‹ Previous 10 Years of NPN Gallery Next ›

Belted Kingfisher

Gallery: 10 Years of NPNPosted April 30, 20102,320 views7 comments

More than any other photo this one relates directly to the incredible amount of progress I made as a result of NPN.

This was taken three years ago at a time when I was trying to make the transition from "picture taker" to photographer. I posted a BK image that I was quite proud of and was surprised at all the comments on what was needed to make it better. I spent weeks taking photos of BKs and posting them here for critique, each time learning more about nature photography from both a technical and compositional perspective.

The process culminated with this photo which was awarded an EP. I read what I posted at the time and it mentioned that "my wife thinks I am obsessed with Kingfishers". Well I guess I still am, and with wildlife photography in general. This may not be my favorite overall photograph but it certainly marks a milestone in my development and is a tribute to all the help available here.

Peter Conway

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on April 30, 2010 at 12:07 PM

Great details n wonderful pose !!!
After reading the story, I feel that rising branch n tail represent the rising graph of your photography.
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on April 30, 2010 at 1:55 PM

Facinating little bird. First time I've seen one of these. It's a great shot Peter.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on April 30, 2010 at 8:01 PM

I certainly remember this one Peter. Still as fine a kingfisher image as I've seen.

Pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on April 30, 2010 at 9:03 PM

This is a wonderful image Peter. Your story is one that has been experienced innumerable times here on NPN as we are inspired and challenged to newer heights in our own photographic journeys. Congrats on the EP! Well deserved indeed.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by David Chauvin on May 1, 2010 at 2:15 AM

Simply excellent! Love the alert posture.

Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on May 1, 2010 at 4:07 AM

Peter,
every aspect is perfect here. Really a great shot!

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by denise ippolito on May 1, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Fantastic pose! I love the raised tail.

Registered on December 17, 2009, 202 Posts, 1529 Comments