Green Heron

Gallery: AvianPosted December 19, 2011175 views16 comments

Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ,
Date: December 16, 2011, 4:16 pm
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 400, 1/60th, f/10, -1/3rd ev compensation
Raw, PS CS3 on G4 Mac, full frame
Not baited or set up

The heron is a regular at this pond and typically very skittish. But on my two recent afternoon visits it has been so focused on catching small fish that it hasn't objected to my company. In fact on this visit it moved from 40 feet away to less than 20 while I sat in the open. I lost a lot of shutter speed when it moved into the shade in front of me so I couldn't stop down any further for more depth of field.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. I hope you will view the larger image for maximum impact.

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 19, 2011 at 11:57 PM

Looks like you have a new friend! Hopefully he will remember you and cooperate in the future also.
Really nice portrait - fine detail, great eye, and your usual complimentary environment.

Sandy

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

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on December 20, 2011 at 5:10 AM

Wonderful detail and clarity, beautiful background and colors.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on December 20, 2011 at 5:40 AM

It definitely looks ALOT better in the larger version! Nice portrait!

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on December 20, 2011 at 6:56 AM

Very impressive portrait Richard. As one who love avian detail I am in love with this capture. The eye captured is especially well shown as is the guys plumage throughout. Very well done!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on December 20, 2011 at 8:17 AM

Excellent portrait. You managed to keep him still long enough to get great detail, which the larger version shows so well.

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

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on December 20, 2011 at 9:22 AM

Wonderful detail with a good color scheme and nice use of the portrait style photo

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

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on December 20, 2011 at 9:32 AM

Large version is so nice shows the great detai and sharpness. Nice soft bg too.

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

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on December 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM

Terrific portrait Richard. I really like the colors in the background.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on December 20, 2011 at 2:10 PM

Amazing that it moved closer to you, I have been trying to get a picture of a Sweetwater green heron with little luck. I like the detail around the head area with good eye contact in the larger version. Excellent full frame image, way to go.

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

Comment posted by Harry Harris on December 20, 2011 at 3:12 PM

Richard, I think your DOF is right on. Your sharpness and the Heron being darker than the BG really keeps the focus on your portrait of the beautiful bird. Great job as usual.

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 20, 2011 at 3:39 PM

Great DOF Rich. Love the close look at this bird. I have the same problem with green herons. Very skittish. I can very really get close. Glad this one helped you out. Nice IQ as usual.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 20, 2011 at 10:06 PM

Beautiful, Richard. I like what the shadows did for the background and the detail in the Heron is perfect.

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

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on December 21, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Nice portrait and excellent detail. Really like the background and that nice sharp eye!

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 22, 2011 at 7:59 AM

Nice color - Stands out very well from your BG also Rich.
It's an excellent work, with all the fine detail one could ask for in a portrait.
Merry Christmas

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

Comment posted by David Haynes on December 22, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Richard,
I LOVE that background. WOW. Good details, excellent head position and angle, and the LARGER version must be seen. Terrific Richard! May you be blessed with exceptional light in 2012. Thanks for all your posting advise Richard. I was a mess before your help. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by antino cervigni on December 25, 2011 at 7:54 AM

Very nice. Best regards Antino

Registered on April 17, 2010, 70 Posts, 202 Comments