Croc, Eagles and Heron

[WJT]

I went for a boat cruise on a local billabong yesterday and had a bit of luck with the wildlife. Using the aperture override function it was easier to concentrate on the composition rather than having to change settings all the time. The birds are White Bellied Sea Eagle and Rufous Night Heron and the croc is an Estaurine Croc or Salt Water Croc. C&C welcome.

1.


2.


3.


4.

[bnnrcn]

Nice images , I especially like #2 with details and nice light. There are some sharpening halos at some parts of the image but they can be fixed with PP easily

[IzzieK]

Like all of them but the last one...I think it is because there is no real separation of the bird to the background...the croc looks good with the light shining on it on one side. I like #3 the best...

[deetheturk]

Nice set Wayne

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[NorthernFocus]

The croc is downright sinister looking. The side lighting works well to make it look even more so. Though a truly dedicated tog would have gotten in the water to shoot it from eye level

In no.2 the exposure is well handled and I love the wing position on the bird. Whereas no.3 is a bit hot on the whites and the bird is disappearing into the BG a bit.

In no.4 the bird just isn't visible enough. It could have worked even with all of the tangled branches etc. but there simply isn't enough contrast between bird and BG to make it visible. Though it is a good example of the bird blending into the surroundings.

[Texas Dave]

I like the croc photo the most. I haven't seen to many people getting a "golden hour" frame on such a creature as you have. I realize getting set up on a croc is probably more of an opportunistic event than a planned set but I really like how the light is demonstrating his ...stuff! Bumps, scales, reflections. That's a really cool image. I hope you get more but stay safe!

[JohnRostron]

In no.4 the bird just isn't visible enough. It could have worked even with all of the tangled branches etc. but there simply isn't enough contrast between bird and BG to make it visible. Though it is a good example of the bird blending into the surroundings.

Although I agree with this, I do think that what does make it a keeper is just that: it is a great example of camouflage.

John

[IzzieK]

The croc is downright sinister looking. The side lighting works well to make it look even more so. Though a truly dedicated tog would have gotten in the water to shoot it from eye level

Yeah....right! I bet you did that when you visited Steve Irwin's crocodile farm when you were there last, eh?

[WJT]

Thanks for all your feedback. I will try and stay safe at the same time as swimming up at eye level. Not sure who to listen to :-). The Herron is a;ways in the trees so that is how it will always be photographed in its natural environment. The croc is old and has urned black after years in the stagnant billabong water which makes him sinister looking. I was hoping to capture that menacing look. I think I will go back again for another trip soon.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Wayne,

What I like that in #1, is that we can see which of his legs have most recently been moving (under the surface) from the ripples and since there is little forward movement wake, I guess he's swimming quite slowly.

Cheers, Dave

[Rebel]

I love that croc! I'd be tempted to try it B&W?

[John 2]

Nice set of images Wayne. Those Crocs are the stuff of nightmares for me.

[WJT]

Hi Wayne,

What I like that in #1, is that we can see which of his legs have most recently been moving (under the surface) from the ripples and since there is little forward movement wake, I guess he's swimming quite slowly.

Cheers, Dave

You have a good eye Dave, he is moving slowly but with real man ace. What an intimidating stare he had.

[WJT]

I love that croc! I'd be tempted to try it B&W?

I actually did Matt and it looks good but the yellow eyes don't stand out.