Yellow-crowned Night Heron in low, silvery light, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaYellow-crowned Night Heron in low, silvery light – Nikon D200, handheld, f5.6, 1/320, ISO 500, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 240mm, natural light

Photographing in low light isn’t always easy but there are times that I truly enjoy the results of images taken in what might be considered less than optimal light.

In October of 2008 I went to Fort De Soto County Park and although the radar indicated that there were a few clouds what it didn’t show me was the sea fog that I was going to see before I even got to the park but at the toll booth I decided to head to the north beach any way. The fog was thick and it seemed to muffle the sounds of the waves and birds. I walked out onto the beach and felt like I had it all to myself and I may have for a while because of the fog.

The first bird I photographed that day was a Yellow-crowned Night Heron wandering in the sea fog near the dunes and shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.  This is my favorite photo of the night heron from that morning. I like it because of the silvery water, the pose of the bird and the moody feeling the image conveys to me.

Even though I grumble a bit when the light isn’t optimal images like this one of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron taken in low light remind me to do my best despite the conditions.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Yellow-crowned Night Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.