my camera bag
I typically carry a Nikon D3200 body, Sigma 18–250 lens, and a few other accessories but I try to keep it simple. For me, the creative process and spontaneous nature of photography is crushed by constantly messing with your gear. Your camera should be like an extension of you. Don't overcomplicate things when you don't have to. Does my 18-250 lens have distortion and vignette? Yes, but Photoshop fixes that with a click.Feedback
My advice is to keep your eyes peeled and always be aware of your surroundings. Put yourself in a position to capture something special. You never know when you're going to stumble across something unique.