Sunil Mehta
November 2024 - Camouflaged - Blue Heron on a Dead Tree
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
Original 1 is Sunil's raw image. Original 2 is Sunil's color final version to compare with main image in B/W
EXIF:
Camera: Leica SL
Lens: Panasonic 70-300mm at 300mm
ISO 80, 1/640 Sec at f/5.6
post processing: Lightroom and Photoshop
The apartment I live in overlooks this lake. Last week during her morning walk with the dog, my wife almost missed a bird perched nearby. When she glanced back, she realized it was there, perfectly camouflaged against a dead tree, making it hard to spot. She pointed out the large bird to me, and later that afternoon, I went back with a camera. Surprisingly, the bird was still there, and I managed to capture several photos.
Final image is BW but I liked Color Version also.
12 comments posted
Very clever of your Great Blue Heron. They hold still and grab fish. The water looks a bit deeper than they like.
I like the "invisibility" of your subject. Animals do this and we usually make the animal show up more. But you've made it more invisible. It could be a great photo series. "Where in the world is the animal?"
No suggestions, bravo! Posted: 11/03/2024 00:54:30
I like the "invisibility" of your subject. Animals do this and we usually make the animal show up more. But you've made it more invisible. It could be a great photo series. "Where in the world is the animal?"
No suggestions, bravo! Posted: 11/03/2024 00:54:30
Actually, the water isn't deep; it might just look that way due to the long lens's angle of view. A wider view is attached for reference. Posted: 11/20/2024 02:23:29
Before I read Brenda's comments my thoughts were that the bird was too inconspicuous. Her approach capitalizes on the bird's near invisibility. Lacking a series of camouflaged animals, perhaps a title for this could be "Where's Waldo?" Posted: 11/04/2024 00:27:52
Nice bird photo. I really don't do much photography like this so I don't have any real feedback for you. I'm a big fan of black and white however. Posted: 11/07/2024 15:43:49
Thanks Ed. Posted: 11/20/2024 02:27:39
Sunil, how wonderful that your apartment overlooks the lake, allowing you to capture this shot during a regular morning walk-reminding us of the natural beauty all around. This is a fascinating shot! The heron's natural camouflage adds a unique challenge for viewers, making the image engaging and almost interactive. The choice of black and white beautifully highlights its subtle presence-excellent capture! Posted: 11/11/2024 17:31:00
Thanks Jo-Ann, Lake Ray Hubbard is a large, vibrant lake with plenty of activity and a lighthouse surrounded by excellent restaurants. However, the side of the lake near the apartment is peaceful and quiet-perfect for a walk or simply sitting and enjoying the sunset.
Posted: 11/20/2024 02:40:58
Posted: 11/20/2024 02:40:58
I like your image. My only suggestion is to increase the contrast of the heron which I did in my revision. I also increased its contrast and cropped some off the right side. Posted: 11/12/2024 12:11:07
Like your revision, Jim! The heron is still hidden, and the wood loop adds interest! Posted: 11/12/2024 21:09:45
Thanks Jim. Posted: 11/20/2024 02:42:02
It is nice bird photo. The photo has a great strcuture. I like the original 2, especially, the yellow light on the bird's chest feathers, face and wings. In addition, the bird's two paws might need to darken a little bit, in order to distinguish the paws from the wood they stand. Posted: 11/18/2024 02:39:41
Made some corrections as you suggested and slightly darkened the paws. Posted: 11/20/2024 02:52:36