Plover Run
A group of plovers run across the surf in unison.
A group of plovers run across the surf in unison.
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Jul, 2016Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
People's Choice in Birds and Water Photo Challenge
Member Selection Award
Summer Selection
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
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peteralexander
February 28, 2017
Thank you! I've always loved this photo and glad I pulled it out of my archive of images. Gives me motivation to go try something new!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo on the beach just south of Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura, CA in 2010. The Plovers were distracted by racing back and forth as the tide came in and out giving me great opportunity to get close to them.Time
I'm not exactly sure what time this was but it was most likely mid to late morning, probably around 10:30 a.m.Lighting
In the morning in Ventura the sun shines from left to right along the beach since the beaches tend to point toward the southwest. This creates some nice side lighting in the morning lending to a more dramatic photo.Equipment
This was taken hand held with a Nikon D300 and a Tamron 200-500 mm lens.Inspiration
During and after attending Brooks Institute of Photography I spent a lot of time walking the beaches in search of photo opportunity. Plovers, Pelicans, Pipers, and gulls were present most days to get their picture taken.Editing
Having my education in visual journalism I tend to do very minimal processing. This particular image I used Adobe RAW to set the camera profile to Camera Standard and adjust the light and color sliders to bring out what I saw that morning.In my camera bag
My Nikon D300, Nikon 50 mm f/1.4, Tamron 70-200 f/2.8, lens cleaning kit, a couple of Nikon speedlights, and extra batteries.Feedback
This image was captured spur of the moment while walking up and down the beach but I would say I probably could have gotten a better shot if i just planted myself in one spot for an hour and waiting for things to unfold in front of me. The plovers would have been less spooked if i sat there not moving much. Being still and watching wildlife interact in their environment not only makes for great photographs but is a wonderful exercise in mindfulness. Breathing and allowing the world around you sink in opens up more opportunity to make great pictures. When doing macro "street" photography, I'll sometimes find a flowery bush, look at it once, then close my eyes and do some deep breathing, then open my eyes and allow the activity on the plant open itself up to me. You will be amazed at how much more you see when you center yourself in the moment.
