New object of my affection

[Vinam]

If you mixed the shyness of a Great Blue Heron with the demanding color, or lack of I should say, of the Swan, you get the Great Egret. I've been thinking about where and how to shoot them and I thought it might be cool to share a little of how I approach a new "project".

I think most of us just go out, pick a good location and shoot what we see, because there's always something good ( and there is ), and I do that all the time... but I also have running projects, where I have an idea or a Subject and work on it when I feel like it, a excellent way to learn and grow ability,, it has done wonders and keeps me motivated.

I share some of the results here, and I thought it might be cool to see my thought process , a couple of weeks ago I shot a great egret, a decent shot , but I know I can do better..

bright sun and too many people around.. no way of getting the sun to my back at this park, this shot got me thinking about it

This is a different park, I've seen this guy before, although it's much further away, I am going to visit him often and work on getting close ... this is across the River and using my 250mm kit lense

just to give you an idea of distance and how cool they look ( that's no Swan ) lol

took the "walking around lense" off, tripod set up, L-lense and converter on, just scoping him out


not concerned with exposure, just taking a few shots, walking around the trails and getting ideas, there's a much better chance of working it all out at this location.. though I need to learn the egrets hangouts and places where I can watch him ... it's a fun process ... a cropped version of above as a measurement for the next attempt ( when I'll had time to think about what I've picked up so far)

I always need one shot to compare progress or regress ( it happens ) .. once I get a good spot, I work on timing it so I get afternoon/evening lighting and exposure ... then it's just a matter of being there and a little luck ... stay tuned ( sometimes weeks apart, work on em when i feel like it )

It's been mentioned in a few of my posts how dedicated I was and how much I've improved, I wanted to try and explain how most of my really good photos are labors of love and not natural born talent and if I can do it anyone who puts some time in can!!!

Vin

[Fred flyfisher]

Good job Vin. I'll stay tuned to see what happens.

[fstopMike]

Vin, thanks for the lesson. I have a couple of projects in mind and you've given me a lot of information.

[jakethepig]

Vin those reflections in the first one are so good. All great captures Buddy. Nice that you have found a new model. I am sure that you will soon knock him into shape and before long he will become famous for making vin famous. lol... Great work buddy and I can't wait to see him again.

Jake.

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

Vin,
I love listening to how everyones mind works during the process. I'm excited to see how this goes for you.

[beachcomber]

Good post with some great pictures and some interesting insights and information
Don't forget to have fun
beachcomber

[SusanH1970]

You get better by the minute, Vin. I love how you capture the blue of the sky on the water's reflection in the 3rd one. Now where's my egret and my blue heron...they've been hiding for days at my pond!

[Vinam]

thanks everyone for your comments, I look forward to posting Egret#2 soon

Vin