I like the fact you have managed to retain both the heron and reflection

You have said yourself that the birds are always at the far end of the lake (I say this is a reason to revisit often if you can)

The closer shot will lift this image giving it detail in the feathers, body and head

You can also research where you might find a blue heron closer to home to give you the opportunity to capture one that doesn't choose to stand as far away as possible from you   Posted: 09/02/2023 04:01:13

Hi Shirley,
Somehow your original image has been deleted. The image and your email is on my main computer which is in being repaired. I hope to have it back early next week where upon I will reinstate your image.
Sorry about that   Posted: 09/02/2023 07:52:54

Great Blue Heron's are fairly gentle birds. They typically claim one area as home. We have lots of them in FL. Although this guy was far across the pond, you captured a great shot. He looks so tranquil standing there. I like that you capture his reflection, but I'm not sure what happen to his head's reflection. To me, that is very un-natural and a distraction in the image. I find myself consistently going down there to see why his head is so out of shape. Perhaps the little water ripples are causing it. Whatever the reason, I think, I would try to fade out the reflection somewhat so it wasn't so prominent in the image. Hope you get to go back and try again. You'll probably find this same fellow around the same location.   Posted: 09/02/2023 10:19:03

I think this is a unique perspective of the Great Blue Heron contributed by effective use of negative space. The lines on the bird lead up nicely to the beak which points into the distant blue expanse. Although at the one third line, you could even add more space I think - but the traditionalists might think not.   Posted: 09/02/2023 14:20:37

From both of my residences, (IN and Southwest FL), I have countless images of these birds. I love them for so many reasons. Consequently, I like everything about your image - the coloration of the water and subsequent background, the softness on the background... I really makes the "Great Blue" pop. My only critique is in the refelection of the birds head. The apparent stillness of the water belies that fact that a single ripple - even at 1/500sec. - can produce this type of distortion.   Posted: 09/03/2023 11:21:47

A lovely image of the heron.
It is tack sharp and the lighting is wonderful and soft with the head of the bird being the brightest part of the image.
The reflection of the beak disturbs me a little. It seems too bulky and I can only assume it was caused by a slight ripple on the surface of the water.
I love the gentle colour gradient from the top to the bottom of the image.
Well done.

  Posted: 09/07/2023 00:48:58

Hi Shirley
Beautiful image of this bird the lighting is gorgeous depth of field perfect,great reflection and beautifully presented.   Posted: 09/09/2023 13:44:15