Monday in Nature, November 27, 2017

Basic Guidelines: In the strictest sense, nature photography should not include "hand of man elements". Please refrain from images with buildings or human made structures like roads, fences, walls. Pets are not permitted. Captive subjects in zoos, arboretums, or aquariums are permitted, but must be declared, and must focus on the subject, not the captivity. Images with obvious human made elements will likely be deleted from the thread, with an explanation to the photographer. Guidelines are based on PSA rules governing Nature photography which also cover the Nature Forum. Keep your image at/under 1000 pixels on the long axis for in-line viewing. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site at Flicker, Photobucket, your own site, etc. We post one image per week.

Sandhill crane, in Staten Island, California

Good Morning,

I dipped into the archives from last May for this glimpse of greenery next to a waterfall. It will look very different a couple of months from now when winter grips the area with an icy cold hand. Have a great day, everyone.

Short-billed dowitchers feeding, White Slough, Vallejo CA.

This ovenbird rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus) is not looking pleased as the wind blew it from behind. Both the strong wind and these birds are very common here in Punta Colorada, Uruguay.

Fallen Ginkgo leaves. They usually all fall off during a single day.

Pensive Meditation - may be thinking about the next meal?

Nikon D300s with Nikon 200-400mm + 1.4x @550mm (effective focal length=850mm).

1/250s; f/8; ISO 800; aperture priority; Center-weighted metering.

Pensive Meditation - may be thinking about the next meal?

Or waiting for the lionesses to bring it to him ?

Bluet Mating Wheel

Bluet Mating Wheel

 

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Superb sharpness and details, interesting shapes and NO distractions. Phenomenal image.

Gordon, that's a nice trio of fungi.

And a beautiful shot!

Superb sharpness and details, interesting shapes and NO distractions. Phenomenal image.

Rod,

Thanks for the kind words.

--- Frank

Rod,

 

Thanks for the kind words.

 

--- Frank

You're welcome, but it's well deserved. It has all the elements I aspire to when I'm capturing a nature image, but rarely accomplish. :-) Seems like there is always something out of focus, distracting branch, boring composition or whatever.

Seems like there is always something out of focus, distracting branch, boring composition or whatever.

Yes, challenges and challenges indeed. I try to minimize them by (1) Shoot only when there is good light; (2) Minimize distraction by moving camera position; (3) Zoom in to avoid distractions and to exclude unattractive elements; (4) Exclude anything that does not help to make the subject matter attractive; (5) Compose thoughtfully, applying rule-of-third where applicable, tilting the camera, etc. (6) Select a good specimen; (7) Refrain from shooting if it's a hopeless situation. ;)

Yes, challenges and challenges indeed. I try to minimize them by (1) Shoot only when there is good light; (2) Minimize distraction by moving camera position; (3) Zoom in to avoid distractions and to exclude unattractive elements; (4) Exclude anything that does not help to make the subject matter attractive; (5) Compose thoughtfully, applying rule-of-third where applicable, tilting the camera, etc. (6) Select a good specimen; (7) Refrain from shooting if it's a hopeless situation. ;)

I agree 100 percent!

And... on rare occasions all of the factors involved come together to make a special photo.

The backgrounds are especially difficult with damselflies. They are usually found within a foot or so of the ground. Thus the background is often not as clean as one would like. Additionally, one is often limited in your camera angles if you want to get as much of the subject in focus as possible... depth of field is always an issue at these magnification. Of course, that is a plus as far as backgrounds go!

In this photo, the background is the shallow water at the edge of a lake. I was kneeling in about a foot of water and this pair of damselflies was between me and the shore.

Not being afraid of getting wet (or dirty) is also a big part of wildlife photography!

The backgrounds are especially difficult with damselflies. They are usually found within a foot or so of the ground. Thus the background is often not as clean as one would like. Additionally, one is often limited in your camera angles if you want to get as much of the subject in focus as possible... depth of field is always an issue at these magnification. Of course, that is a plus as far as backgrounds go!

 

In this photo, the background is the shallow water at the edge of a lake. I was kneeling in about a foot of water and this pair of damselflies was between me and the shore.

 

Not being afraid of getting wet (or dirty) is also a big part of wildlife photography!

Your image is well executed - credit to your skill and the opportunity. The background is perfect and the parallel composition is just so. I can see your taking care to have all components nicely placed and distinctly displayed... :)