Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA
May 2021 - Circle B Bar Reserve
About the Image(s)
How I did it—The Circle B Bar Reserve is one of our favorite “Honey Holes”. During our last trip in April, this destination was particularly kind to me. I was blessed with a series of the Great Blue Heron stalking then capturing it’s fish. This image was chosen as I liked it’s position and the full stretch of it’s neck. Tools for the day were an Olympus 4/3rds body accompanied by a f2.8 40 to 150 mm lens and a 2X extender, hand held @ f8, Auto ISO @ 1600th of a second at 360 mm. In Post it was cropped, lightened in Shadows, Define 2, AI Clear, then finished with a slight Veneitte.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
12 comments posted
Erik, this is a very complex image, full of details and composition. First the overextended stretch of the GBH to reach the water which leads my eyes towards the curved branch which follows to the other edge of the frame completing a 1/2 circle, and the closes the circle with the reflection in the water. The standing pole reflected makes the diameter of the circle. All the structures have some sort of texture which adds interest. Flipping the image will make it more appealing following the natural direction as how we read and look at the images from left to right. I am not sure if the greenery adds or distracts. Reduced the brightness slightly. BTW I read that you switched tools from Canon to Olympus. Posted: 05/04/2021 20:51:04
Also played with cropping the greenery and a little from the top and bottom. Posted: 05/04/2021 20:53:46
Good morning Isaac, I played with many crops before submitting the above. The only change I didn't consider was the "Dr. Flip" move.
After reviewing your flip I thinks the leading lines flow better. Attached is an image that has an ethereal presence. Posted: 05/06/2021 09:14:37
After reviewing your flip I thinks the leading lines flow better. Attached is an image that has an ethereal presence. Posted: 05/06/2021 09:14:37
Erik, The GBH is saying: mission accomplished !! now time to enjoy my catch. Peak of action indeed. BTW it also looks better flipped. Posted: 05/06/2021 12:48:37
I agree. Posted: 05/26/2021 12:08:10
Erik, for me this is an intriguing image. Before reading your description I studied the picture and totally missed that this was a GBH upside down. Once realizing that I believe this is one very unique GBH pose. Well done!
From my experience I would say that you have done an excellent job in capturing the color of the heron (many pictures oversaturate.) As Isaac pointed out the "completed circle adds to the quality of the image. To me the circle allows the viewer's eye to move around, taking it all in without losing the "fixation" on the bird. I would agree that the "flip" enhances the image. Nice shot! Posted: 05/07/2021 14:37:04
From my experience I would say that you have done an excellent job in capturing the color of the heron (many pictures oversaturate.) As Isaac pointed out the "completed circle adds to the quality of the image. To me the circle allows the viewer's eye to move around, taking it all in without losing the "fixation" on the bird. I would agree that the "flip" enhances the image. Nice shot! Posted: 05/07/2021 14:37:04
Thanks for your kind remarks Gary. Posted: 05/26/2021 12:10:02
What a great image. In my art classes I learned how the masters used the triangle as a symbole of strength and power and you have shown that here. I saw the triangle rather than the circle at first. Posted: 05/09/2021 14:35:02
Thanks for your kind remarks Vella. Posted: 05/26/2021 12:10:34
Erik, I had a problem at first trying to work it out. The heron has taken a quite a remarkable pose which, combined with the dead branch and the upright post, along with the complete reflections makes an amazing geometrical pattern. I think everything else has already been said. Outstanding! Posted: 05/12/2021 14:23:15
Thanks for your kind remarks as well Guy. This may become one of my favorite all time images. Posted: 05/26/2021 12:12:33
I tend to agree with Issac about it being a complex image. As you know I saw this image in one of our TeamViewer meetings. The one thing that strikes me is the circular composition. Then, there's that clump of foliage on the right side. That's a distraction for me. Overall the image has acceptable impact. It's well exposed and is very sharp. If anything I would crop more off the right side to focus on the circular composition. Posted: 05/27/2021 20:32:32