Bird Beak
May, 2018Views
691
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in Best Animal Shot Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Beaks of birds Photo Challenge
People's Choice in Animals Up Close Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Genius
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
"Big Beak" was taken at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa State Park near Homosassa Springs, Florida. The park is a refuge for injured or once-injured animals who would not be able to survive in the wild. It is one of the best places in the state to view manatees and a great park to photograph reptiles, birds and other animals typically found in Florida.Time
I shot this picture around 11 am on a sunny day in early March.Lighting
Weather and the time of day made for good - and sufficient - natural lighting.Equipment
As an amateur photographer, I used a Fujifilm FinePix S5700 camera with a fixed lens. Plain and simple.Inspiration
My husband Jim is a lifelong bird lover. And I now share his passion. On first seeing this particular perched ibis at the park, I decided I wanted to take a photo that showed off that distinctive long beak and those small but piercing blue eyes. A side-view profile image, I thought, would best capture these features. As I slowly approached, I did not feel I was causing "Big Beak" any stress. But I felt that blue eye remained focused on me. I still do!Editing
I enhanced the photo with slight saturation and cropping.In my camera bag
I now carry in my bag a Canon EOS1300D with an 18-55 mm. standard lens, a 58 mm, HD 22x Telephoto, and a 58 mm, 43x HD Wide Angle with Macro Lens, a tripod and a handful of filters.Feedback
A photo shoot in a wildlife refuge park or zoo does have its advantages, though of course, you must schedule your shoot during hours of operation; taking photos at dusk or dawn are typically not options. I prefer to go when the park has just opened, when there are typically less people visiting. As park "wildlife" is typically tame or semi-tame, they are less easily startled, providing you with more opportunity and time to plan your photos. Taking photos showing the subject, from head to foot - or paw or claw - can be fun and rewarding. But don't stop there. Be considerate of your photo subjects. But at the same time give consideration to other visual points of view. Show your viewing audience how that Spoonbill got its name. Or those hooked beaks or talons characteristic of birds of prey . . . or that elongated bright orange beak on that ibis. Make yours and "up close and personal" photo experience.
