Lee's Photoblog
Mr. Heron
Posted by Lee (Fort Frances Ontario, Canada) on 23 May 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
The blue heron has to be one of my favorite birds. Have you ever watched these birds stand patiently waitng for that frog or minnow to be in the right postion so they can strike. They have lightning fast reflexes when it comes to capturing prey. They either spear it with their bill or capture it. Have you ever looked at one closely enough to see the detail in their feathers. The long feathers on the nape or back of the head are breeding plumage. These long feathers disappear in about a month from now. There is so many different shades of blue and grey in the plumage. This shot was taken about 8:30 PM from a moving boat. I watched this bird land on this rock. So I slowly manuvered towards it. I managed a few decent shots. He looks so formal in this shot, hence the title.
Now to answer some questions I have received.
Several people ask me how I get such good shots. No-one ever sees the hundreds or thousands of bad ones. In a little over three years I have taken over 500,000 digital images. My so called album only contains 2948 images. These are images that I consider worth viewing, like the shots you see. The only other shots I've kept (42,694) are filed for posterity, in over 400 catalogued folders. I only keep about 1/12 of the shots I take. Less than 1 percent of my shots I consdier worth viewing.
Do you know I never use a tripod. I'll use the window of my truck, a tree, a rock, my jacket on the ground, anything available for me to rest or lean on while taking the shot. There is NEVER enough time to set up a tripod. Oh, I do own a Manfrotto Tripod and Monopod, they both do work well. I just never use them.
I also get asked what shutter speed and fstop did I use. I don't know cause I shoot in manual mode with an old lens. I have to manually control the f stop, and set the appropriate shutter speed. While walking, hiking, or driving, I regularily take test shots to check exposure. I always view my histogram on the camera back to see if I have exposed to bright or to dark.
All my shots are shot at 200 ISO. I also habitually am always half pressing the shutter button to keep the camera awake and ready. You can't imagine how many shots are missed due to not being ready. I also have my camera set to consecutive shoot and bracket mode.
And, I very raely use auto focus. I learned a long time ago. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to automatically focus on a moving animal, or flying bird.
I hope this helps answer some questions I have received. Thank you all very much for your support, compliments and acknowledgements.
I also trust everyone is having a great weekend.
Thank you for visiting my site. I consider myself to be lucky living where I do. Everyday I wake up to a wealth of interesting visual scenarios. Most of my pictures are Wildlife and Nature taken from around the area. The area specifically being Fort Frances Ontario on beautiful Rainy Lake. Feel free to comment on what you see. I look forward to hearing from you. If you like what you see, please rate it. Better yet, bookmark the site and drop back often. I will be posting daily.
All images are copyrighted by Lee Oelke Photography. They cannot be reproduced, electronically, or by printing without my written consent. Should you be interested in any of my images, please contact me.
@r00t: Thank you.
dkc from Xanthi, Greece
Such a proud standing bird...and thank you for all the advice Lee!
23 May 2009 7:14am
@dkc: Thank you Dimitris.
kisskool from fontainebleau, France
the animal and the photo are superb, you're lucky to see as many animals
23 May 2009 7:21am
@kisskool: Thank you. I think I live in the perfect location.
@Ana Lúcia: Thank you.
Veronique from Sarrouilles, France
We have a few herons round here but never been able to see those so pretty feathers (or to get close enough for this). What is a "bracket mode" ?
23 May 2009 7:46am
@Veronique: Thank you. This shot was taken with a strong lens. I was not that close to the bird. Bracket mode is a setting that allows 3 picture to be taken, one at -1/2 under exposure, 1 at the setting I choose, and the third at 1/2 over exposure. That way if I choose not quite the right setting maybe this will compenstae for it.
Elena Kotrotsou from Drossia, Greece
This is a special bird!
I think that many more than 1/12 of your shots are worth viewing! You are a talented photographer!
It's good advice to take as many pictures as we can! Thanks!
23 May 2009 8:49am
@Elena Kotrotsou: Thank you Elena. 1/12 is the approximate percentage of shots I keep. Less than 1% is what I consider viewable. Every time I go out I take shots. I down load a place in its folder. I then compare to other shots I have taken of the same subject matter. The duds are then removed.
Hidalgo from Herunen, Finland
Perfect phot!!! Thank You for Your clear explanation of Your photgraph hobby.
I also never use tripod and I am using same ideas as You. But sometimes when taking photos inside old churches (meagerly light) I have used ISO 3200 and succeeded. I have taken during four years only 35000 photos compared with Yours, it is little. To me most efforts are to organize photos, like naming them meticulously, putting to named folders , backups etc.
I guess that Your info was a very good photograph tutorial for many of us. Thank You.
23 May 2009 8:49am
@Hidalgo: Thank you for your compliment. You are right. The most important effort is to organize your shots. It does take the most time. I have tried using some higher ISO settings. I do not like the noise in the shot my camera creates. Thank you for your comment.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Your dedication and efforts show in every photo, I wish I had your patience, bravo Again ;)
23 May 2009 9:27am
@Lorraine: Thank you very much Lorraine. Sometimes it not patience. Sometimes it is just pure luck.
mohkum from Muscat, Oman
Such a beautiful posting, this heron is cute bird for watching! You have captured it nicely, Congrats. ..and a very nice piece of briefing also!
23 May 2009 10:49am
@mohkum: Thank you for the compliment.
@Eleftheria: Thank you.
Marion from Cincinnati, United States
Lee, wow!!! The details in this shot are absolutetly stunning. I love those long feathers! And you are absolutely right that he looks very regal. I love the shot! Thanks also for your more-in-depth explaination of how you achieve all these amazing shots! I am a huge fan of your and your work! Have a wonderful day!
23 May 2009 11:58am
@Marion: Thank you Marion. Every day is wonderful and unique. They are what you make them to be. And I try to make the best of every day. I do thank you for your support and comments.
Baby Sis from Canada
What perfect pose. hence the name Mr. very crisp, I can almost count all feathers on him. They are a magnificent bird. Hope yuo have a great weekend, love you.
hugs xoxoxo
23 May 2009 1:00pm
@Baby Sis: Thanks Shelley.
Elora from Genoa, Italy
I love this shot. i love herons too. There are so few around here and whenever I see one I almost never have my camera ready...sigh. I have to learn to start carrying it around everywhere!
23 May 2009 1:31pm
@Elora: Thanks Elora. Yes, one must always be ready.
Don from spokane, United States
Another fine image of this beautiful bird. You give us the fine detail that we never get in looking ourselves!
I found your description of your technique very interesting and informative. I like the "standard" you apply to your work.... and it shows with every post! I think bracketing is a fine tool that fits this digital age very well.
23 May 2009 1:39pm
@Don: Thank you Don. I am my own worst critic. Bracketing has helped me on many an occassion. Enjoy your long weekend.
Kathe from Marquette, Michigan, United States
Ooooh...I like the blue herons too. Chickadees and nuthatches are my all-time favorite birds, but blue herons and sandhill cranes are my favorite of the larger birds. This is a great shot, Lee. He looks as though he's going to a ball or something.
I, too, have a monopod and tripod that I don't use - not just because they're rather useless inexpensive ones. As you've said, there's just not enough time to set one up. Plus, lugging them around is cumbersome. Unfortunately, I have to use the automatic and pre-programmed modes since I'm still learning how to use my camera. But at least now I know how to fine tune those modes a bit. Hopefully I'll soon learn enough to start playing with the manual mode.
23 May 2009 1:42pm
@Kathe: Hre does look like he is dressed in foraml attire. My monopod is a great walking stick. It is not quite tall enough for me to use comfortably. I fing that auto mode leaves my pics over and under exposed. It does not always give me the same colour of light that I see. Good luck in learning your camera and its potential. Above all, practice, shoot lots, and record what setting you were using for future references. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts. Have a good one.
B. Thomas from Arlington, Texas, United States
Wonderful shot of this beautiful bird. Thanks for the info about your photography, also. Sometimes I think I'm not a REAL photographer because I don't often use a tripod, but it seems like with wildlife, there just is not enough time.
23 May 2009 2:28pm
@B. Thomas: Thanks Barbara. I know what you mean. There seems to be a level of public recogniton and acceptance if you're using a tripod. Your recognized as a photgrapher. I have been stopped several times by people and asked if any of my pics turn out. A lens that size cannot be hand held and expect results. Some of these people have viewed my work and then said. I knew you'd start using a tripod with that lens. I just smile. Wildlife does give you a second chance. You have to be ready for anything.
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
What a perfect portrait you got of this beauty!! The detail of the plummage is spectacular......Understand completely your non-use of tripod..the times I've gone down into Everglades National Park, to attempt to use a tripod would be fruitless, as wildlife does not take instruction to "stay" very well!!!
The thing you did not mention in your wonderful tutorial was the kind of camera and lens you use.....
Just curious, as long as you're giving out info.....
23 May 2009 3:09pm
@Susan: Thank you Susan. I use a Pentax *istDS with a 18-55mm lens ( not very often), A sigma 70-30mm lens (occassionally), a Pentax 400mm prime telephoto lens (always attached to my camera body), and for the I just can't get close enough shots a Phoenix t-mount oldie but goldie are you ready 650-1300mm lens. You otta try hand holding this puppy. Wildlife never co-operates. And it does not obey commands. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
@Daniel: Thank you
@amirreza: Thank you.
@The Big Guy: Thank you very much.
grouser from Ludlow, United Kingdom
Your info on technique made interesting reading Lee. You must have rock steady hands then as I assume it's a pretty long lens. Beautiful Heron portrait.
23 May 2009 5:29pm
@grouser: Thank you for reading it. I don't know if my hands are rock steady or not. I just go with law of averages. Eventually one has to turn out. But I do an awful lot of leaning against something. Both my long lenses are marked from being propped or leaned up against something. Thank you for the compliment.
@Onlymehdi: Thank you.
Linda from Riga/Sigulda, Latvia
That's a beautiful photo. Thank you for sharing your experience, that was very valuable to read. I still have such a large amount of things to learn:))
23 May 2009 5:46pm
@Linda: Thank you very much Linda. I still have very much to learn also. There is just so much to see and capture. And there are so many ways to capture it. I think that is what makes it appealing. The countless possibilities.
john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Exquisite photograph. Marvelous detail. Magnificent bird.
23 May 2009 8:08pm
@john4jack: Thank you Jack.
Tracy from La Selva Beach, United States
Gorgeous! We have many Great Blue Herons in our area too, they are magnificent! Mesmerizing to watch...
24 May 2009 1:17am
@Tracy: Thanks Tracy. I just think they are graceful in the air. Have you ever heard the air rush throught heir wings as they lift off. Thats powerful.
@Zing: Thank you.
Craig@Random Ramblings from Herts, United Kingdom
A beautiful shot and super sharp. Thanks for your insight into your photography, I too take many shots and use very little I just need to learn to get rid of those I don't use!! :)
24 May 2009 8:45am
@Craig@Random Ramblings: Thanks Craig. The beauty of digital is it doesn't cost for developing. I think it's great. I am not afraid to press the shutter release now.
jamesy from christchurch, New Zealand
brilliant shot A magnificent bird 5 stars from me
24 May 2009 8:47am
@jamesy: Thanks Debbie. I do appreciate your compliment.
@eva: Thank you Eva. Your words are to kind.
@Sarah: Many Thanks Sarah.
@Alun Lambert: Thank you Alun.
@Didier DE ZAN: I especially like this one.
@Magda: Thank you very much.
mats from Texas, United States
I am not lucky enough to see one up close and observe, so I'll just be contented to admire someone's images.
25 May 2009 6:37am
@mats: I know the feeling Mats. That's when I decided if they could take shots like that, so could I. Since then, well, you see what I mean. We can do anything we put our minds to. All we have to do is take the first step. Thank you for your support and compliments.
@frederique: Thank you very much. I especially like their song.
Mariana from waterloo, Canada
You are just a master of capturing birds ! Excellent !
25 May 2009 2:28pm
@Mariana: Thank you very much.
JanW from Rotterdam, Netherlands
A lesson in wildlife photography. Thanks Lee. I'm impressed.
About the photo: beautiful and a great DoF.
25 May 2009 10:10pm
@JanW: Thank you Jan for the compliment on both counts.
Vinman from Essex, United Kingdom
Thanks for the info Lee, it's gratifying to know you're only human too! Someone once told me "if you want people to think you're a good photographer, never let them see your bad shots" and anytime someone compliments me I think of that and smile to myself at the gigabytes of files that have passed through the old recyle bin.
This is a great shot, the background is almost like a watercolour.
26 May 2009 9:56pm
@Vinman: Thank you for the compliment. It is so true, don't let anyone know about the duds. I just couldn't help but let you all know, I'm no different.
Lesley from Lincoln, United States
These birds are so fascinating! I love the Great Blue with their long feathers. I watched a Grey Heron for over an hour while in the San Juans a couple of summers ago. I was thrilled to catch a couple of shots of it in action. Here's one of my favorites. Wish it were as sharp as yours. Another five stars.
28 May 2009 2:18am
Lesley from Lincoln, United States
BTW, I don't use a tripod either. And, I am constantly half pressing the shutter in preparation for a shot, too.
28 May 2009 2:20am
@Lesley: Thank you for the large compliment Lesley. There is nothing wrong with your shot. And I see we're a the same when it comes to habits. Take care.
Kerri from Blacksburg, United States
This is such a wonderful shot! And one of my FAVORITE birds!!
I see that many of us are alike in the "never use the tripod" issue.
Your site is always a joy to visit!!
31 May 2009 11:46am
@Kerri: Thank you ever so much for the huge compliment.
