Top 10 Finalist in Canon's Photography in the Parks Contest!

Hi all,

You may remember this image from earlier this year of a White Morph Reddish Egret that I captured during one of those perfect moments when all the elements just kinda "lined up". Well, I'm happy to say that it is now a Top Ten finalist in Canon's annual "Photography in the Parks" contest . This is a big deal, as this is a National level competition. It still has a ways to go (the final portion of the contest is in progress now to determine the overall winners), but to make the Top Ten is huge, and guarantees me at least a $500.00 "point-and-shoot" camera. The top prizes are REALLY nice, and include a trip and really nice Canon gear.

This is the place where I cut my teeth as a photographer. I just wanted to share the image with you all once again.

I think the elements that make this image really work are in the details. The exposure was NOT easy. Any time you have a bright foreground and dark background, it creates a challenge. I obviously metered off the bird, watched the histogram, and pushed the exposure +1.3 stops. The raised foot, perfect reflection, and the tiny drop of water falling from his beak are the icing IMO. The POV was obtained by laying in some of the nastiest, smelly mud you've ever seen. There were other photographers in the area, but none wanted to get "down and dirty" that day. I was the only one willing to go there. This White Morph was the reward! No one else got him like I did!

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that is a beautiful shot. great work.

Stunning!

Amazing shot and deserved finalist!! Fingers crossed for ya mate

i missed this great pic, you desereve it well done

whow that is beautiful.

fantastic photo. congrats.

is that a little blue heron?

I get a very peaceful/serene feeling from it.

That is beautiful. Is that steam in the background to? or light reflecting off the water?

davebreal wrote in post #6587323
fantastic photo. congrats.

is that a little blue heron?

Dave - This is actually a Reddish Egret. This is a rare "White Morph" Reddish Egret, which also happens to be in breeding plumage (note the pink beak and eyeshadow). These are very uncommon birds.

HSK wrote in post #6587347
I get a very peaceful/serene feeling from it.

HSK - I'm glad you noticed, as that was the exact attempt! Here is a quote from the guy in charge of organizing the contest: "A picture captures a moment in time, but the right picture triggers an emotional reaction within people. Through our Photography in the Parks Photo Contest, we want people to seek out those inspirational images and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while doing it," - Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A.

you deserve a prize for that shot.
Lawrence

lance v wrote in post #6587425
That is beautiful. Is that steam in the background to? or light reflecting off the water?

It is a light fog rising off the water.

Easy to see why you were selected. A most unusual bird and the skill to nail it as you did, a rare combination.

This is a real winner...Good luck, I know you will come out on top! Beautiful image!

I am speechless - it is utterly amazing.