Xiao Cai
March 2023 - On the Ice - Great Blue Heron
About the Image(s)
Usually, I like to photograph small birds because they are very active, but occasionally I also photograph big birds if I have a chance. This photo was taken on 2/5/2023. These days the weather was frigid, and the lake at the park was frozen. This blue heron was standing on the ice at the lake's center. I caught the moment when the bird was trying to walk on the ice, and apparently, it was very slippery. What do you think? Welcome any comments and suggestions! Thanks!
Camera: Nikon D850, Lens: 500mm, Exposure: 1/3200 sec at f5.6 ISO 1400
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
Hi Xiao
Well captured image, the pose of the bird creates a dramatic look, with the eye sharp enough to draw attention to that initially. Detail in the bird is very good with individual feathers being easily seen.
The square format works well for this image with the background blurred as not to be a distraction.
A very minor recommendation would be to perhaps crop in just slightly to give more prominence to the bird itself.
All in all the well captured and presented image and caught at the right moment. Posted: 03/06/2023 18:18:07
Well captured image, the pose of the bird creates a dramatic look, with the eye sharp enough to draw attention to that initially. Detail in the bird is very good with individual feathers being easily seen.
The square format works well for this image with the background blurred as not to be a distraction.
A very minor recommendation would be to perhaps crop in just slightly to give more prominence to the bird itself.
All in all the well captured and presented image and caught at the right moment. Posted: 03/06/2023 18:18:07
Hi Tom, Thank you for your comments and suggestions! Posted: 03/21/2023 11:39:57
Hi Xiao - I agree with Tom on all points. I enjoy how the background compliments the heron beautifully and the story this image tells. Technically excellent, the bird appears fragile with lovely texture and detail throughout. Nice capture! Posted: 03/13/2023 18:44:26
Hi Darcy, Thank you for your comments! Posted: 03/21/2023 11:40:43
Hi Xiao,
Another well captured bird image. I like this one alot.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 03/14/2023 11:01:40
Another well captured bird image. I like this one alot.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 03/14/2023 11:01:40
Hi Greg, Thank you for your comments!
Posted: 03/21/2023 11:41:16
Posted: 03/21/2023 11:41:16
Hi Xiao,
Wow - what a cool pose (pun intended!) for this iconic bird! One can almost feel the slipperiness of the ice.
The only suggestions I have that you might try are:
- If you have enough "real estate" to give him a bit more image to move into, I would move him out of the middle of the frame and give him someplace to go.
- Since we generally view images from left to right, you might try flipping this horizontally, so he seems to be moving in that direction.
What a great shot!
Karen Posted: 03/19/2023 19:33:58
Wow - what a cool pose (pun intended!) for this iconic bird! One can almost feel the slipperiness of the ice.
The only suggestions I have that you might try are:
- If you have enough "real estate" to give him a bit more image to move into, I would move him out of the middle of the frame and give him someplace to go.
- Since we generally view images from left to right, you might try flipping this horizontally, so he seems to be moving in that direction.
What a great shot!
Karen Posted: 03/19/2023 19:33:58
Hi Karen, Thank you for your comments and suggestions! I don't like flipping the direction to the right, because I think the important part is his head and his head should face to viewer's direction, not otherwise. It is just my opinion. Thanks! Posted: 03/21/2023 06:49:53
This is a beautiful bird and a great capture. I love the pose and the amazing details on bird and his feathers. The color palette of the overall image is also wonderful. I love the drop off in focus in the background, which really sets the bird off well, as well as emphasizing his habitat. I agree with Karen's suggestions about flipping the image and giving him a bit more space in the direction he is facing. The content aware fill tool would probably let you do this, even if the original image doesn't have the space. This is one of my favorites of your bird images! Posted: 03/20/2023 18:45:46
Hi Ingrid, Thank you for your comments and suggestions! I don't like flipping the direction to the right, because I think the important part is his head and his head should face to viewer's direction, not otherwise. It is just my opinion. Thanks! Posted: 03/21/2023 06:53:14
Hi Xiao,
Greetings my friend.
I hope you are doing fine health wise. My apologies for delay comment, due to my family health issue for about last 2 weeks plus.
You have shared a lovely nature image. The posture of the bird indicates, that it is trying to walk on that slippery ice. The sharpness of the image is very clear. Well captured. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
Kamal.
Posted: 03/30/2023 04:04:00
Greetings my friend.
I hope you are doing fine health wise. My apologies for delay comment, due to my family health issue for about last 2 weeks plus.
You have shared a lovely nature image. The posture of the bird indicates, that it is trying to walk on that slippery ice. The sharpness of the image is very clear. Well captured. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
Kamal.
Posted: 03/30/2023 04:04:00