Windy Day Heron
Great Blue Heron catches a breeze in Oldsmar, Florida
Great Blue Heron catches a breeze in Oldsmar, Florida
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Feb, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This Great Blue Heron was captured at Mobbly Bayou Preserve, Oldsmar, Florida.Time
That morning was breezy and a bit overcast as if a storm might be deciding whether or not to make its presence known.Lighting
I love to shoot outdoors in natural lighting. I like morning light while the dew is still in the grass. Some days the lighting is good with the natural highlights and shadows but, it seems more often than not, it is grey and overcast when I have the time to set out on an adventure. But the animals and birds are active and out at this time of day and that is what I go for.Equipment
This was my original Nikon P510 (which I still have and use on occasion). I have since upgraded to a Nikon D5300 with a multi-purpose lens but the range on the P510 is hard to match.Inspiration
I was on one of my exploration adventures and this was my first trip to this spot. I go in search of birds and animals. The subject inspired me to take his portrait. He was sitting so still and looked just gorgeous to me as the breeze ruffled his breast feathers and the hint of sun brushed his face.Editing
I did. The original shot had a bit of rusty phone tower in it, so the photo was cropped to exclude that. I was in my 'get it right in the camera' phase so I really didn't do too much else to it. I tend to warm the colors in pp and occasionally adjust the contrast which I suspect was done here. I don't have any amazing photo programs on my computer, although I am sure many of my shots would benefit from them.In my camera bag
I usually have a cleaning kit and plastic bags in my possession. I take whichever camera I will be using that day and head out. If it is overcast or threatens rain I bring a plastic bag to cover my gear. I do not bring my camera bag into the 'field' (it gets left in the car). Many of the places I walk have narrow trails, if any, and I often end up crawling under trees or brush to get where I want to be. If I do bring a tripod, it is rigged with a luggage strap so I can sling it over my shoulder and carry it easily.Feedback
The best advice is just get out there. If you are looking for wading birds or hawks, you have to go to them. The best spots are where there are less people and more natural habitat. Usually when a park or preserve becomes more 'human user-friendly', it also becomes less attractive to the animals. I have also found that mornings are better for wildlife, as well. They are more active and approachable early in the day and become more wary when people are talking loudly, running, jogging, etc. A good day to me is returning home around noon, tired out, with mud caked up to my knees and twigs in my hair....bug bites and all.
