Here’s another photo where I like the background as much as the bird and in large part that’s due to the quality of the bokeh.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Snowy Egret two weeks ago at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge as it came in to land next to a small bridge to my left. In nearly all photos taken from here the background would be sky, water or the Promontory Mountains in the distance but if the bird’s in just the right place when I fire my shutter I can get a small island of multi-colored phragmites behind the bird. In the very few shots where I’ve been able to accomplish that I’ve loved the background so I always watch for a bird flying there. When it does happen something nearly always goes wrong but this time things worked out and largely because of the quality of the bokeh in the background I adore the results.
Bokeh is defined as “the blurred quality or effect seen in the out-of-focus portion of a photograph taken with a narrow depth of field. Good quality bokeh is smooth and pleasing whereas bad bokeh produces a jagged and discordant effect“. Bokeh quality is determined by the construction of the lens and my Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens has a reputation for producing some of the very highest quality bokeh of any lens on the market.
Yes, I also like the sharpness of the bird, the curvature of the wings, the interesting effects of light on the subject, the contrast of a white bird against a darker background and the way those “golden slippers’ stand out even in partial shade.
But for me it’s the background and bokeh that set the image apart.
Ron
Beautiful photograph Ron!!
Very nice and the dark background did not blow out the whites.
Thanks, April.
Oh my.
White on white or black on black are SUCH difficult subjects to capture with any detail. A stunning bokeh too? Bonus points. Big bonus points.
This ex-teacher always appreciates getting bonus points, EC. Nice to get them rather than give them for a change!
Absolutely stunning! I love everything about this shot!
Thanks very much, Larry.
Man, you do a great job with white on white!! Feather detail for a white bird is exceptional.
I guess my trouble is white against blue water/sky, not enough contrast or shadows.
At any rate, love your shot!
Dick, White birds are always tough. It gets significantly easier in soft light in the morning though.
This beautiful, beautiful image, with the stark white bird agsinst the dark, warm background, is a perfect example of when a centered focal point can work well…
Good point, Patty. I always appreciate your artistic input.
Bokeh and golden slippers — two new terms for me. Thanks, Teech! 🙂 I agree with Neil; definitely the right lens in the right hands. I am especially drawn to the ever so slight curve at the tip of the first primary in both wings.
Thanks, Marty – from one “teech” to another!
Another 3D photo, which is just gorgeous. I just love the way the very sharp bird stands out against the background. Until yesterday, I never thought about being able to produce 3D photos, but you’ve done that twice now, and I’m very impressed. I still like ones where you can make out what the background is, like the series of the juvenile Red Tail on the cliffs, but these 3D photos are amazing.
Thanks, Susan. I think both styles of photo have their place and I like them both.
Stunning! The combination of the heron and the bokah is wonderful.
Thanks very much, Melanie.
The right lens in the hands of the right person, Sweet!
I appreciate you saying that, Neil. Thanks from one bird photographer to another.
A beautiful photo, Ron. I like the golden slippers and the bokeh. We learn something from you every day. Thanks.
There’s always something new to learn, Alice – for all of us.
OK, I NEED a new supply of superlatives! Seriously! Every darn morning, you begin my day with such extraordinary beauty that it makes me smile all day. In other words, you help me establish my place of peace and serenity. This morning, paired with a GLORIOUS sunrise that I just had to stop and watch, my day is good. And that even with the fact that the mechanic has had my Jeep since Friday and hasn’t yet touched it!
Thank you SO much for that!
I’m delighted that my images please you, Laura. Good luck with your Jeep!
I’m not sure you realize the depth of my comments. It’s often a challenge to reach my place of peace, serenity and overall positivity with all that’s going on around us. You routinely take me where I need to be, concentrating on the beauty, the positivity, which is where my power is. If I get mired in negativity, I spin in place, unable to get much of anything done. I keep your images to where I can click on them whenever needed. Between your photography (and it doesn’t really matter what species of critter you post), Mariah, Jack, my dogs and even the Evil Princess Kestrel, along with the sunrises and sunsets here, I can avoid all that useless spinning in place. And given what’s going on, it really does take a village to keep me on track! 😉
I KNOW I’m not alone here!
Fabulous flight shot Ron!
Ch9
Thanks, Charlotte.
Beautiful! Glad it came together for you:) Interesting that they have “golden slippers” on dark legs.
“Interesting that they have “golden slippers” on dark legs”
Yes, that’s one of the reasons those feet stand out so well, Judy.
Everything about this image is perfect. Congratulations!
Thank you, Nancy.
Agreed…beautiful bird and bokeh. “Golden slippers”…I’ll have to remember that 🙂
Zaphir, quite a few folks refer to those yellow feet as golden slippers. In the right context it works for me…