Great Egret preen
Aug, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this at the St Augustine Alligator Farm. Many wild wading birds use it every year as a rookery and it is wonderful way to get the birds in their breeding plummage and get the chicks.Time
This would be in the morning. Practically all my shots are in the morning because i prefer that type of light. Most of the time i try to get where I want to photograph before the sun comes up.Lighting
Since I only take nature shots, I only use natural lighting. I like to get up before the sun to get in place. I've always felt early morning or late afternoon has provided the best lighting so as to not washout the colors.Equipment
I use a canon T3i (it's the best i can afford), I don't usually use a tripod because i don't like to carry it around.Inspiration
I thought the way the plummage was spread out made for an elegant shot of the bird. The egret are always so graceful and beautiful in their breeding plummage.Editing
I try to do as little post processing as possible. I'm a self taught photographer so my photoshop skills are limited, but i like to represent nature how it actually looks, so i do a little contrast and remove some shadows but that is about it. Too much processing and i think it misrepresents the subject. Once in awhile i'll post something that i've processed a lot to play with the software but not with this egret.In my camera bag
I keep it light, my camera, 3 lenses, extra batteries, extra memory cards and netting to keep away the biting insects.Feedback
Breeding season is the best time to get this type of plummage and early morning light. Look up online to find out where there is a rookery a during breeding season birds gather together in the same area.
