Canada Goose flying past the snow-covered Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When photographing birds what is in the background can make or break an image. If the background is distracting it draws the viewer’s eye away from the main subject but if it is pleasing it can highlight the subject.
Yesterday afternoon I was able to get away from my desk for a few minutes and went down to my local pond, there were some clouds over the mountains and some clouds to the west that threatened to block out the light but while I was there the light was good and there were few flocks of Canada Geese both on the water and on the shore next to the pond. By watching the behavior of the geese I could tell when groups of them were ready to take flight because they extend their necks, call and move their heads back and forth before taking to the air. When I see that behavior I know to watch them for possible flight images so when a small group of them took off I was ready.
The light was best when the geese flew in front of the snow-covered Wasatch Mountains which is when I photographed this flying Canada Goose with its wings above its body. At first glance the snow and shadows on the mountains might look like clouds in the sky but the sky is actually only visible at the top portion of this frame. The goose is a little centered for my tastes but there was another goose in front of this one that although it was in focus part of its body was out of the frame so I cropped this image to remove it.
Sunlight on a snow covered Wasatch Mountain peak – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
So what was behind the Canada Goose? Mountain views like this one. This isn’t the exact peak the goose flew in front of but I felt like including it just to give an idea of what the goose above flew past while I photographed it.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Goose photos plus facts and information about this species.
By the way, we typically have much more snow on the mountains by this time of the year, there are spots that are bare in this image that normally wouldn’t be. I hope we get some real winter snow soon.
The Canada Goose in flight is wonderful. Thanks!
What glorious sights.
Your capture of the goose in full flight is really wonderful and the Wasatch Mtns shot is breathtaking. Thanks Mia.
No, I do not see any blown-out spots behind the goose and there is just a subtle twist to the head to get a good eye glint plus great detail in the wings and body. Great capture and love the detail in the mountain. Happy holidays, Mia.
I think both pictures are just lovely. Thanks and hope you are having a nice Christmas Season.
Marvelous
What gorgeous scenery.
That is a magnificent view of the mountain, with the shadows of the trees and the dappled sunlight to emphasize its contours!