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More than the subject....
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Quite often, we share photos that portray wildlife close up. Where they are the focal point of the image and everything else around them is secondary. In this issue, however, we will look at images where the environment plays a major part of the overall impact of the photo.
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The Kingfisher
Photography by: Benjamin DeHaven
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While the female Belted Kingfisher is most definitely front and center in this image, I believe it is the fall foliage in the background that really makes the image. The pop of background color really contrasts with the steel blue and white of the kingfisher adding even more interest to the photo. If you want a really solid bird image you must always be aware of your background. The background can really add to - or detract from - an otherwise great shot of a bird. Sometimes if you adjust your viewpoint left or right, or up or down just a bit, it will totally change the background of your photo. Sometimes the bird will sit still allowing you time to compose and be creative with the shot. Other times it moves on. But then, if a bird ever actually posed for you..... it wouldn't be as much fun, now would it?
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In Fields of Gold
Photography by: Debbie Jordan
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The Savannah Sparrow in the photo above was perched in some barren trees in the morning sunlight looking off into the distance as if admiring the view. The way the light played off the distant foliage created such a lovely hue in the background that I wanted to be sure it remained a major part of the image. So I intentionally shifted my framing so that the sparrow was off-centered. The tangle of tree branches and golden BOKEH were then the main part of the photo, setting the stage for this small sparrow. Using the surroundings in this way allows the viewer to be visually transported to that particular habitat, and gives them a better understanding of how the subject fits into and interacts with their environment.
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Camouflage
Photography by: Debbie Jordan
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American Bitters are very elusive marsh dwellers. Their feather patterns, amazingly similar to their natural habitat, make them very difficult to spot. Although I was listening to it call from the marsh for quite some time, I was unable to spot the Bittern until it left the safety of the grasses to curiously peek out at me. Had it not done this, I might still be there looking!
Although I mostly strive to capture photos of wildlife where there is a clear, unobstructed view of the subject, the two photos above were taken intentionally to highlight the bird in its natural habitat. By doing this, I feel the photos give the viewer a better sense of the entire scene, not just a photo that says "here is a bird".
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Loch Raven Heron
Photography by: Benjamin DeHaven
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In Loch Raven Heron above, the heron takes up only a small portion of the frame. However, I like it because it really shows the size difference between the old lichen-covered tree and the heron. In addition, the mist in the air adds a sense of mystery to the image. I took this image years ago while hiking around the Loch Raven Reservoir, and it remains one of my favorite bird shots to this day because it has so much personality and balance to it.
Portrait and close-up shots are great, but it is hard to add your own personal flair to them. By intentionally combining landscapes with wildlife - like this image does - you are able to really make a scene your own, and create a photo that is special and different.
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Important notice: Beginning January 2020, DAJ Designs Photography will no longer produce a monthly newsletter. Going forward, we will continue to keep you updated on our show schedule and gallery showings, as well as share recent photos and behind the scenes stories and information through a new quarterly newsletter. We may on occasion also send an announcement for special events.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this change. We hope you will continue to enjoy our DAJ Designs Photography newsletter, and want to thank you for your loyalty.
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