Richard Matheny
December 2024 - Reddish Egret
Original
About the Image(s)
I took this shot at Merritt Island National Refuge a couple of years ago. I am always attracted to Reddish Egrets. This guy was not doing the usual dance with wings spread, but the water reflection stood out to me. So I took several shots. I was using a Nikon D500 camera and a Nikon 200mm- 500mm lens at f5.6,1/1500 sec, ISO 500 and -0.7 exposure.
My crop was based solely on Egret and Reflection in mind. This is one of the only times I used the auto function in LR and was happy with the results. The only thing I added was the dehaze slider to brighten up the image.
4 comments posted
Richard,
What a terrific reflection shot. you got really llucky having the water so calm! The lighting is spot on as well! You got great sharpness in the feathers and the eye. Nailed it! The crop is also spot on. About all that I can suggest is that you reduce the tonality of the orange branch above the bird's head. Posted: 12/06/2024 17:05:48
What a terrific reflection shot. you got really llucky having the water so calm! The lighting is spot on as well! You got great sharpness in the feathers and the eye. Nailed it! The crop is also spot on. About all that I can suggest is that you reduce the tonality of the orange branch above the bird's head. Posted: 12/06/2024 17:05:48
Richard - You did a great job turning an average photo into a stellar one. Your post-processing is excellent, especially in dealing with the colors in the reflection. Terrific job. Posted: 12/07/2024 19:37:50
This is a nice reflection shot and the bird's color nicely separated it from the background. Personally I would prefer a bit more space on the left but that is a maker's choice. I would also bring down a exposure just a tad or a smidge as it look a bit on the bright side. But that is just my preference. Posted: 12/08/2024 13:42:18
Reflections make such nice images, especially when they're as well defined as this one. I like your crop which emphasizes it and the bird's gaze, although I would probably go with a little bit more space left and right if it were mine (but I prefer somewhat looser crops).
The colors are beautiful in your edited version. I do agree with Larry about bringing the exposure down on the bird a wee bit (I had to search to find another adjective to use..).
Overall, a lovely shot of a handsome bird. I keep thinking mirror mirror on the wall... Posted: 12/11/2024 20:58:01
The colors are beautiful in your edited version. I do agree with Larry about bringing the exposure down on the bird a wee bit (I had to search to find another adjective to use..).
Overall, a lovely shot of a handsome bird. I keep thinking mirror mirror on the wall... Posted: 12/11/2024 20:58:01