Solitary Willet in soft morning light – Nikon D70, handheld, f5.6, 1/250, ISO 200, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light
This Willet image was taken on August 12, 2007 which is now over seven years ago and I can easily recall how thrilled I was to photograph this shorebird. Shorebirds were the spark that ignited my passion for bird photography that continues to consume me today. I loved the light, the luminescent blue of the Gulf of Mexico, the glow of the sun on the sand and the very relaxed pose of the Willet. I loved that the bird was comfortable with my presence.
This was taken on my first DSLR; the Nikon D70, and an inexpensive lens; the Nikkor 70-300mm VR,  and I still have both of those in my camera bag. I should note that this image is publication quality even though I used inexpensive gear.
I often get emails where the person writing wishes that they had the gear I have today but in all honesty quality images can be achieved with older cameras and lenses that you won’t have to save for years to purchase. It is about knowing how to use your gear and practicing often.
I was delighted with this image in 2007 and I am still delighted with it today.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Willet photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you for your pictures, your passion for our natural world, and thoughts/wisdom on photographing.
Perfect shot, beautifully posed bird 🙂
Mia, beautiful and perfect photo. What you write gives hope to people like me who cannot (for the time being!) justify the additional cost of getting better equipment. In fact, the 70-300 VR is the lens I got last year for my D5200 and it works very well (but I sometimes feel I have to get too close to the birds). Previously, I had the D50 and the non VR 70-300 — we gave these to our son last year and he now uses this equipment to take some great bird photos. -Pierre
uh shot !
Excellent sense of calm in this shot. Perfect Lighting too
So soft,
The lighting in this shot could not be more perfect!