White Silence

I know - the birds are small, you can't see their heads, eyes orbeaks, there's no spectacular feather detail, no action, and nothermonuclear colors in the sky. Yet that is exactly why I like this. :-)

Every year on the Japan trip we have on average one or two days withhoar frost, in my opinion one of the prettiest winter conditions youcan get.

On this particular morning we had left our ryokan long before sunriseto see the whooper swans wake up, and watch their fascinating morningrituals. When we got closer to the lake I noticed the hoar frost anddecided to take the group to one of my favorite and very quiet spots.

We had to walk through a strip of trees and dense vegetation, whichwould normally create a lot of noise that could wake up the swans. Thesnow was about three feet high though, and the perfect natural soundproofing. When I reached the shore, a few swans looked up and thenwent back to sleep again.

I set up my tripod, took this shot, and then just sat there for awhile - amazed.

Nikon D3s, AF-S 14-24/2.8, 1/125 @ f/16

[if you would like to join me on one of our nature photography toursand workshops, please have a look on my website]

Beautiful soft image.  Well frames by the branching of the tree. Most impressive composition. Kudos, rek.

Excellent view , BR

 

Ali

Beautiful!!!

Molto bella !

Can't be better!

Best regards Marsel!

PDE