This was taken when in Aruba (a southern Caribbean Island) in February. We stalked this guy along a small river while he was looking for a small fish or grubs or small crabs. I chose this image as the reflection in that area was pretty good. It's not a dramatic image, but I like the colour and situation. I grabbed a single shot as he came up with his prize. Settings with Olympus gear with my 100-400mm lens (at 400mm, or FF 800) at 1/1,250 f6.3 and ISO 12,800 (situation was relatively dark despite being approx mid day). I developed the bird locally in Lightroom, with texture and clarity plus curves, and the shadow to a lesser extent. I brightened the eyes tad. Finally, I pushed it through Topaz Phot A1 for noise and sharpening, then cropped to square. I have an extra image, being another Green Heron captured earlier in the trip at a river in Dominica for interest - I also like this, but feel it is let down by my angle from above.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 7 comments posted
Bruce Benson
Hey Adrian, Greenies are always fun to photograph and you did a nice job of this one, The image seemed a little flat to me so I added a bit of conrast and also rotated it just a bit.
Bruce Posted: 07/04/2024 22:35:53
Adrian Binney
Thanks Bruce. I like your input here. Posted: 07/19/2024 16:24:03
Jerry Biddlecom
Most wildlife have adapted to be able to blend into their backgrounds and this might demonstrate a problem with this image, in that the heron does not stand out enough from its surroundings, especially with the clutter of the leaves at top. You did capture a nice reflection. Bruce's version does help to make the bird stand out more. Your original 2 picture, with the flowing water acting as a 'soft' backdrop, might make for an interesting alternative. Posted: 07/19/2024 13:37:04
Adrian Binney
Thanks Jerry - I agree Bruce's work shows off the bird better and will play with my original accordingly. Posted: 07/19/2024 16:26:26
Cindy Marple
I like the moment captured with the crab, and the nice reflection. I like your crop which fits the subject well. I'll also agree with Bruce's version.
I do like a lot about your #2 image but agree the viewing angle is not ideal. Posted: 07/27/2024 19:25:37
Marge Barham
(Group 38)
Adrian what a difference Bruce's crop and rotation makes. It brings so much more attention to the two of them. I don't like that leaf in the water but nature isn't always perfect either.
But wow for you catching its prize crab. Well done.
Posted: 07/28/2024 00:41:58
Steve Cole
Yes, good job in catching the "crab" capture before he swallowed it. The noted touch up of the lighting as suggested does work well with your well-captured photo. Posted: 07/28/2024 13:55:42
