Am. Avocet

Gallery: AvianPosted September 1, 2011212 views8 comments

Nikon D300s
600mm w/1.4 tc
1/3200
F/7.10
Aperture priority
Metering Mode Pattern
White Balance Sunny
Exposure Bias Value -1 1/3
Distance 31.60 meters
Cropped about 10% mostly to straighten image
Tripod w/Wimberly head

This image was taken on a tripod while I was laying on the ground to try and get a good low perspective. The area I was laying in was covered with little black ants which ate me alive while I was shooting. I literally had ants in my pants. This was not a pleasant experience but I think I came away with some pretty decent images. I have not been back to that location since but I want to and this time I will bring ant spray.

I included a larger image for a closer look see. Hope you like it. Comments and particularly critiques are always appreciated. It's SO GOOD to be back posting.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on September 1, 2011 at 12:25 PM

A great shot indeed and I would say the hassle with the ants was definitely worth it

I like especially the low angle and the warm colors in this picture. Eye, feet, water droplets - all seem spot on ! Well done in my humble opinion... Only remark (should I make one at all that is) would be the 'half reflection' here, but since it's almost full frame that's just the way it is. All in all an amazing capture - like it lots ! Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on September 1, 2011 at 2:48 PM

David it sounds very painful but as you say you have got a very nice image ,the low perspective works very well i have no nits to pick.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on September 1, 2011 at 6:21 PM

Gorgeous angle, light and pose! I had a similar experience with fierce red ants once whilst hoping for a Little Grebe to come closer in Singapore. Unlike you, I couldn't endure it and came away with nothing!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Palmieri on September 1, 2011 at 10:21 PM

Nice pose and great low angle. I really like the background and like the foot just stepping out of the water. Too bad about the ants!

Registered on September 1, 2011, 35 Posts, 748 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on September 2, 2011 at 5:02 PM

A very nice low angle David. Love the action with the wings and feet. Great FG and BG and light top this off for me. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on September 2, 2011 at 9:32 PM

Neat action shot as the bird hits the water, love the complimentary colors here David.
Exposure, details, and DOF look great. I especially like the low POV and it's well composed with the interesting graduated layers of color BG.
Your narrative adds a bit of humor too. The thought of ants in ones pants is kinda funny.. as long as they're your pants

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

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on September 3, 2011 at 12:19 AM

Great low angle and beautiful lighting here David

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Danny Laredo on September 5, 2011 at 1:35 PM

Wonderful light and pose.

Registered on March 18, 2008, 71 Posts, 332 Comments