Escargot

Gallery: AvianPosted April 25, 2011910 views50 comments

A dream of mine for a long time has been to get a full frame shot of a snail kite with a snail against a good BG. Until I got my boat I never had the chance to go after this dream.

Well, over the past month I have been pursuing my ultimate snail kite shot. I have gotten several full frame images to this point, but none brought all the elements together the way I wanted them.

This image pretty much does it for me.

I am pretty thrilled with this shot. The bird's dynamic position, light on the face and snail, water drops coming off the snail,and a really sweet BG. The fact that this is an adult male with no leg bands tops it off for me.

Some people may like to see more light under the wings and tail, but for me the shadows add depth and the fact that there is still plenty of detail in those areas (i.e., they are not nearly blocked up)adds depth and perspective to this shot. Some might say I should have used fill flash to open up the shadows. Personally I do not like to flash birds and using flash on flight shots when you are shooting 10 frames per second, well, I would like to see someone achieve that.

To many people's chagrin (given I have posted so many snail kites and many people are most likely completely sick of them) I will continue to try and get an even better image. That's just me.

Thanks for looking and putting up with all my snail kites I have posted. Please view the larger image for max details.

Canon 1DM4
500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC
ISO 800
1/2500s
f/7.1
Manual exp.
Hand held from my boat
Full frame
Not baited or harassed in any way

Comments

50 comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on April 25, 2011 at 8:02 AM

Great image in every respect. Excellent detail in the bird and I like the light highlighting the foot holding the snail. The water droplets are an added bonus. The background could almost stand as a composition of its own with a full compliment of pastel colors creating an impressionist effect.

Your tenacity has rewarded you well.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on April 25, 2011 at 8:07 AM

Keep them coming Ron, some people don't fall sick !

An all round excellent image !!!
Jagdeep Rajput

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

Comment posted by Joe Paratore on April 25, 2011 at 8:23 AM

Ron, I for one never getting tired of viewing your work. We all try to improve on a our subject matter
no need for apologizes that should be the goal for all us that love photography. The image is by far is your best
to date. Just outstanding every way. Great light, excellent BG, well exposed and the comp there is not enough words to express how excellent it is. I love the diagonal look of the bird and how the wing opens up for a nice view. I like how the
Snail is in left claw almost centered in the middle of the bird for nice balance and out in clear view. My eye goes from snail
to the eye (what an intense look!) to the wing. Very nice flow. The blue in the BG compliments the bird real well. My only
small nit, Ron is perhaps a tad more room at the bottom. Little tight by the open wing.
Don't stop keep em coming

Registered on January 31, 2007, 40 Posts, 160 Comments

Comment posted by Hussain Nalwala on April 25, 2011 at 8:54 AM

It is a beautiful shot....When you get something like this, you get a sense of achivement.....

Registered on April 18, 2011, 298 Posts, 339 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on April 25, 2011 at 9:10 AM

Ron: I like this one very much. The best of the series for me. All the elements of this shot work together for the final presentation. A shot any avian photographer would love to have in their portfolio. Congrats

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on April 25, 2011 at 9:12 AM

Ron,

Amazing image - you summed it up so well in your write-up. I don't think this can be improved upon - you will only be able to match it (though feel free to prove me wrong)

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Diller on April 25, 2011 at 9:50 AM

Well scored Ron...nice one for sure!!!

Registered on October 2, 2009, 69 Posts, 434 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on April 25, 2011 at 11:01 AM

Exquisite image all around.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on April 25, 2011 at 12:00 PM

I believe your best one yet in this series. Everything comes together on this one, water droplets, wing span, eye contact and wonderful background colors in a full frame image. The larger image was a pleasure to view, outstanding work Ron, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Murali Santhanam on April 25, 2011 at 12:22 PM

Great picture no doubt. You can be proud of the image.

Registered on July 31, 2008, 43 Posts, 331 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on April 25, 2011 at 4:46 PM

Awesome in the large version. The background is wonderful and I love the colors in tis image.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Elwood on April 25, 2011 at 5:26 PM

Ron very big congrats on this one!!! All I can say is superb!

Registered on January 15, 2010, 101 Posts, 396 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on April 25, 2011 at 5:35 PM

Nicely done as usual, Ron. You're getting some really good images from your boat

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on April 25, 2011 at 5:51 PM

Ron,

This is outstanding in every way, super background, off enough to not be distracting but it still shows enough of the habitat IMHO, great action, pose, sharpness and details. I wouldn't change a thing about this image. Huge congrats on getting the full frame snail kite image you have worked so hard to get! I know you have put many hours into photographing kites to get this photo. Excellent.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on April 25, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Well, your obsession paid off nicely. Never change, Ron

This has to be one of your best.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on April 25, 2011 at 9:31 PM

Congrats on the shot, always nice to hear about someone getting the shot they've been hoping/waiting/trying to get. The almost head on view of the top wing works here for me because of how it lines up with the BG and the position of right leg.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on April 25, 2011 at 10:17 PM

All I can is AWESOME, Ron. Great pose, detail, background, An all around spectacular shot. The splash of water is a very nice touch.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on April 25, 2011 at 10:50 PM

Wow, what can I say. Congratulations, a stunning image.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on April 25, 2011 at 11:52 PM

oh, wow, Ron! I'd be more than thrilled to have this--this is really as good as it gets. pose, light, detail, prey, water drops are all great. the bg here is just incredible--there's so much I like just about the bg--the habitat, color, gradation, and painted look. I suppose I'd think about adding a tiny bit of canvas on the bottom, but again, Wow! lots of work has come together on this for you and this is one to be proud of. and keep them coming--it's a great subject and the series has been excellent, with this as the topper (so far).

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 26, 2011 at 12:48 AM

Gorgeous image, Ron. Definitely one of your best. Extremely dynamic and great eye contact.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on April 26, 2011 at 12:51 AM

Superb!!

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on April 26, 2011 at 3:17 AM

Your patience in pursuit of perfection has really paid off for you with this amazing image Ron, I'm thoroughly impressed and, I have to say, a tad jealous too ;^)

The execution of this in full frame is absolutely marvelous and I wouldn't be surprised at all seeing it up in the Weekly Picks gallery, very well done indeed :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Karen Summers on April 26, 2011 at 6:13 AM

beautiful shot, fabulous pose its got everything

Registered on December 3, 2009, 83 Posts, 818 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on April 26, 2011 at 8:03 AM

Fabulous shot Ron - as you said, a really dynamic pose.

cheers
Rob.

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on April 26, 2011 at 8:58 AM

Again I knew this was you. You have your own special style Ron. All the great things you mentioned are my favorite things as well especially the water drops . I don't mind the shadowing at all as I still see plenty of detail. I myself am on the fence about the fill flash idea and have been experimenting with it as we have discussed. I would be super happy to own this image and I'm not sick of your snail kites since I've never seen one myself.

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on April 26, 2011 at 1:57 PM

Simply wonderful Ron. I agree with Angela that the background by itself is good enough to stand alone but add this spectacular and well photographed kite and you really have something special. I agree with all the superlatives already mentioned and have no problem with tightness at the bottom. Take a bow.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 26, 2011 at 2:16 PM

I want to thank everyone for their comments on this image. It sure is nice when hard work pays off. Thanks again.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on April 26, 2011 at 3:50 PM

Wow, that is so cool! I love the wing position and catchlight in his eye. The water droplets flying off the snail is a huge bonus!

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Oscar Dewhurst on April 26, 2011 at 5:36 PM

Wow - stunning

Oscar

Registered on August 6, 2009, 85 Posts, 502 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on April 26, 2011 at 11:41 PM

I second Ron D's suggestion, you have the house on it's feet. Congratulations on an exceptional image Ron.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by David Sewell on April 27, 2011 at 9:46 AM

A fabulous shot, and congratulations on achieving your goal (even if you do still want to do it even better)! I love it when a plan comes together.

David

Registered on September 10, 2008, 63 Posts, 801 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Conway on April 28, 2011 at 9:56 AM

Hi Ron,

I almost missed seeing this spectacular image. I have not been at the site much lately. I have nothing to add other than congratulations! For me photography is most rewarding when I have a specific goal (quarry) that I pursue for a long time trying to get something very specific. I can see that you are that way too.

You will never forget the entire experience. Everything from the sounds and scents will come back to you every time you view this wonderful image.

Very cool.

Peter

Registered on June 25, 2007, 347 Posts, 3913 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on May 3, 2011 at 8:06 PM

Ron, congrats on a well-deserved WP!
Another exceptional shot - love the pose, the water drops, and the excellent BG.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Raymond Klassen on May 3, 2011 at 10:16 PM

This shot has just about everything! Beautiful lighting, bg, comp, sharpness, and great action! Congrats!

Registered on November 30, 2008, 114 Posts, 790 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Roberts on May 4, 2011 at 12:02 AM

Awesome image. Excellent detail in the large version. I do a lot of shooting from a boat and it opens a whole new world. You are obviously making use of the opprotunity. Nice work.

Registered on March 9, 2011, 69 Posts, 501 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on May 4, 2011 at 12:35 AM

Superb, Rob. Absolutely deserving of the E.P. Congratulations on an amazing shot.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on May 4, 2011 at 4:11 AM

I told you! ;^) Congratulations Ron :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on May 4, 2011 at 9:08 AM

I'd guess you should be thrilled with this Ron. Congratulations on an exceptional image. It's hard for me to imagine a better image than this but I'll be watching. (smile)

pat

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

Comment posted by Balakumar Kaushik on May 4, 2011 at 12:50 PM

Fantastic !
Congrats on EP !

Registered on January 4, 2008, 98 Posts, 1403 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on May 4, 2011 at 1:39 PM

Superb image, Ron. Congrats on the EP.

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

Comment posted by Nancy Elwood on May 5, 2011 at 4:42 PM

Well done and very big congrats on the image and the EP!!

Registered on January 15, 2010, 101 Posts, 396 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on May 5, 2011 at 7:20 PM

A wonderful image in every way Ron. Big congrats on the WP!

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on May 5, 2011 at 7:38 PM

This is an outstanding image Ron and very worthy of the WP!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on May 6, 2011 at 1:42 PM

Congrats on the EP, Ron. Tremendous image (and series) worthy of the recognition.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on May 6, 2011 at 10:24 PM

Yay for you Ron congratulations on the ep

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on May 8, 2011 at 4:51 PM

Top Class Stuff

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on May 12, 2011 at 1:23 PM

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the kind words.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Thomas Miller on May 15, 2011 at 4:32 PM

Spectacular image! I've got a few Snail Kite shots of my own, but nothing like this!!

Registered on March 10, 2011, 56 Posts, 56 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 19, 2011 at 9:19 PM

Stunning image Ron, can't add to what's been said..
You do some mighty fine work from time to time

Very well done!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Patrick O'Healy on May 21, 2011 at 3:25 PM

This is an extraordinary shot. Where was it taken?

Registered on March 13, 2011, 326 Posts, 1679 Comments