Florida Wildlife Studio :: August 11th

August 11th - 2009

Early this morning I came upon a Great Blue Heron just begging to be photographed. It's not the first time I have shot one of these birds but I am always looking for new and interesting ways to shoot them. Bird photography is not always easy, but it is rewarding and enjoyable. The rewards increase when I come up with an image that has never before been produced.

At the heart of my work is a deepening concern for Florida's wildlife and open spaces. Over four generations of my family lived here so a land I know well. My love of nature is rooted deep in my childhood memories. I spent the better part of my young years wandering and playing in the woods behind my home. During this time I developed my passion to photograph wildlife and nature. It saddens me to think of how fast scenes such as the images in this article disappear as numerous subdivisions and industrial parks sprawl over our landscape.

As you set up your shot, always look for distracting details that can be avoided by moving your position or changing the angle, but only if you have a bit of spare time. As bird photographers know, there's a fine line between grabbing the shot at whatever cost and waiting to setup for the perfect scenario.

Of course it's helpful when your subject allows you to spend a few minutes finding the right shot such as mine did here. He allowed me to get within inches of him. When he spotted my camera he immediately began putting on a show like no other. First stretching out one foot, then the other, while at the same time flexing his wing span. Making sure I captured every angle from head to toe. This event lasted for several minutes until he thought I had captured his best side enough and flew off, only in hope I would shoot his backside.

There is no doubt that being in the right place at the right time is the key to creating spectacular nature photography.

c2009 Deborah Kunzie - All Photographs are the Property of Deborah Kunzie. Any unauthorized use of these images is strictly prohibited.

August 11th - 2009

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