Male Downy Woodpecker
A downey woodpecker admires the snow on the first day of spring.
A downey woodpecker admires the snow on the first day of spring.
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Sep, 2016Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Show Snowflakes Photo Contest
Member Selection Award
Featured
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
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Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in my backyard. I am fortunate to have a house that backs up to a large plot of woods and I get many visitors right outside by back windows. I shot this one from my office window.Time
It was almost the first day of spring in 2016. The spring buds on the trees had just started to form and the weather was thinking about changing to warmth when out of nowhere a surprise snow storm hit us in the afternoon on this March day around 3 PM. I was looking out my window at the beauty of the snow when I spotted this Downy Woodpecker sitting on this branch trying to make sense of it all.Lighting
The lighting was overcast and beautifully filtered from the clouds overhead and the snow falling from the sky. The Downy was sitting in the perfect spot in this branch out in a bright spot against the darker woods.Equipment
I shot this with a Canon 5DMIII camera and Sigma 150-600c lens out my office window. I did not use a tripod.Inspiration
I love shooting in the falling snow. I love the beauty and mystery surrounding the bokeh effect you can get from it. This day was even more beautiful as the pastel buds on the trees provided a nice backdrop. I saw the Woodpecker perched on the branch and was still long enough for me to get the shot of him against the beautiful falling snow.Editing
I always shoot in RAW to maximize my potential. Therefore I edited this image in Lightroom by straightening and cropping and adding in a little brightness and slight color toning and then took it into Photoshop to sharpen slightly and save as a jpg.In my camera bag
I usually shoot wildlife with a Canon 7DMII and a Sigma 150-600c lens. I also carry a Canon 5DMIII and a 100-400L lens as well as a 100L macro lens when I am doing up close macro shots of insects and flowers. I also like to shoot with a Canon 16-35L, a Sigma 35 Art and a Helios 44-4 for more wide angle shots.Feedback
Don't be afraid to shoot in the elements, so long as your gear is safe from the rain/snow. Shooting from a window, covered porch or a car are great ways to get these type of weather shots while keeping dry and safe.
